Washington’s easternmost growing region — most of which actually resides in Idaho — sits along the Snake and Clearwater rivers in the state’s southeastern region. The first vines in the Lewis-Clark Valley were planted in 1872. Nearly 150 years later, the AVA is home to 16 vineyards and seven wineries.
The Lewis-Clark Valley’s climate tends to be cooler than the rest of eastern Washington, its nutrient-rich soils are easy to develop and the region-wide air drainage largely prevents frost. All of these factors give rise to a thriving fruit industry that includes, yes, wine grapes. In all, more than 20 varieties of grapes grow on 16 vineyards throughout the region.
Cities and Towns
Clarkston and Lewiston both sit along the Snake River on either side of the Washington-Idaho border. You’ll find more lodging and wineries in Lewiston but it’s all in the same metro area.
Key Touring Routes
Most of the tasting rooms in the Lewis-Clark Valley can be found along (or just off) U.S. Route 12, which heads east-west through both states.
Selected Winery
The award-winning Clearwater Canyon Cellars sources its grapes from a variety of nearby vineyards and offers a quiet patio for unwinding with a bottle of chardonnay, syrah, merlot or albariño.
Please remember to designate a driver.
– Written by John King. Updated by Matthew Wastradowski in September 2020
