Beverly, Washington AVA

🔍 Quick Summary

Beverly, Washington AVA is a compact, high-heat, wind-swept region in central Washington, producing robust red wines with exceptional structure and aging potential.

🔊 Pronunciation: bev-er-lee

📜 History

Established in October 2024, Beverly AVA is Washington’s 21st official wine region.

  • Origins: Named after the unincorporated town of Beverly, founded in the early 1900s during railroad expansion.

  • Initial Proposal: Originally proposed as "Wanapum Village AVA," the name was changed to respect the Wanapum tribe's wishes.

  • Geological Significance: Defined by unique geology, intense heat, and persistent winds, distinguishing it from neighboring AVAs.

  • Petitioners: Geologist Kevin Pogue and vineyard operators Tom Merkle and Craig Young led the AVA petition.

🧠 What to Know

Beverly AVA's distinct terroir is shaped by its climate, topography, and soil composition.

  1. Extreme Heat: Among Washington's warmest regions, accumulating approximately 3,500 Growing Degree Days during the growing season.

  2. Persistent Winds: Proximity to Sentinel Gap funnels strong winds through the area, leading to smaller canopies and thicker grape skins.

  3. Coarse, Well-Drained Soils: Soils composed of sand and gravel from ancient Missoula Floods allow for excellent drainage and vine stress management.

  4. Limited Precipitation: Receives only about 5 inches of rainfall annually, necessitating controlled irrigation practices.

  5. Red Varietal Focus: The climate and soils are particularly suited for red grape varieties, with vineyards predominantly planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc.

📍 Where It’s Found

🇺🇸 Beverly, Washington AVA – A 2,415-acre area in central Washington, nestled between the Royal Slope to the north and Wahluke Slope to the south, entirely within the Columbia Valley AVA.

⬆️ Elevation: 515–900 ft / 157–274

🌞 Climate: Hot Semi-Arid (75–95°F / 24–35°C) – Characterized by intense heat and strong winds, contributing to concentrated flavors and thick grape skins.

🌡️ Historical Temperature Summary: Average daytime highs during the growing season range from 72–92°F (22–33°C), based on a 20-year average (2001–2020).

🔺 Warming Trend: Temperatures have risen approximately 3°F (1.2°C) since the 1980s, leading to riper fruit and earlier harvests.

🏛 Notable Producers

  • Four Feathers Wine Services – Manages three vineyards within Beverly AVA, specializing in robust red wines.

  • Zirkle Fruit Company – Co-petitioner for the AVA designation, with vineyards contributing to the region's development.

  • Craig Young Vineyards – One of the two original vineyards in the AVA, focusing on red varietals.

🍷 Wines to Try

These wines define Beverly AVA’s style and legacy:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon – Full-bodied with dark fruit and firm tannins.

  • Merlot – Plush texture with notes of plum and chocolate.

  • Malbec – Rich and spicy with blackberry and violet aromas.

  • Cabernet Franc – Elegant structure with red berry and herbal nuances.

🗺️ To Further Explore

These zones reveal the region’s range and character:

  • Royal Slope – To the north, offering higher elevation and cooler temperatures.

  • Wahluke Slope – To the south, known for its expansive vineyards and sandy soils.

  • Sentinel Gap – A geographical feature influencing Beverly's wind patterns and microclimate.

👅 Flavor & Style

Beverly AVA wines are characterized by their intensity, structure, and aging potential.

  • Color: Deep ruby to garnet hues.

  • Aromas & Flavors:

    • Primary: Blackberry, plum, and cherry.

    • Secondary: Spice, tobacco, and mocha from oak aging.

    • Tertiary: Leather, earth, and dried fruit with age.

  • Structure:

    • Body: Full-bodied.

    • Tannin: High, providing firm structure.

    • Acidity: Moderate, balancing richness.

    • Alcohol: Typically 14–15%.

🛠 Winemaking Notes

Winemakers in Beverly AVA focus on techniques that enhance the region's natural strengths.

  • Fermentation: Controlled temperatures to preserve fruit intensity.

  • Aging: Extended oak aging (12–24 months) to develop complexity.

  • Blending: Combining varietals to balance structure and flavor.

  • Irrigation: Precision irrigation to manage vine stress due to low rainfall.

🍽 Food Pairing Ideas

Pairs well with rich dishes that match its tannin and weight.

  • Savory: Grilled ribeye, lamb stew, or mushroom risotto.

  • Cheese: Aged cheddar, gouda, or blue cheese.

  • Unexpected: Dark chocolate desserts, spicy barbecue, or roasted eggplant.

📑 Regional Wine Laws

AVA Designation: Established by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in October 2024.

Labeling: Wines labeled with "Beverly, Washington AVA" must have at least 85% of grapes sourced from the AVA.

🔗 Related Topics to Explore

🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon – King of red grapes, thrives in Beverly's climate.

🌬️ Sentinel Gap – Natural wind funnel influencing vineyard conditions.

🛢️ Oak Aging – Technique enhancing complexity in red wines.

🌡️ Growing Degree Days (GDD) – Measure of heat accumulation affecting grape ripening.

🏞️ Missoula Floods – Ancient floods shaping Beverly's unique soils.

🤓 Deep Dive Topics