Washington State is creating some of the most exciting wines in the world. Built for enthusiasts, Washington State is a beautiful wine paradise home to family estates, sustainable viticulture and talented craftsmanship. Here we explore 6 reasons why your next bottle of wine should be from Washington State.
Washington state currently has over 1,000 wineries. Geographically located just under British Columbia Canada and directly above Oregon, U.S.A. Washington state is a young wine region that first planted vines in the early 1980’s. A complex, historical and intriguing region, Washington State is full of fascinating wines. The region boasts gorgeous natural views including evergreen coasts, snow-capped mountains and a vast sagebrush desert. Washington is a region that receives over 300 days of sunshine making it ideal for winemakers, premium wine growing and acclaimed red wines.
See also: Volcanic Rocks to Curious Winemaking w/ Juan Muñoz-Oca
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Made for Enthusiasts
If you’re a lover of fine red wines, this is a place you need to get to know. Columbia Valley is Washington’s largest growing area at 11 million acres. There are also 19 other exciting American Viticultural Areas (AVA’s) to discover. From Riesling, to Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet or any other of the 70 grape varieties grown, Washington State makes wines that will impress the palate of any wine enthusiast.
Volcanic History
The story of Washington state geology is a dramatic one, with volcanic activity creating the area’s bedrock and colossal ice age floods giving the state’s vineyards their soil. Washington’s grape growing regions are truly born of fire and ice. Vines grow out of volcanic terroir and lean soils producing wines with character and finesse. There is a vast difference in day to night temperatures helping the plants to rest and develop natural acidity. Vineyards also receive plenty of sunlight and benefit from a rain shadow, allowing the region the ideal amount of water. Idyllic for premium grape growing, Washington State grapes grow in perfect conditions for the production of premium red wines.
Sustainability
Washington vineyards are sustainable by nature. The region has arid temperatures and low humidity allowing vines to thrive with little worry of pests and diseases. Having these ideal weather conditions help to naturally control fungal diseases reducing the need for chemical sprays on the vineyards.
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Latitude
When it comes to grape growing, location matters. Washington State is located on the 46 degree parallel. The Rhône Valley in France, (who produces iconic and high quality red wines) is also situated on this parallel. Washington State winemakers are inspired by the South of France and look to this region for style and winemaking techniques. Both regions plant full-bodied red wine grapes like Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet, Merlot etc.
Family Run Estates
Washington State wines are hand-crafted by ambitious, talented winemakers. The goal of each winery is to craft wines that showcase authentic fruit expression. Winemakers also want to create wines that are balanced with old-world structure and new world elegance. Farmers with organic, biodynamics and minimal intervention philosophies treat the land with respect.
A Wild West Adventure
Washington State is a place every red wine lover needs to put on their wine travel bucket list! While driving through Washington state you’ll see blowing tumbleweeds and picturesque sunsets. If you’re looking to plan a trip to Washington State, I would recommend flying into Seattle, renting a car and drive east past the Cascade mountains to wine country. With enticing appellation names like Horse Heaven Hills, Rattlesnake Hills, Snipes Mountain, Candy Mountain, and Ancient Lakes, the chapters to this adventure sound exciting, thrilling and suspenseful! Walla Walla is home to Washington’s oldest wineries and has the highest concentration of wineries in the state.
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For more visit https://www.washingtonwine.org/
Here are a few great wines for you to look out for:
