Discover the Best Washington Wines

Although Washington State may be best known for its buzzing metropolitan areas and mountain landscapes, there’s one thing about the Evergreen State you might not expect—its fabulous wine. Home to numerous wineries and vineyards, Washington is the second-largest wine-producing state in the country, after California.

Discover the best Washington wines in our handy guide and learn more about what makes the top Washington wines so in demand.

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The History of Winemaking in Washington

The history of winemaking in Washington State is relatively young compared to many other wine regions worldwide, but it’s incredibly dynamic and has shown rapid development.

German and Italian immigrants were the first to start growing and producing wines in Washington in the early 19th century. Commercial wine production didn’t take off until the 1960s, but by the early 21st century, wine grapes had become the fourth most important crop in the state.

Washington’s Climate and Geography

Washington State’s climate and geography play a crucial role in its ability to produce high-quality wines.

Situated at the same latitude as the famed wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy in France, Washington enjoys an extra two hours of sunshine during the growing season, unlike California and other wine states.

Washington’s Cascade Mountains significantly impact the state’s grape growing and wine production. They separate the wetter western half of the state from the drier eastern half, where most of Washington’s vineyards are located, in an area known as the Columbia Valley. This sheltered region enjoys a continental climate characterized by hot days and cool nights well-suited to growing a range of grapes.

Temperature-wise, the Columbia River helps regulate temperatures, reducing the chances of severe frost that can damage the vines.

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Best Washington Wine Varieties and Styles

More than 80 grape varieties grow in Washington State, producing a full range of wine styles, including sparkling, red, white and rosé.

This state is famous for its Old World, Bordeaux-style red wine blends, typically produced by blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. These red blends are considered some of the best Washington wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon

A hardy variety typically found growing throughout the Columbia Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington is characterized by its fruity flavors of cherry and black currant, fewer tannins and easy-drinking style.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the primary variety in the Bordeaux-style Washington red blends, thanks to its bolder flavors.

Merlot

Merlot is the second most planted grape in Washington State, loved for its inky color, plum and cherry flavors plus balanced acidity. Because of Washington’s divide between long, sunny days and colder nights, Washington State Merlot enjoys the rounded Old World structure but fun New World fruit flavors.

Syrah

A recent addition to the Washington wine scene, this variety is also labeled as “Shiraz” by winemakers following New World styles. Despite being used in the state’s famous Bordeaux-style blends, it’s a popular, full-bodied, single-variety wine, full of jammy and juicy red fruit flavors plus savory hints of tobacco.

Chardonnay

Similar to California Chardonnay, Washington Chardonnay is all about those iconic apple flavors instead of the creaminess, offering a more refreshing drinking experience. With its flint and fruit balance, this variety maintains its acidity without compromising on its smoothness, thanks to the state’s cooler nights.

Riesling

One of the earliest varieties planted in Washington State, Riesling is characterized by its light body, minerality and mellow peach flavor, and comes in dry and sweet styles. Depending on the harvest season, it can even be made into ice wine.

Key Washington Wine Regions

There are several key wine regions within the state of Washington, each producing distinctive wines due to their unique geographic and climatic characteristics. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Columbia Valley

The largest wine region in Washington State, the Columbia Valley covers one-third of the entire state and encompasses a number of the smaller wine regions, including Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope. The green, hilly slopes and continental climate produce a range of juicy reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, along with classic whites like Riesling and Chardonnay.

Our dry Bowhead Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2019 tastes as elegant as it looks, bursting with honeysuckle, gooseberry and lemon flavors plus a long finish.

Yakima Valley

Representing more than 40% of the State’s wine production, the Yakima Valley is the oldest agricultural region in Washington. With its light, sandy soil and warmer winters that help grapes reach optimal ripeness, the region has a high concentration of wineries that grow a range of grapes, including Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Sangiovese.

Full of fresh apple and sweet pear flavors, and with a mouthwatering acidity that encourages another sip, our Green Darner Riesling 2019 is one to try.

Also from the Yakima Valley comes a brand-new sparkling wine with boundless bubbles and vibrant apple flavors—try Boulé Brut Sparkling Wine 2022.

Horse Heaven Hills

Although only established in 2005, Horse Heaven Hills is home to some of Washington State’s oldest vineyards. Reaching from the hills in the north that serve as the border for Yakima Valley to the Columbia River in the south, this wine region has many of its best vineyards lining the banks of the Columbia River. The region is recognized for its robust, structured Cabernet Sauvignons, as well as Merlot and Syrah.

Our Knotwood Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum 2019 is a prime example of Horse Heaven Hills’ smooth and expressive red wine style.

Walla Walla

Walla Walla’s cooler, more varied climate and range of soil types full of volcanic ash make it the prime location to grow red wine grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot reign supreme in Walla Walla. Its excellent growing conditions mean Walla Walla has the second-highest concentration of wineries and vineyards in Washington State.

With a rich history full of business spirit and respect for the winemaking process, it’s no surprise that Washington produces some of the most premium wines in the New World style. A wide range of top Washington wines is out there for you to try—shop our selection of the best Washington wines online.

Candice, Personal Wine Advisor

I have over 10 years of experience in the wine and beverage industry, and have tasted some of the rarest and most sought-after wines. I'm your ideal oenophile today—pour me a Cru Beaujolais.

WSET – Level 2 Wines & Spirits Certified
CMS – Level 1 Sommelier Certificate

Barolo • Natural Wine • Austria/Germany • Island Wines

candice@laithwaites.com | (203) 523-2164

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