
Washington Wine
Learn about Washington wine, common tasting notes, where the region is and more ...
An important winegrowing state increasingly recognized for its high-quality reds and whites, Washington ranks second in production in the U.S. after California. Washington wines continue to gain well-deserved popularity as they garner higher and higher praise from critics and consumers alike.
Washington winemakers draw inspiration mainly from Napa Valley, Bordeaux and the Rhône as well as increasingly from other regions like Spain and Italy. Most viticulture takes place on the eastern side of the state—an arid desert in the rain shadow of the Cascade mountains. Irrigation is made possible by the Columbia River. Temperatures are extreme, with hot and dry summers and cold winters, during which frost can be a risk.
Washington’s wine industry was initially built on Merlot, which remains an important variety to this day, despite having been overtaken in acreage planted by Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Bordeaux blends and Rhône blends are common as well as single varietal bottlings. Washington reds tend to express a real purity of concentrated fruit. The best examples have a bold richness, seamless texture, plush or powdery tannins and flavors such as licorice, herb, forest floor, espresso and dark chocolate.
In terms of white wine from Washington state, Riesling is the state’s major success story, producing crisp, aromatic examples with plenty of stone fruit that range from bone dry to lusciously sweet. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc perform nicely here as well, and Viognier is beginning to pick up steam.
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Double Canyon Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington
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Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
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K Vintners Powerline Syrah 2018Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
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Substance Cabernet Sauvignon 2019Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain, Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
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Be Human Rose 2019Rosé from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Intrinsic Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Harvest Select Sweet Riesling 2021Riesling from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Charles & Charles Rose 2020Rosé from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling 2021Riesling from Columbia Valley, Washington
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K Vintners The Deal Syrah 2018Syrah/Shiraz from Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington
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Figgins Figlia 2019Bordeaux Red Blends from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
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Boomtown by Dusted Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington
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Prayers of Sinners Red Blend 2019Other Red Blends from Washington
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Charles Smith Wines Velvet Devil Merlot 2019Merlot from Washington
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ViNO Rose 2020Rosé from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Golden West Pinot Noir 2019Pinot Noir from Ancient Lakes, Columbia Valley, Washington
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K Vintners The Hidden Syrah 2018Syrah/Shiraz from Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, Washington
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Eroica Riesling 2020Riesling from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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K Vintners The Beautiful Syrah 2017Syrah/Shiraz from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
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Substance Chardonnay 2019Chardonnay from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Domaine Ste. Michelle Extra DryNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Columbia Valley, Washington
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L'Ecole 41 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
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Pendulum Cabernet Sauvignon 2019Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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