As the latest in a string of milestones for the state’s wine industry, Washington has just licensed its 600th winery. Washington’s first wine grapes were planted at Fort Vancouver by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1825. By 1910, wine grapes were growing in many areas of the state, following the path of early settlers. French, German and Italian immigrants pioneered the earliest plantings. Wine historians Ron Irvine and Dr. Walter Clore document in their book The Wine Project a continuous and connected effort to cultivate wine grapes beginning with those early plantings at Fort Vancouver. Hybrid varieties arrived in nurseries in the Puget Sound region as early as 1854, and by 1860 wine grapes were planted in the Walla Walla Valley. Large-scale irrigation, fueled by runoff from the melting snowcaps of the Cascade Mountains, began in eastern Washington in 1903, unlocking the dormant potential of the rich volcanic soils and sunny, arid climate. Italian and German varietals were planted in the Yakima and Columbia Valleys and wine grape acreage expanded rapidly in the early part of the 20th century. The leading varieties being produced today include Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Washington’s 2008 wine grape production totaled 145,000 tons, a record high level, and is up 14 percent from 2007 and 21 percent above 2006. Of the top four varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon showed the largest increase and was up 20 percent from last year. White Riesling overtook Chardonnay as the top variety this year, increasing to 28,500 tons compared to Chardonnay’s 28,000 tons. Washington has just been awarded its 11th officially designated American Viticultural Area (AVA) – and its 2nd this year – with the addition of the Lake Chelan AVA. With 15 wineries and established vineyards, the Lake Chelan area is distinctive due to higher elevations and more temperate climates than its southern neighbors. The 24,040-acre AVA shares a northern border with, and falls entirely within, the Columbia Valley AVA. With a new winery currently under construction in the Leavenworth area and several tasting rooms already in town including the local favorite Icicle Ridge Winery the Bavarian Village is also poised to become a major player in the northwest. The trend for quality wine production started by a few home winemakers and visionary farmers has become a respected and influential $3 billion plus industry. Washington wine is available in 50 states and more than 40 countries globally. Washington ranks second nationally for premium wine production and more than 31,000 acres (12,545 hectares) are planted to vinifera grapes.