Beverly, Washington AVA

Beverly, Washington AVA sits in Grant County along the Columbia River in central Washington, entirely within the larger Columbia Valley AVA. It is positioned between Royal Slope AVA to the north and Wahluke Slope AVA to the south. The appellation takes its name from the unincorporated town of Beverly, which was established during early 1900s railroad expansion. The Beverly Railroad Bridge, built in 1909, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The area holds historical significance as the traditional territory of the Wanapum tribe, known as the 'River People.' When the AVA was first proposed in 2022 under the name 'Wanapum Village AVA,' the Wanapum tribe expressed concerns about use of their name, leading petitioners to rename the application 'Beverly, Washington' in 2023.

• Located in Grant County along the Columbia River in central Washington
• Named after an unincorporated town established during early 1900s railroad expansion
• Traditional homeland of the Wanapum ('River People') tribe
• Originally proposed as Wanapum Village AVA in 2022; renamed Beverly, Washington in 2023

Beverly's climate is hot and semi-arid, with approximately 3,500 Growing Degree Days and only 5 inches of annual precipitation. These conditions place it firmly in desert wine country, requiring irrigation for viticulture. The appellation's position two miles north of Sentinel Gap, a 1.5-mile break in the Saddle Mountains, creates a defining wind dynamic. Wind accelerates through this gap and then slows as it reaches the Beverly AVA, producing average wind speeds of 7.1 to 7.8 mph with maximum gusts reaching 28.2 mph. This persistent wind reduces mildew pressure and promotes smaller berries with thicker skins, concentrating flavor and tannin in the finished wines.

• Approximately 3,500 Growing Degree Days; classifies as hot, semi-arid desert
• Only 5 inches of annual precipitation; irrigation is essential
• Wind from Sentinel Gap averages 7.1 to 7.8 mph, with gusts to 28.2 mph
• Wind reduces disease pressure and produces smaller, thicker-skinned berries

Beverly's soils are one of its most distinctive features. They formed from Ice Age Missoula Flood deposits at the confluence of two major flood channels, resulting in coarse-grained sand and stony loamy sand. The dominant soil series are Burbank and Winchester, with Schwana and Quincy also present. These soils drain excessively to somewhat excessively well, stressing vines appropriately and limiting vigor. Beverly Bar, a geological formation comprising 36% of the appellation, is central to the AVA's soil character. Elevations range from 515 to 950 feet (157 to 290 meters), with an average of approximately 600 feet (180 meters).

• Missoula Flood deposits of sand and stony loamy sand; excessively well-drained
• Dominant soil series: Burbank and Winchester; also Schwana and Quincy
• Beverly Bar geological formation covers 36% of the appellation
• Elevation ranges from 515 to 950 feet, averaging around 600 feet

Beverly is planted almost entirely to red varieties, suited to the significant heat accumulation required for full ripeness. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache are all grown here. The combination of extreme heat, wind-driven berry concentration, and free-draining soils produces robust, full-bodied red wines with intensely complex character. Expect dark ripe fruit, black cherry, and pipe tobacco notes. These are wines built to age. Four Feathers Wine Services is the notable producer operating within the appellation. Wineries became eligible to submit COLA label requests beginning November 29, 2024.

• Almost entirely red varieties; warm-climate cultivars requiring significant heat to ripen
• Varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache
• Wines are robust, full-bodied, and age-worthy with dark fruit and pipe tobacco character
• Four Feathers Wine Services is the appellation's notable producer

Beverly, Washington AVA was officially established on October 29, 2024, making it Washington State's 21st AVA and the nation's 276th AVA overall. It is one of the smallest appellations in Washington State, with just 2,415 total acres and only 400 acres under vine. It ranks as Washington's seventh new AVA approved since 2020, reflecting ongoing delineation of distinct viticultural zones within the state's rapidly evolving wine landscape. The appellation sits wholly within the Columbia Valley AVA.

• Established October 29, 2024; Washington's 21st AVA and the nation's 276th
• One of Washington's smallest AVAs: 2,415 total acres, only 400 under vine
• Washington's seventh new AVA approved since 2020
• Wholly contained within the Columbia Valley AVA