Washington Washington state has developed into quite the producer of quality wines, but with merely 6% the production of California’s vineyards. Early in its wine history, it relied almost entirely on the labrusca grape. In the 1950s, Seattle’s largest winery, American Wine Growers, established experimental vineyards of various classic European varieties, but it wasn’t until the late 60s that true notoriety was achieved with an excellent Gewürztraminer under the Chateau St. Michelle label. Most wines are intensely flavorful with a fresh acid bite that prevent the flavors from becoming jammy.
| Primary Grapes: |
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir |
| Secondary Grapes: |
Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Chenin Blanc, Lemberger |
| Production: |
20.3 million gallons |
Primary Wine
Region(s): |
Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley |
| Premium Labels: |
Chateau St. Michelle, Preston, Hogue Cellars, Leonetti, L’Ecole, Quail Run, Hedges, Colombia |
| Best Values: |
Columbia Crest, Hogue, Covey Run, Arbor Crest, Canoe Ridge |
Link to the Official Website of the Washington Wine Commission |
