The Yakima Valley AVA, comprised of more than one-third of the state’s vineyards, was the first American Viticultural Area to be established in the state of Washington. The Yakima Valley was granted AVA status 1983 and it was in that same year that Chinook began making wines from Yakima Valley fruit. Long summer days and cool nights, paired with minimal rainfall and a generous number of “Growing Degree Days” allows for the ultimate expression of the fruit.