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Ancient Lakes Pending AVA
ANCIENT LAKES AREA
Washington's Ancient Lakes area, currently under application for official AVA status, is home to about one thousand acres of wine grapes. The area has some of the most dramatic landforms in Washington State, which were formed by Ice Age floods. Proving to be exceptional for Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Gris in particular, this area has a special place in the Milbrandt family history.
It is here where brothers Butch and Jerry Milbrandt grew up in the small town of Quincy. In 1998 they planted the Evergreen Vineyard and more recently the Ancient Lakes Vineyard.
Ancient Lakes Area Facts:
- Lies along a breathtaking stretch of steep cliffs and unique landforms along the Columbia River.
- Epic floodwaters poured into the area scouring out the plunge-pools of Ancient Lakes.
- Unique soil composition (clay, sand, silt, Caliche) due to deposits left when Ice Age floods drained into the Columbia River here.
- A cooler area compared to Wahluke Slope, Red Mountain, Walla Walla.
- Outstanding climate and soil combination for Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Gris in particular.
