Washington State

Although Washington State’s wine industry is comparatively young, it is now America’s second-largest wine producing state and produces some outstanding wines. 

Geography and climate

Washington State is on approximately the same latitude as France, and the state's geographic make-up includes a variety of microclimates suited to a range of grape varieties. The main American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) include the Yakima, Walla Walla and Columbia valleys, Puget Sound, Red Mountain and Columbia Gorge, each with its own unique climate, soil and physical features.

Washington State's northerly latitude provides an average of two more hours of sunlight during the prime growing season than in latitude provides an average of two more hours of sunlight during the prime growing season than in California: Washington's 17.4 average summer hours of sunlight and warm days allow the grapes to ripen fully, while cool nights keep fruit acids high, creating rich, flavorful, well-balanced wines.

Grape varieties

White wine grapes grown in Washington State include Chardonnay and Riesling, while red wine grape production focuses on Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.