What comes to your mind when you think of wines from Washington? Chateau St. Michelle? Of course! It is the seventh largest winery in the United States and the oldest winery in the state founded in 1938. They produce over 2 million cases per year and own several estate vineyards. They are the most easily accessible wines from Washington you will find on store shelves.

Thirty years ago, when most people thought of Napa Valley, it was Beringer Winery that held that kind of recognition and as the years have passed Napa has become home to many wonderful, unique, large & small vintners producing world class Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals. The same type of revolution is happening in Washington State now.

What makes wine from Washington State unique? It’s the terrior. That somethingness that makes a place different from another. The unique features that combine to produce noteworthy wines. What are these unique geographic features that makes Washington reds rich, deep, complex & concentrated, and creates crisp, minerally whites?

The Columbia Valley in eastern Washington was formed during an ancient glacial run off, leaving behind rocks, minerals and sandy soils. Two somewhat active volcanos have added to the soils and have created a terrain ripe for agriculture. Washington State shares the same latitude as Bordeaux & the Rhone Valley in France. This northerly latitude gives the vines 2 hours more sunlight per day in growing season than California and that helps to insure ripeness in the colder climate. Vineyard lands are located on the east side of the Cascade Mountains which forms a rain shadow effect, keeping the wet Seattle rains in the west. Run off from mountain snow melt creates rivers that combine with the mighty Columbia River to create natural sources for irrigation. In addition, the dry, desert-like climate keeps pests like phylloxera and downey mildew away. Those are just some of the factors that have been recognized by winemakers as creating wines that are uniquely Washington in flavor profile and style.

Look for stellar wines from places such as Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, Yakima Valley, Wahluke Slope, and the larger all encompassing Columbia Valley. Winemakers are finding success with Bordeaux style blends, Cabernet & Merlot, Syrah and Rhone style blends, while Riesling is the most popular white varietal. Your local wine shop may have a separate section for Washington/Oregon wines. If not, look for them under their varietal heading.

I recently attended a GuildSomm event sponsored by Washington State Wines. Many of the wines I tasted that night were poured by the winemakers/owners themselves. There were several tables and the most fascinating table was called the Trip Back in Time. We sampled a 1978 Chateau St. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon – 38 years old and still retaining great acidity and complex flavors. Also a 1992 Woodward Canyon Dedication Series and a 1999 Hedges Red Mountain Reserve to name a few. These wines showed us the tremendous aging capabilities of Washington State Wines.

Some wines to look for from the current vintages:
Pacific Rim, Chenin Blanc Hahn Hill Vineyard, Yakima Valley 2015
Woodward Canyon, Cello Vineyard Chardonnay, Columbia Gorge 2015
Doubleback, Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley 2013
Betz Family Winery, Besoleil, Columbia Valley 2014
K Vintners, Hidden Syrah, Wahluke Slope 2013
Gramercy Cellars, Forgotten Hills Syrah, Walla Walla Valley 2014

If you like bold, lush, concentrated reds, and crisp refreshing whites, give wines from Washington State a try!