The extensive Columbia Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) is located in the south-east of Washington State and the north-east of Oregon. Its northernmost boundary is near the Okanagan Wilderness Area on the border with Canada, while to the south it crosses the Columbia river into Oregon. Its western border shadows the Cascade mountain range to the outskirts of the Columbia Gorge AVA. This large AVA contains most of Washington's smaller wine sub-regions.

Columbia Valley is situated at a latitude of 46 to 47 degrees north, which is the same as the famed French wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy. This latitude gives it two more hours of daylight during the summer growing season than the wine regions of California – an important factor in intensifying the flavors in the grapes. Columbia Valley lies in a rain shadow caused by the Cascades, which contributes to its dry continental climate. Hot days here are followed by cool nights, helping to ensure a long and even growing season in which the grapes obtain full ripeness while retaining vital acidity.