Exploring the Wine Regions of Washington State

Washington State has become recognized for its wines and it only continues to get better. The four most notable regions for winemaking are Yakima, Red Mountain, Walla Walla and Columbia Valley. The interesting note is that the mountains, valleys allow for variations in the soil and temperature that give each of these areas its own distinct grapes. You can find phenomenal cabernet sauvignon in all, but additional varietals are being experimented with in everywhere. All four American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) are worth a visit to both taste the wines and check out other local attributes.

Yakima

Yakima was the first of the major wine regions in Washington, though it is not the largest in total wineries. This is the area to go if you like white wine as you will find a lot more here than anywhere else in Washington. Silver Lake Winery makes wonderful pinot gris and chardonnay. If you are looking for more typical Washington wine, visit Agate Field and Cultura for fruity cabernets. In Yakima, you can also check out one of the most unique experiences you will find in any wine country. Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast and Barn offers wine tours by horseback, overnight accommodations in teepees and treatments by Ummelina Spa.

Red Mountain

The Red Mountain AVA is one of the youngest and smallest in Washington. It is a distinct area full of colorful hills, with the Columbia River running through the valley. Red Mountain is also an eco-friendly wine region, with priority given to the environment by all the producers in this area. There are only about a dozen wineries in this area, but they are worth the trip. Terra Blanca Winery is a must stop, with unforgettable views and a new age cave that rivals the classics in Champagne. They also have quite a wine collection, including berry-filled merlots and chardonnay that holds its own without oaking.

Walla Walla

Walla Walla, Washington, was referenced in old Bugs Bunny cartoons, but once you visit here, your memories will be quite different. The quaint downtown is full of little shops and gourmet restaurants (Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen and Whitehouse Crawford are wonderful). The vineyard owners in Walla Walla work together and cherish the land that produces some rich reds on just over 1,200 acres. Some notables are Amalfi, L'Ecole, Waterbrook, Dusted Valley and Seven Hills. Make sure you also check out Dunham Cellars. In addition to making his own noteworthy wines, Eric Dunham has partnered with actor Kyle MacLachlan to produce the acclaimed Pursued by Bear and Baby Bear.

Columbia Valley

Although most people refer to Columbia Valley wines as being the best in Washington, the designation is a little deceiving. The Columbia Valley AVA actually encompasses all of the above wine areas, yet is referred to as an AVA of its own. Some of the producers worth visiting that just consider themselves makers of Columbia Valley wine are Cave B Estate Winery, Preston Premium Wine and Bunnell Family Cellars. Before you head out of the Columbia Valley, make a stop at Country Mercantile for some homemade treats that include chocolate, ice cream and even tamales.

Traveling to and from Washington is easy with flights to Seattle available from all over the United States. From there, you can either drive or take a short flight on one of the regional airlines flying out of that hub. Flights are available directly to Yakima, Pasco (near Red Mountain and Columbia Valley) and Walla Walla. If you are short on time, another option is to check out Woodinville just about an hour from Seattle. There you can find stay at the luxuriously rustic Willows Lodge and visit Columbia Winery, as well as the tasting rooms for nearly 100 Washington wineries.

For more information on traveling to Washington Wine Country, visit their official website.