August is Washington Wine Month, and I can think of no better opportunity to further explain why I love all that Washington wine has to offer.
While this state may not be able to compete quantity-wise with California, it has more than earned its spot for quality. Known for vivacious, deeply flavored and complex Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah, to name a few, Washington wine belongs at your dinner table.
A Bit About Washington Wine
The first grapes to grow in Washington were planted in the 1860s, but it would be another 100 years before Washington wine as we know it would start to take form. Today, there are over 1,000 wineries in Washington state, with more than 60,000 acres of vineyards planted.
Most of Washington wine comes from Eastern Washington, where the landscape is far more dry and warm. There are currently 20 AVAs (American Viticultural Association, uniquely recognized wine growing regions) with more being added yearly.
Eastern Washington is a desert, though the several major rivers that run through it are able to irrigate the land. This, combined with rich soil from the Missoula Floods over 15,000 years ago, make for nutrient-rich soil that is well suited for grapes.
In addition to the rich soil and readily available water, Washington has drastic temperature fluctuations between night and day. There can be as much as a 50 degree drop in just a few hours. This means the grapes can essentially hibernate, thereby preserving the acidity.
Today, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah are the leading reds, with Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Gris dominating the whites.
Notable Washington Wine Regions
Red Mountain
A subregion of the Yakima Valley AVA, this region gets more sunlight than any other in the Columbia Valley. Red Mountain also makes up one of Washington’s most densely clustered collections of tasting rooms. Expect delicious, berry-rich Cabernet, Merlot and Syrahs from here.
Check out my last post on what to with 24 Hours in Eastern Washington.
Wineries to Know About
Hightower Cellars, Kiona Vineyards, DeLille Cellars
Walla Walla
Known for growing sweet onions, wheat, and a host of other crops, this region is also becoming one of Washington’s most famous wine growing regions. Walla Walla has been voted America’s Best Wine Region 3 years in a row. Walla Walla is one of Washington’s “reddest” wine growing regions, with 95% of vineyards planted to red grapes.
Be sure to check out my post, A Weekend in Walla Walla.
Wineries to Know About
Pepper Bridge, L’Ecole No 41, Tranche
Lake Chelan
Located within the Columbia Valley AVA, Lake Chelan has higher elevation and a more temperate climate than most other regions. Due to the ice age glaciers that formed Lake Chelan, the coarse and sandy soil results in minerally, textured wines. Expect an eclectic collection of wines from here, including Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Viognier.
Wineries to Know About
Cairdeas Winery, Ancestry Cellars
Puget Sound
This is Washington’s only grape growing region located west of the Cascade Mountains. It encompasses a large geographical area including islands in the Pacific Ocean. Many wineries here choose to buy their grapes from Eastern Washington, but some do have a local focus. Expect delicate and obscure whites such as Madeleine Angevine and siegerrebe, along with some Pinot noir.
Wineries to Know About
San Juan Vineyard, Bainbridge Vineyards
