Location: Central Washington
Designated: 2024
Total Size: 2,415 acres
Acreage Under Vine: 400 acres
Top Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc.
Soils: Sand and stony loamy sand
Average Annual Precipitation: 5 inches
Two Things to Know:
- The heat of Beverly means that it is almost entirely planted to red varieties.
- The wind keeps canopy and berry size small and contributes to thicker skins.
Beverly, Washington is located in central Washington, between the Royal Slope to the north and Wahluke Slope to the south. It is wholly contained within the larger Columbia Valley.
The appellation gets its name from an unincorporated town within its boundaries. The town was established when railroad lines were first run through the region in the early 1900s.
Located two miles north of Sentinel Gap – a 1.5 mile break in the Saddle Mountains, Beverly has three main characteristics as a growing region:
The first is its heat. The appellation accumulates approximately 3500 Growing Degree Days during the growing season, making it one of the warmest appellations in the state. Beverly receives a mere five inches of precipitation annually, which is among the lowest numbers in the Columbia Valley. This is due to its location, which is near maximum rain shadow effect.
The second is the appellation’s wind. Wind accelerates as it passes through Sentinel Gap and then slows. As a result, both average wind and daily maximum speeds are significantly higher than nearby Royal Slope.
Finally, the soils of Beverly are extremely well-drained. The appellation is located at the confluence of two major channels of the Missoula Floods. The floodwaters were slowed by the constriction of Sentinel Gap, causing heavier material to settle out. As a result, there are giant gravel bars in the appellation. In fact, Beverly Bar makes up 36% of the appellation.
The heat of Beverly means that it is almost entirely planted to red varieties. The wind, meanwhile, keeps canopy and berry size small and contributes to thicker skins. As the soils are so well-drained, growers have an exceptionally high degree of control over water stress.
There are four major soil types in Beverly, with the dominant ones Burbank and Winchester series. Schawana and Quincy make up the others.
At 2,415 total acres, Beverly is one of the smallest appellations in the state. It is also low-lying, located between 515 and 900 feet above sea level with an average of 600
Compared to Royal Slope to the north, Beverly is considerably hotter and at a much lower elevation. Compared to Wahluke Slope to the south, it’s windier, with slightly more coarse material in the soils.
All photos courtesy Four Feathers Wine Services.