Ancient Lakes is a designated wine region (known as an American Viticultural Area or AVA) within the broader Columbia Valley AVA in Washington, United States. This region is recognized for its unique geology and climate that makes it ideal for winemaking. The region gets its name from a collection of small lakes in the area, which have been traced back to the last glacial period, making them 'ancient' in comparison to other bodies of water in the area.
Geologically, Ancient Lakes is mostly comprised of soils resulting from wind-deposited silt and sand, which are called "loess." These soils are composed of flood silts from the ancient Missoula floods and mixed with volcanic ash. This type of soil drains very well and is perfect for grapevines.
The area is situated at a relatively high altitude with a cooler climate which allows for a longer growing season, contributing to the complexity of the wines produced in the region, particularly whites such as Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. The region is also known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Aesthetically, Ancient Lakes is also stunning with its natural landscape of basalt cliffs, scrublands, and the aforementioned lakes, making it not just a place of agricultural interest, but a beautiful destination as well.
