Washington Wine

 

Washington State has become the second largest wine producer in the US, however its quality wine history is fairly new. The first wine grapes were planted in Fort Vancouver by the Hudson Bay Company in 1825. By the early 20th century, many European immigrants were producing wines of decent quality. By 1914, vineyards were dotting Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys. 
 
But the Prohibition halted commercial production considerably, even though this also forced a wave of home wine-making. After the Repeal, strict laws were set in place that isolated Washington’s wine industry. Even though some vinifera wines were being produced for private consumption, what emerged from Washington was only sweet and dessert wine made from Concord grapes. These same laws also prohibited California wines, so the majority of Washingtonians only drank what they knew, those sweet Concord wines. 
 
Then in the early 1960s scientists Walter Clore and Chas Nagel won an appeal to Read more »

Mentor for Washington Wines

Lucha Vino

Washington state resident. Global citizen. Wine explorer. Bike racer. Exploring wines from around the world by comparing Washington wines to challengers from around the globe in weekly wine matches.

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Popular wines made in Washington under $20

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Varietals Produced in Washington View all

  • Sauvignon Blanc

    Sauvignon Blanc is widely grown in California -- at over 15,000 acres, it’s now the third most planted variety -- and...

  • Cabernet Sauvignon

    “King of the Red Wine Grapes.” The colonizer of the vineyards, pushing native wine grapes into its shadows. The Caber...

  • Merlot

    The Occitanian word “merlot” translates to “young blackbird.” An accurate description for this popular, early-budding...

  • Syrah

    The irony here is that Syrah’s origins could give Carmen Sandiego a run for her international wallet. Syrah’s deepest...

  • Chardonnay

    British wine writer and critic, Jancis Robinson, once noted that throughout the 80’s and 90’s in the United States, C...

Subregions of Washington

  • Columbia Gorge

    The confusing thing about this AVA is that there are two places called “The Gorge” in Washington ...

  • Columbia Valley

      The Columbia Valley AVA straddles both Washington and Oregon, though the majority of its w...

  • Benton County

    Benton County is an emerging wine region in southwest Washington state. It straddles the Yakima...

  • Grant County

  • Horse Heaven Hills

    Bounded on the north by the ridge of the hills forming the southern border of the Yakima Valley, ...

Popular Wineries in Washington View all

  • Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

    Winemaker Kristina Mielke-van Loben Sels the second generation of the Mielke family to oversee...

  • DeLille Cellars

    DeLILLE CELLARS is a small winery located in Woodinville, Washington and was originally co-fou...

  • The Hiney Winery

    25 years ago The Hiney Winery was America’s number one comedy feature broadcast on over 600 radio...

  • Saviah Cellars

    Saviah Cellars is a family-owned and operated artisan winery located in the acclaimed Walla Walla...

  • Grand Reve Vintners

    Founded in 2004 by business entrepreneur Paul McBride and vineyard manager Ryan Johnson, Grand Rê...

  • Latah Creek Winery

    At Latah Creek our stylistic aim is to create wines that taste like the grapes from which they ca...

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Washington on Snooth

  • Washiington State just got its 11th appellation...Lake Chelan yesterday April 29, 2009. This area is located in north central Washington state and islocated within the Columbia Valley AVA but at its most northern boundary. It is much higher in elevation and with a more cooler climate. For more information on this up-and-coming area visit http://...

    Comment by 114337HardRow 114337 HardRow


  • When I found out that cycling was full of dopers and the Giro might be fixed ... fixed ... matchup--Zin from Washington, who knew?  I thought it was our state wine, but turns out I'm wrong--we have no official state wine. I'll give a hint to our matchup:  It's another very old grape beloved by our Italian immigrants who started the wine indus... Read More

    Forum post in the topic Return of the Giro d' Italia


  • The Giro d'Italia is going full throttle and is just slightly more than ... Giro d'Italia features a Washington Zinfandel taking on a Primitivo from Puglia.Next up the illustrious Foxall is making another guest appearance.  He will feature a California v. Northern Italy matchup inspired by the Tour of California vs. Giro d'Italia.  I won't div... Read More

    Forum post in the topic Return of the Giro d' Italia


  • Washington Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

    Snoothrank:

    So bad, I had to edit my review from one glass to one/half glass. This is not worth your money, you should buy grape soda instead, it's cheaper Read More

    Wine review by jamessulis


  • Washington Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

    Snoothrank:

    This one was not one that I would purchase again. Thin to say the least in grape flavor and aroma. Nothing deep or redeeming at all. Smoky on finish and a little bit of tannin bite. Not a favorite. They get 10 bucks for this swill. Never again! Read More

    Wine review by jamessulis


  • Maryhill Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley 2007

    Snoothrank:

    Bought this Cabernet Franc at the Maryhill Winery as they don't sell it in stores. This is a deep color with lighter color around the rim. Excellent nose of cassis and full flavor of blackberry and cherry. Mild but apparent tannins with a slight peppery flavor. Bit of a light clove taste upon finish. Read More

    Wine review by jamessulis


  • Caymus Belle Glos Pinot Noir Clark and Telephone Vineyard California Pinot Noir

    Snoothrank:

    No written review

    Wine review by iansanso


  • Columbia Winery Syrah Columbia Valley 2007

    Snoothrank:

    No written review

    Wine review by annecara


  • 14 Hands White Blend Horse Heaven Hills Hot To Trot White 2011

    Snoothrank:

    Very well balanced Washington state white blend. Nice acidity, gold delicious apple, lemon curd with some minerality on the back end. Read More

    Wine review by vin0vin0


  • I'll second that about long shadows - I really must get down to their ... ... head down to wine country in Washington/Oregon. I like driving more than flying anyway as it gives me more flexibility and freedom to spend time in places that are not on my radar before I leave on a trip. Read More

    Forum post in the topic Walla Walla terroir


  • The drive from Portland to Walla Walla is certainly scenic as it follows the ... ... parts of the world to Washington state to make the same type of wine that they make with their "home" winery.&nbs Read More

    Forum post in the topic Walla Walla terroir


  • you must realize there are two Washingtons. you mixed them up with your map!

    Comment by 891722dunann 891722 dunann


  • velvet devil

    Comment by 774968cooter browns 774968 cooter browns


  • If you are heading into Washington's wine country, make a stop in Prosser (exit 80 off I-82) if not able to stay the night. They have a "Vintner's Village", more like a Disneyland for wine lovers. There is so much to taste! All in all, Canyon's Edge Winery gets our thumbs up with an out of this world Cab and Sangiovese. Oh and we can't forge...

    Comment by 516467Lovin D Vine 516467 Lovin D Vine


  • My wife and I have been to Walla Walla several times. We got turned on to a Riesling at Three Rivers. I simply loved the Syrah that I purchased at L'Ecole No 41. Recently at Vino! A Wine Shop in Spokane, WA, I bought several bottles of Syrah by Spokane's Barrister Winery. It was excellent!

    Comment by 498820Stregone 498820 Stregone


  • A hidden gem in the world of wines. We need to get the word out there!

    Comment by 479390hordur 479390 hordur


  • Is anyone else doing the WA Merlot virtual wine tasting/tweetup tonight? #WAMerlot

    Comment by 256515mortgageporter 256515 mortgageporter


  • I think I'm 12 for 12 on red wines from Washington. I've literally never had a Cab, Syrah, or Merlot from Washington that I didn't at least like, but most of them I love. Something about that Columbia Valley that hits my taste buds right. Just thought I'd mention that. Anyone know of any good values $15-20 on big, bold Washington reds? I'm alwa...

    Comment by 105252Bartond 105252 Bartond


  • want a delicious bottle of wine with cherry, chocolate and even coffee notes from washington??? i tried this along with my fellow bartenders, and we fell in love.... it is now on our winelist!!! HOWLING WOLFE ZINFANDEL made by THURSTON WOLFE 2007 this vino is from horse heaven hills. It is increadable!!! i suggest to let it breathe for a while b...

    Comment by 346464vinoniki 346464 vinoniki


  • Try Coumbia Crest Grand Estates. I drank a 2006 Cabernet that was very pleasing to the pallet. Heavy Chocolate overtones. I will buy it again. It is a step up but still very affordable.

    Comment by 342728Angler 342728 Angler


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