Wonderful Washington Wines
Not long ago, "American wine" was synonymous with "California wine." Napa and Sonoma counties dominated the market, bolstered by tremendous grape crops and wine-making along California's central coast, central valley and the southern coast and foothills of the Sierra Nevada. While California still leads (by a wide margin) wine production in the United States, the wine market has changed and expanded, and Washington is now ranked as the second largest premium wine producer in the country, crafting nationally and internationally award-winning wines in a wide range of varieties.
Wine Industry Growth In Washington
Located along the same latitude as Bordeaux and Burgundy, two of the famed wine growing regions of France, Washington has developed its own respected wine regions. Over 350 wine grape growers have established themselves in the state, growing more than 40 varietals on 50 thousand acres for 850-plus wineries. Production of red wine leads whites by about 6 percent.
Another delicious statistic: In 2014, the wine grape harvest broke records with 227,000 tons. That is more than double the 2005 yield, and more than six times greater than twenty years ago.
What does all of this production mean for consumers? Choice. Old favorites Riesling and Chardonnay are shelved beside more exotic options such as Siegerrebe and Müller-Thurgau; Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot rest alongside Nebbiolo and Mourvèdre. Specific grapes and wine-making techniques result in an exquisite array of flavors from delicate to bold, floral to spicy and everything in between.
Bart Fawbush, owner and winemaker at Bartholomew Winery in Seattle, comments, "Most people walk into a store or restaurant and order Chardonnay, it may be the only grape they know. There are some amazing Chardonnays out there, but there are some other incredible white wines; Viognier, Aligoté, Gewürztraminer, if people were to try them with food it would blow their minds." His top seller is Rose of Carmenere and the other blends with Carmenere grapes, which he suggests pairing with Indian food, and Viognier with spicy foods.
Fortunately, variety and quality go hand-in-hand in our state. Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine and Spirits Magazine sing the praises of Washington wines, ranking many on their "best of" lists. Considering that these journals individually review from 14 to 18 thousand wines per year from all over the globe, the competition is daunting. In 2014, six of our state's wineries made Wine and Spirits Magazine's list of the top 100 in the world. Washington wines show up with increasing frequency on lists such as the Top 100 Wines of the Year, Top 100 Most Exciting Wines, and others.
Washington wines are also a great value. Fawbush adds, "If you were to compare price versus points given to Washington wines ─points awarded by Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator ─if you compare Washington's high end wines with wines anywhere else in the world, in that quality or points to price ratio, we're the best value in the world."
How Do I Pick The Right Wine?
What you'll enjoy of course depends on your individual tastes, and great-tasting wines come to suit a wide range of budgets. Advice and recommendations are easily found both online and in stores, with many shops posting consumer friendly descriptive labels and notes highlighting flavor profiles, food pairings, and awards.
Megan Ayers of Chateau Ste. Michelle, the state's oldest winery, suggests pairing Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Pinot Gris with an afternoon summer picnic of cold fried chicken and fruit; and for a July evening barbeque of marinated T-bone steak and asparagus, serve Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. But keep in mind that the best way to match wine to your personal preferences is to taste it!
Where Are The Vineyards?
With the boom in wineries, it is no surprise that you don't have to travel far to wet your palate with a wide range of wines. The most productive vineyard regions are Yakima Valley, Walla Walla and Columbia Valley, followed by Puget Sound, Columbia Gorge, and Willamette Trough. There are currently 13 official American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in the state.
Most towns along the Puget Sound have urban wineries, tasting rooms and wine bars. Try Arista Wine Cellars in Edmonds; North City Bistro and Wine Shop in Shoreline; Welcome Road Winery, Omnivore Cellars, Bartholomew Winery, Viscon Cellars and more in Seattle; Gingko Forest Winery Tasting and 21 Cellars Winery in Tacoma; The Wine Studio and Morso in Gig Harbor.
But to really get an understanding of what goes into a good wine along with a feel for vineyard life, there is nothing like touring wine country! Take advantage of well-schooled tasting room staff, who in most cases will "meet you where you're at" with wine knowledge - novice or sommelier.
Many vineyards offer summer concerts and events. Looking for a retreat? Try Cave B Estate Winery and Resort near Quincy, with acres of vineyards, an amphitheatre, an inn, stand-alone guest houses and yurts, fine dining and spa, not to mention delectable vino. Small vineyards can be a refreshing delight; try gregarious Wineglass Cellars in Yakima Valley, just awarded Double Gold for their 2009 Cabernet and 2009 Capizimo (and two other golds as well!) by Seattle Wine Awards.
Explore Local Wine This Summer
Summer is a great time to enjoy Washington wines. Uncork a bottle with visiting friends; give wine as gifts during your travels. Try new varieties and pairings with fresh farmstand foods. Keep a wine journal handy to jot down notes and track your favorites. Share your comments with the winemakers. Most of all, enjoy!
