Wineries Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Yakima Valley AVA

This is a big year for Yakima Valley wineries. It is the 30th anniversary of the Yakima Valley American Viticulture Area, or AVA, designation by the Federal government. Barb Glover with Wine Yakima Valley says the Yakima AVA was the first AVA in the Pacific Northwest. Glover says when the wine growing region was designated in 1983 only four wineries were open. Thirty years later 88 wineries now call Yakima Valley home.

Glover also says the first big event for area wineries happens next month. The Red Wine and Chocolate event will be on Feb. 16th and 17th. It is the weekend when wineries pair wines with chocolate.