Lewis-Clark Valley AVA

🔍 Quick Summary

Lewis-Clark Valley AVA, established in 2016, is a cross-border wine region spanning northern Idaho and southeastern Washington, known for its steep canyons, diverse microclimates, and a rich history as the birthplace of Northwest viticulture.

🔊 Pronunciation: loo-is klark val-lee

📜 History

Viticulture in the Lewis-Clark Valley dates back to 1872, making it the oldest wine-producing area in the Pacific Northwest.

  • Early Plantings: By 1908, 40 grape varieties were cultivated, including Petit Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.

  • Prohibition Impact: In 1910, Lewiston, Idaho, enacted a ban on alcoholic beverages, leading to the decline of the local wine industry.

  • Modern Revival: Winemaking resurged in the late 1990s, culminating in the AVA designation in 2016.

🧠 What to Know

Beverly stands out for its intense growing conditions and red wine focus.

  1. Extreme Heat – Among Washington’s warmest AVAs, with ~3,500 GDDs and just 5 inches of annual rainfall.

  2. Persistent Wind – Accelerated by nearby Sentinel Gap, wind reduces canopy size and thickens grape skins.

  3. Coarse, Well-Drained Soils – Formed by Ice Age floods, dominated by Burbank and Winchester series.

  4. Red Varietal Dominance – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc thrive here.

  5. Small but Mighty – At 2,415 acres, it’s one of Washington’s smallest AVAs, with 400 acres under vine.

📍 Where It’s Found

🇺🇸 Beverly, Washington AVA – Nestled between Royal Slope (north) and Wahluke Slope (south), entirely within the Columbia Valley AVA.

⬆️ Elevation: 515–900 ft / 157–274 m

🌞 Hot Semi-Arid Climate (75–95°F / 24–35°C) – Intense sun and wind stress vines, enhancing concentration and tannin.

🌡️ Historical Temperature Summary: 72–92°F (22–33°C) avg daytime highs during growing season. Based on 20-year average (2001–2020).

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

🏛 Notable Producers

  • Four Feathers Wine Services – Manages three vineyards; known for structured reds.

  • Zirkle Fruit Company – Major vineyard owner; co-petitioner for AVA status.

  • Domaine Helena – Focuses on Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc.

  • Columbia Crest – Sources fruit for bold, age-worthy reds.

  • Chateau Ste. Michelle – Utilizes Beverly fruit in premium blends.

🍷 Wines to Try

These wines define the region’s style and legacy:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon – Dense, dark, and structured with firm tannins.

  • Merlot – Plush, ripe plum with savory depth.

  • Malbec – Inky, floral, and spice-laden with vibrant acidity.

  • Cabernet Franc – Herbal, graphite-driven with fine tannins.

  • Petite Sirah – Deep color, robust tannins, and concentrated fruit.

🗺️ To Further Explore

These zones reveal the region’s range and character:

  • Beverly Bar – Gravel-rich soils yield structured, mineral-driven reds.

  • Sentinel Gap Corridor – Wind-exposed vineyards produce small berries with thick skins.

  • Frenchman Hills Foothills – Slightly cooler sites offer elegance and freshness.

👅 Flavor & Style

Beverly reds are bold, structured, and built to age.

  • Color: Deep ruby to inky purple.

  • Aromas & Flavors:

    • Primary: Black cherry, plum, blackberry.

    • Secondary: Vanilla, cedar, baking spices.

    • Tertiary: Leather, tobacco, earthy notes with age.

  • Structure:

    • Body: Full.

    • Tannin: High.

    • Acidity: Medium to high.

    • Alcohol: 14–15.5%.

🛠 Winemaking Notes

Producers focus on bold reds with structure and ageability.

  • Fermentation: Controlled temperatures to preserve fruit intensity.

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

  • Blending: Cabernet Sauvignon often forms the backbone.

  • Irrigation: Precise control due to well-drained soils.

🍽 Food Pairing Ideas

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

  • Savory: Grilled ribeye, lamb shank, mushroom risotto.

  • Cheese: Aged cheddar, Gouda, blue cheese.

  • Unexpected: Smoked brisket, mole poblano, dark chocolate.

📑 Regional Wine Laws

AVA Designation: Established in 2024; requires 85% of grapes from within AVA for labeling.

  1. Labeling: Wines labeled "Beverly, Washington AVA" must meet TTB standards.

  2. No Sub-AVAs: Currently, there are no sub-appellations within Beverly AVA

🔗 Related Topics to Explore

🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon – King of reds in Beverly.

🌬 Sentinel Gap – Wind funnel shaping vineyard conditions.

🧱 Missoula Floods – Geological event forming unique soils.

🛢 Oak Aging – Technique enhancing complexity and structure.

🤓 Deep Dive Topics