Washington Wine Country
Napa and Sonoma Valleys are usually top of mind when it comes to touring wine country, and why not? For decades, these California valleys have been the quintessential landmark for the American vintner and wine enthusiasts. Today, the region produces some of the more recognizable American wine labels and there are 525 vintners operating in the Napa Valley alone. But you don’t have to road trip it all the way to California to find some of the best wines in the country. Washington is catching up to California in the race for the title of Wine Country USA. The growing conditions across the central part of the state mimic that of some of the oldest vineyards in Europe and as the growth and expansion of the wine industry has accelerated, former dusty farm towns have become blossoming tourist destinations. All across the state, you’ll find a wide range of tasting rooms and varietals plus plenty of fun weekend destinations.
According to the Washington Wine Commission, in 1996 there were 80 wineries producing about 35,000 tons per year. Flash forward twenty years to today, and there are nearly 900 wineries putting out 222,000 tons - it’s an incredible growth for such a short period. The amount of acreage for growing wine grapes has nearly tripled in that time, and there are currently 13 regions recognized by the federal government as American Viticultural Areas. Washington is second only to California in premium wine production with approximately 16-million cases going out this year. While the bulk of the grapes are grown in the central and eastern parts of the state, there are wineries throughout, making a wine tasting weekend easy no matter where you’re starting from.
The Puget Sound Region
While only about 200 acres of grapes are grown here, many are surprised to learn that there are nearly 45 wineries from the Canadian border to south of Olympia. Although smaller in size, you will often find unique wines rarely seen elsewhere in the state because of the wetter growing conditions found here. Pinot Noir and Riesling are the most commonly produced, but you can also find Madeleine Angevine, Muller Thurgau, Regent, Siegerrebe, which are most likely grapes you’ve never tasted before. Seattle Wine Tours offers guides and rides around the downtown area tasting rooms, and just 30 miles away in Woodinville, you will find more than 100 wineries including the famous Chateau Ste. Michelle as well as small artisan vintners.
The Columbia Valley
Encompassing almost a third of the state’s land this is where the overwhelming majority of grapes are grown, 11-million acres to be exact. About 30 different varieties of grapes are planted in the region. The most popular wines to come from this area are Cabernet Sauvignon followed by Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling and Syrah. While the Cascade Mountains see a generous amount of rain each year, they stop many weather systems from reaching the central part of the state. In fact, much of the Columbia Valley receives just 6 to 8 inches of rain per year and more than 300 days of sunshine, allowing for a growing season of up to 200 days. Winemakers from as far away as Italy and Australia have moved to the area for its renowned growing conditions. Located within the Valley are Ellensburg, Yakima, the Tri-Cities, and further north, Coulee City and Grand Coulee.
Walla Walla Valley
The far eastern corner of the state is truly becoming a world famous region as evidenced by the more than 200 wineries operating in and around Walla Walla. There is an incredible variety of experiences to be had here from tasting rooms playing rock music to Cayuse Cellars which only opens its downtown tasting room one day a year to exclusive club members. What is truly unique about Walla Walla is how close you are to so many wineries. Those wanting to stay downtown can find enough places to try for a long weekend or more. Just ten minutes from town are dozens of more tasting rooms, and there are several shuttle services for hire that can plan a custom experience based on your tastes. Spring and fall barrel release weekends bring in an influx of visitors so be prepared to make reservations on these popular weekends and book your stay well in advance. A short drive up the road to Dayton, you will find a less crowded version of Walla Walla and some very impressive wines as well.
Wine tasting can often get a bad rap as something pretentious and intimidating if you don’t know much about it. While there are rooms that cater to this crowd across the state, generally you will find fun, knowledgeable vintners ready to help answer your questions. You don’t have to like everything and if something isn’t your favorite or you want to try a few extras without the effects of consuming mass quantities, don’t be afraid to pour your remaining taste out. Generally speaking, tastings run $5 to $15 and that fee is refunded if you purchase a bottle on-site. With nearly 900 options across the state you’re sure to find something that fits your palate. It’s truly impressive to see such immense growth in the industry in just the past 20 years and even better that some of the best wine not just in the country but around the globe, can be found right in your own backyard. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just starting to move from a wine box to a bottle, you’ll find fun, knowledge and perhaps a new favorite no matter where you decide to go.
