Veraison – the changing of the color of the grapes – has begun in the Columbia Valley. Marcus Rafanelli, winemaker at Woodward Canyon, observed veraison beginning July 13th in Bacchus Block 3 Cabernet Sauvignon in the White Bluffs.

Since then, numerous growers and winemakers have reported seeing veraison in various other appellations, including the Wahluke Slope, Rocky Reach, Red Mountain, Yakima Valley, Rattlesnake Hills, Walla Walla Valley, and Lake Chelan.

Veraison has begun, on average, on July 16th since 2013. This puts this year currently about three days ahead of recent historical averages. Prior markers for the 2026 growing season have ranged between 10-12 days ahead of recent averages.

Overall, the 2026 growing season has been relatively warm. However, a large portion of the season remains. Additionally, how the Columbia Valley’s growing season finishes often has as much to say about the quality and style of the resulting wines as what comes before that.

See a list of Washington growing season markers since 2013.

Image of veraison in Bacchus Block 3 Cabernet Sauvignon by Marcus Rafanelli, Woodward Canyon. 

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