The Yakima Valley AVA was the first American Viticultural Area established within Washington State, gaining the recognition in 1983. Part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA, Yakima Valley AVA is home to more than 11,000 acres (44 km²) of vineyards, giving the area the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in the state of Washington. The most widely planted varietals in the area are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Riesling. T. Parker Discovering Washington Wines pg 36 Raconteurs Press 2002 ISBN 0971925852 Nearly 40% of Washington state yearly wine production is made from Yakima Valley grapes. C. Fallis, editor The Encyclopedic Atlas of Wine pg 51 Global Book Publishing 2006 ISBN 1740480503 In addition to grapes, the Yakima Valley is also home to several fruit orchards growing apples, cherries, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums. Around the town of Zillah there i