Ste. Michelle wineries benefit from valley climate

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates was first recognized for its pioneering work in developing Washington state's Columbia Valley into a world-class viticultural region. Today, its broad portfolio of super-premium wines has catapulted the company into one of the top 10 premium wine companies in America.

In addition to its domestic success, Ste Michelle wines are exported to more then 45 countries, including Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and international cruise lines and airlines.

With a history dating back to the repeal of Prohibition, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates was formally established in 1986 to accommodate a growing winery and vineyard portfolio. Since that time, the company's holdings have grown to include several of Washington's most acclaimed wineries and more than 3,500 vineyard acres in the Columbia Valley.

This is prime real estate for world-class chardonnay, merlot and cabernet sauvignon, and much of the company's best fruit comes from vines that have seen as many as 30 vintages.

The Columbia Valley owes its success to Washington state's unique geography. While Seattle is known for its rain, the Columbia Valley is protected from Seattle's marine weather by the Cascade Mountains. This majestic mountain range divides the state in half resulting in geography and weather patterns in the two regions that are as different as night and day.

Rain averages only 6-8 inches annually in the Columbia Valley, and when the rain does fall, it's usually in the winter. This means the Columbia Valley is less likely than many other growing regions to experience spring rain that could damage delicate buds.

It also means vineyard managers have more control over vine vigor in the summer. Exposed to restricted irrigation early in the season, vines put more energy into their grapes, translating into more flavor come harvest.

Summer daylight hours are long, thanks to the Columbia Valley's northerly latitude. Daytime temperatures hover in the 80s, perfect for even ripening. Summer evenings are cool, allowing the grapes to retain their natural acidity.

Although it is the macro-environment that distinguishes the appellation, one of the most notable aspects of the Columbia Valley is the diversity of its individual micro-climates. The wines of Columbia Crest's Estate Vineyards or Chateau Ste. Michelle's Cold Creek or Canoe Ridge Estate single vineyards present the best examples of the distinct differences created by terroir in the New World.