What is Loess?
Loess (pronounced "luss") is fine, wind-blown silt that accumulated over thousands of years. In Walla Walla, loess deposits can be over 100 feet deep in some areas.
Origins
During and after the Ice Ages, strong winds picked up fine sediments from glacial outwash plains and flood deposits, carrying them across the landscape. This silt settled in thick deposits, particularly on south-facing slopes.
Perfect for Viticulture
Loess soils have remarkable properties for growing wine grapes:
- **Excellent water retention** during dry summers
- **Good drainage** preventing waterlogging
- **Natural fertility** with balanced minerals
- **Easy root penetration** allowing deep vine establishment
The Walla Walla Advantage
The combination of loess over flood sediments over basalt creates a layered soil profile unique to this region. As vine roots penetrate through these layers, they access different nutrients and water sources, contributing to the complexity of the wines.