Goose Gap AVA
Goose Gap is the 19th American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Washington, United States. It encompasses the local region surrounding Goose Mountain in Benton County between Kiona to the west, and Richland along the Columbia River to the east. The viticultural area was formally established on August 2, 2021, by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by geologist/vintner, Alan Busacca, on behalf of the Goose Gap Wine Grower's Association, proposing the viticultural area "Goose Gap". The area is a sub-appellation entirely within the Yakima Valley and the expansive Columbia Valley AVAs sandwiched on a northwest–southeast axis between neighboring viticultural areas Red Mountain and the minute Candy Mountain.
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 2021 |
| Years of wine industry | 26 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | Washington, Columbia Valley AVA, Yakima Valley AVA |
| Other regions in Washington, Columbia Valley AVA, Yakima Valley AVA | Candy Mountain AVA, Rattlesnake Hills AVA , Red Mountain AVA, Snipes Mountain AVA |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 6 in (152 mm) |
| Soil conditions | Warden series, windblown silt and fine sand overlying Missoula Flood sediment |
| Total area | 8,129 acres (13 sq mi) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 1,800 acres (728 ha) |
| No. of vineyards | 2 |
| Grapes produced | Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah |
| Varietals produced | 16 |
| No. of wineries | 1 |
"Goose Gap" refers to a saddle between Goose Mountain to the west and Badger and Candy Mountains to the east within the vast Columbia Valley. Both geographies are within its appellation boundaries which are named for being a common pathway for migratory waterfowl. In 1998, the first grapevines were planted in the area by Arvid Monson. Within the approximately 8,129 acres (13 sq mi) AVA, there are two commercial vineyards cultivating 1,800 acres (728 ha) and only one winery. The primary varietals produced are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah.