Recently, Washington wine events of the early 1980's have been noted, particularly the 30th anniversary of the Yakima Valley American Viticultural Area, established in 1983. Looking back, I see that decade as a pivotal one for Washington wines, one in which the state emerged as a significant wine producing region. Here's my year by year retrospective of highlights of the period, from one who has been in the wine business during that decade.

1980 - This was the year of the Mount Saint Helens volcanic eruption. It also marked the tenth anniversary of Esquin Wine Merchants which I owned from 1970 to 1997. Back then, I sold mostly French and German wines and only a handful of ones from Washington.

1981 - In that year, there were 20 wineries, including Woodward Canyon which was founded by Rick Small. Statewide, two million gallons of wine was produced.

1982 - Riesling is still king, but Merlot becomes the premier red grape, largely due to the success of Leonetti Cellar in pioneering that variety.

1983 - The Yakima Valley becomes Washington state's first American Viticultral Area, designated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (BATF). That year, Baker and Jean Ferguson founded L'Ecole No. 41 in the Walla Walla Valley. This year, the present owners Megan and Marty Clubb celebrated the winery's 30th anniversary. Doctors McClellan and Hendricks began planting the Seven Hills Vineyard.

1984 - The Walla Walla Valley and Columbia Valley AVA's were established, meaning Washington wines no longer had to be marketed as "Washington State" wines.

1985 - Esquin begins carrying a wider selection of Washington Wines, including Leonetti and Woodward Canyon, but the selection is still dwarfed by European wines.

1986 - Syrah rises as an important red varietal, especially since Mike Sauer's plantings at the Red Willow vineyard, at the behest of Columbia Winery's David Lake.

1987 - The Washington Wine Commission is formed to raise awareness of Washington wines through targeted marketing and promotions.

1988 - The First Annual Auction of Washington Wines is held, raising money for Children's Hospital. The Seven Hills Winery is founded by fourth generation Walla Walla Valley farmer, Casey McClellan.

1989 - This year marked the twentieth anniversary of the "California Wine Law" which allowed private retailers to sell out of state wines, besides Washington state ones. This milestone was commemorated by Saluté, a wine industry seminar and dinner that I helped organize.

This decade marked the expansion of the Washington wine industry. The following decade, the number of wines grew to 150, and then grew exponetially to over 750 today. The growth of Washington wine has been built on the developments of the 1980's. I witnessed those times and know how momentous they were.