Dramatic Columbia River Gorge at the Oregon-Washington border; a unique geographic funnel where maritime Pacific air meets continental Columbia Basin climate. Straddling two states; diverse soils (basalt, loess, sandy) and microclimates from cool Hood River to warm Dalles. Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztraminer on Oregon side; more robust reds on Washington side. Among the USA's most geographically dramatic and climatically diverse AVAs.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | — | Good Columbia Gorge growing season; maritime Pacific influence created excellent conditions for aromatic varieties |
| 2021 | — | Standout vintage; Riesling and Gewurztraminer from Hood River showing exceptional aromatic precision and natural acidity |
| 2020 | — | Good conditions; Columbia Gorge's climate diversity well-expressed; cool-climate whites particularly successful |
| 2019 | — | Outstanding Gorge vintage; Marchesi Riesling praised for its Alsatian-level complexity and Columbia River mineral character |
| 2018 | — | Variable Pacific weather; Hood River sites fared better than Dalles; aromatic whites maintained freshness |
| 2017 | — | Good vintage; maritime influence on Riesling and Gewurztraminer produced characteristic aromatic complexity and acidity |
| 2016 | — | Superb Columbia Gorge vintage; cool-climate aromatic varieties at their finest; benchmark for the emerging AVA |