Proposed new appellations show wine industry growth

Since Washington state already has nine American Viticulture Areas, or appellations, and eight of them are in Eastern Washington, little wonder that a couple more areas want the special distinction that in wine commerce is seen as an important opportunity to boost sales.

A group of Naches Heights area wineries and vineyard owners are petitioning for the special designation, along with another group in the Chelan area. It would appear both have strong arguments for getting the designation.

For those who don't already know, Yakima Valley was the first appellation granted federal recognition in 1983. The others are Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Puget Sound, Red Mountain, Columbia Gorge, Horse Heaven Hills, Wahluke Slope and Rattlesnake Hills.

A spokesman for the Washington Wine Commission said an AVA identifies a given area and in so doing separates colleagues and competitors on the shelf. Such a label distinction is meant to recall a region's special growing conditions, including weather and soil, that can influence the fruit and characteristics of wine.

What we like about this latest effort is that it continues to draw attention to the growing Washington state wine industry, of which Eastern Washington is a key producer and marketer. As it continues to grow, it also has been an invaluable contributor to the expanding tourism industry in Central Washington.

You don't have to be a wine consumer to appreciate that double boost to the local economy.