Uncovering America's best kept wine secrets
Washington
Washington wine thrives east of the Cascades, where desert sun, mountain snowmelt, and wild geology come together to grow some seriously impressive grapes.
What do you get? Crisp whites, structured reds, and bold bottles that punch way above their price point. From Cab to Syrah to Chenin Blanc, Washington wine is quietly making some noise.
By the Numbers
1,000+
Washington is home to over 1,000 wineries, making it the second-largest wine-producing state in the U.S.
21
With 21 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas), Washington is constantly carving out new terroir, from steep river gorges to basalt-rich plateaus. A few AVAs, like Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley, even cross into Oregon.
60,000
Most of Washington's 60,000 acres of vines are east of the Cascades, where the high desert climate and long daylight hours fuel consistent, high-quality grape ripening.
If These Vines Could Talk
The Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet is the most planted grape in the state. Washington Cab is bold but balanced: think dark fruit, firm tannins, and a fresh lift thanks to the state’s wide day-night temperature swings. It thrives in AVAs like Red Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills, producing powerful yet structured wines.
Merlot
Often softer and more floral than Cabernet, Washington Merlot shows ripe plum, cherry, and cocoa with a smooth finish. It helped put the state on the wine map in the 1990s and still holds strong, especially in Walla Walla and Yakima Valley.
Syrah
Washington Syrah walks the line between New World richness and Old World savoriness: smoked meat, blackberries, and pepper are common. It’s especially expressive in cooler sites like The Rocks District, where the wines take on a funky, earthy edge.
Riesling
Crisp, aromatic, and full of citrus and stone fruit, Washington Riesling runs the style spectrum from dry to sweet. The Columbia Valley is the heart of production, and the state is one of the top Riesling producers in the world by volume.
Chardonnay
Washington Chardonnay tends to be clean and fruit-driven: less buttery than California’s, with more apple, pear, and citrus. It’s the state’s most planted white grape, mostly coming from the Columbia Valley and surrounding AVAs.
Sauvignon Blanc
Zippy and herbal or ripe and tropical, Washington Sauvignon Blanc shows off the state’s signature acidity and sunshine. It’s often overshadowed by Chardonnay and Riesling but quietly gaining traction, especially in cooler parts of Yakima and Ancient Lakes.
Grenache
Still a niche player, Washington Grenache brings juicy red fruit and spice, often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre in Rhône-style wines. It performs well in warm AVAs like Wahluke Slope and Yakima Valley. Producers are starting to lean into its standalone potential.
History
1825
First Grapes Planted
The Hudson’s Bay Company plants grapes at Fort Vancouver, marking Washington’s earliest known vineyard.
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1860s–1900s
Early Settler Winemaking
German, Italian, and French immigrants make wine from both native and imported grapes.
1910s–1930s
Prohibition and Restart
Washington briefly had over 40 wineries before Prohibition shuts them down. Post-repeal, wine slowly regains ground.
1960s
Research Sparks a Wine Future
Dr. Walter Clore conducts groundbreaking grape-growing research at Washington State University, identifying ideal growing regions.
1970s
First Modern Wineries Emerge
Building on early research, pioneers like Associated Vintners (est. 1962) and Chateau Ste. Michelle (est. 1967 as a vinifera producer) begin producing high-quality vinifera wines, laying the foundation for the modern industry.
1983
Columbia Valley AVA Established
Washington’s largest and most important AVA is created, covering a broad and diverse high-desert winegrowing area.
1990s–2000s
Rapid Growth & Red Wine Dominance
The state earns acclaim for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah; new AVAs form in Red Mountain and Walla Walla.
2010s
Innovation, Terroir Focus, and White Wine Revival
Winemakers push single-vineyard expressions, while Riesling, Grenache Blanc, and Chenin Blanc regain attention.
2020s
Sustainability & Sub-Region Spotlight
Focus intensifies on sustainable practices like organic and dry farming, while attention highlights distinctive smaller AVAs within the Columbia Valley, such as Royal Slope (est. 2020) and other emerging sub-regions.
2022
Innovtion Meets Tradition
Since 2020, Washington winemakers have doubled down on bold reds & Riesling, boundary-pushing blends, and natural wine, carving out a reputation for both consistency and experimentation.