The best Wines from Washington

History of wines from Washington

In 1825, near Vancouver, the first vines in the history of Washington's wine country were planted.
Washington's wine industry traces its roots to 1825, when the Hudson's Bay Company begin to plant vines in the vicinity of Fort Vancouver. Pioneers arriving in the 1850s via the Oregon Trail furthered vineyard expansion across Eastern Washington and Puget Sound. Initially, grapes were grown for personal use, with wines for household consumption.

By the mid-19th century, hybrid grape varieties appeared in the Puget Sound, which only occurred in the Walla Walla Valley in 1860. French winemaker Charles Schanno initiated vine planting in the Yakima Valley in 1869, sourcing cuttings from Fort Vancouver.

By 1910, more areas where cultivated by immigrants from Germany, Italy, and France, which contributed to vineyard growth, aided by large-scale irrigation from 1903. Ideal conditions, including diverse soils and ample sunshine, spurred rapid expansion. The 1910 Columbia River Valley Grape Carnival celebrated this growth, featuring Italian and German grape varieties from Yakima and Columbia Valleys.

Grapes of wines from Washington

Washington's wine landscape shows bold reds and diverse whites, but also sparkling wines and rosé. Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme, notably in the Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, and in Horse Heaven Hills.

Merlot enjoys widespread popularity in Columbia Valley. The grape is used in Bordeaux-style blends as well as independent variety. Syrah is most prominent in the Walla Walla Valley and in the Columbia Valley. Sangiovese is one of the first varieties to be introduced by the young winemakers from Italy. On Red Mountain, Carménère is increasingly seen and is gaining traction. Early success with Riesling characterizes the Columbia Valley. Chardonnay leads in the Yakima Valley, while Pinot Gris thrives in the Yakima Valley and Horse Heaven Hills. Sauvignon Blanc, a more recent inclusion, is beginning to prosper in Yakima Valley and in the Horse Heaven Hills.

Blending of wines, especially with Bordeaux grapes, is common in Washington. This includes blends that adhere to the legal limit of 25 percent Cabernet and Merlot, as well as popular Meritage wines, often with equal parts Merlot and Cabernet. Despite Merlot's popularity surpassing Cabernet Sauvignon, a poor harvest can yield vegetal, thin wines. Among white grapes, Chardonnay dominates, but Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc offer refreshing wines. Riesling, the second most important white grape, yields notably expressive results.

Terroir of wines from Washington

Despite low cloud cover and intense sunlight, cooler temperatures in the eastern region support the growth of Pinot Noir. Summer temperatures range from 32-40°C, cooling sharply at night and prolonging grape ripening in the vineyards. However, sporadic frosts threaten the crop, so vineyards are located near rivers or on south-facing slopes to mitigate risk.

The Walla Walla Valley benefits from warm summers and cold winters. Therefore, fostering grape ripening and flavour complexity due to temperature fluctuations and diverse soil compositions. Yakima Valley's is defined by hot, arid summers and cold winters which enables grape cultivation. The Puget Sound appellation, which is influenced by the mild, humid Pacific Ocean climate.

Classifications of wines from Washington

Washington has several American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) with unique characteristics. These AVAs are as follows:

• The Ancient Lakes is named after its numerous lakes. This area experiences significant diurnal temperature swings and is ideal for preserving acidity (particularly important for Riesling).
• The Candy Mountain is the smallest AVA of Washington. The area is predominantly planted with red grape varieties due to its warm climate and southern aspect.
• Columbia Gorge is a wine region that is shared with Oregon. It exhibits diverse microclimates, which range from a dry to rainy climate, which in turn fosters grape cultivation.
• The expansive Columbia Valley encompasses over nearly 99% of Washington's vineyard acreage and is known for its warm climate and Cabernet Sauvignon. It serves as the umbrella appellation for sub-regions (like Horse Heaven Hills).
• The Horse Heaven Hills can be defined by its windy conditions, is conducive to Cabernet Sauvignon cultivation.
• Lake Chelan benefits from the moderating influence of Lake Chelan. Therefore this region produces cooler climate grapes.
• The Lewis-Clark Valley features higher temperatures and is therefore ideal for grape ripening.
• Naches Heights is located on a volcanic plateau and focuses on biodynamic and organic farming.
• Puget Sound enjoys a maritime climate, and therefore exhibits mild summers and abundant rainfall. So, the area is suited for grape growing without the need for irrigation.
• Rattlesnake Hills is located on the south slope of the Rattlesnake Hills and specializes in producing red wines.
• The Red Mountain is known for its warmth. Their dedication lies in cultivating blue grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon.
• The Royal Slope offers a range of elevations, allowing for diverse grape varieties.
• Snipes Mountain is elevated from its surroundings and features some of Washington's oldest grapevines.
• The Burn of Columbia Valley benefits from a longer growing season and increased precipitation.
• Wahluke Slope is characterized by its warm, dry climate and is renowned for its blue grape varieties.
• Walla Walla Valley is an area which is shared with the state of Oregon. Its home to numerous wineries and exhibits variability in rainfall.
• White Bluffs can be characterized for its elevated plateaus, which protects vines from cold air and extends the growing season.
• Yakima Valley is one of Washington's oldest AVAs and supports a variety of grape varieties in its diverse climates.