Pacific Northwest and New York

Question 1

The majority of Washington’s vineyards are planted in which AVA?

Answer 1

Columbia Valley AVA

Question 2

Willamette Valley AVA is to the east or west of the Cascades?

Answer 2

West

Question 3

The Columbia Valley AVA lies to the east (in the rain shadow) of which mountain range?

Answer 3

Cascade Mountains

Question 4

Because the Columbia Valley is in a rain shadow, the area is arid.

What sort of vineyard management is necessary to keep vines alive?

Answer 4

Irrigation

Water comes from the Columbia River

Question 5

What is the greatest threat grape growers face in the Columbia Valley?

Answer 5

Deep winter freezes, a major concern for grapegrowers, can slash crop sizes in half.

In some years, certain parts of Washington can lose up to 80% of their crop.

Question 6

What are the most important red/black grapes of Washington?

Answer 6

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Syrah

Question 7

What are the most planted white grapes in Washington?

Answer 7

• Chardonnay
• Riesling

Question 8

What are the most important nested AVAs within the Columbia Valley?

Answer 8

1. Yakima Valley AVA
2. Walla Walla AVA

Question 9

What Oregon AVA has the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards?

Answer 9

Willamette Valley AVA

Question 10

What is the climate of the Willamette Valley?

Answer 10

Moderate Maritime

Temperatures are kept constant by cool afternoon winds from the Pacific Ocean that enter the southern part of the valley through a break in the Coastal Mountain range.

Question 11

What is the most planted red/black grape in Oregon?

Answer 11

Pinot Noir

Question 12

What white grape is widely planted in Oregon?

Answer 12

Pinot Gris

Question 13

What major Oregon AVA is located south of the Willamette Valley?

Answer 13

Southern Oregon AVA

Question 14

Which winemaking region in Oregon has the warmest growing conditions?

Answer 14

Southern Oregon AVA

Question 15

Name two nested AVAs within the Southern Oregon AVA.

Answer 15

1. Umpqua Valley
2. Rogue Valley

Question 16

How do the vine species of New York vineyards compare to those on the west coast of the United States?

Answer 16

American and hybrid species prevail in upstate New York while the west coast of America primarily grows Vitis vinifera.

Question 17

American and hybrid grape varieties from New York are mainly used to produce what?

Answer 17

Juices, jellies, and table grapes

Some of these grapes are used to produce wine thanks to their winter hardiness, but their flavors are not typically deemed desirable in wines.

Question 18

What are the most widely planted Vitis vinifera grape varieties in New York State?

Answer 18

White:

• Riesling
• Chardonnay

Red:

• Pinot Noir
• Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 19

What is the most important AVA in New York?

Answer 19

Finger Lakes AVA

Question 20

How is the Finger Lakes AVA successful at growing v. vinifera when the area is known to have such cold weather?

Answer 20

Glacial lakes store summertime heat that they release well into November, extending the growing season.