Washington Wine: The Basics

Washington Home | The Story | Producers | Regions | World of Wine

Washington has quietly pushed itself into the number two position of US wine producing states. In 1980 fewer than 20 wineries existed in Washington while today it is home to greater than 450 wineries and growing. Washington produces the usual array of French born varietals having particular success with the Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot. Syrah has been quite successful and growing in popularity over the past decade. Nearly 60% of the wines produced in Washington are red wines. Unlike it’s west coast neighbors Washington’s vineyards do not hug the Pacific Coast rather lining the southern boarder east of the Cascades with the Puget Sound district being the notable exception. The days are long with a great deal of sunlight while the nights are cool preserving natural acidity. In many respects, Washington’s viticulture zones are far more favorable to the production of quality wines than are California’s most popular appellations. If you are not familiar with Washington wines it is easy to get an education as Washington wines are available in every US state and dozens of countries.