Washington Wines (52)

Excellent Premium Wines from Washington 

The diversity of grape varieties may come as a surprise at first, but in fact, the conditions for many grape varieties are ideal. After all, the vineyard areas of Washington State lie on the same geographical latitude as the French wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy. The climate is perfect for producing outstanding premium wines. Exquisite wines are now being crafted in smaller and medium-sized wineries just outside Seattle.

As an immigration country, the USA is culturally shaped by various influences. Winegrowing was primarily established by Italian, French, and German immigrants. The first wine in Washington State was produced around 1825, but the wineries we find today were only established from the 1960s onwards.

Location and Geographical Conditions of the Wine Regions in Washington

The geographical conditions are favorable for many grape varieties, and correspondingly diverse are the red and white wines from this region. The largest wine region in Washington State is the Columbia Valley. The valleys of the Columbia and Yakima rivers in the inland area contain most of the vineyards. They are protected from precipitation by the Cascade Mountains. Another region extends into Oregon, the more easterly Walla Walla region is characterized by a milder climate.

What is the climate like in the Washington wine region?

Summers are warm with many hours of sunshine, while winters can be very cold. However, the protection of the Cascade Mountains and the waters of the rivers create an optimal microclimate for viticulture in the Columbia Valley. The vines are shielded from cold rain showers, and the river waters provide slightly milder temperatures in winter and moderate summer heat. Irrigation is necessary in the valley, however.

Many hours of sunshine and consistent summer temperatures allow the grapes to ripen optimally. The larger temperature differences between day and night create an interesting harmonious interplay of acidity and sweetness as well as pronounced fruit aromas.

What soils support Washington wine growth?

Especially in the Columbia Valley, the soils are predominantly nutrient-poor and sandy (alluvial soil). The parent rock consists of basalt. The soil texture is loose and sandy, making it unsuitable for the spread of phylloxera, which requires firmer soils to build its tunnels. While many European wine regions had to use new rootstocks and grafts after the Great Phylloxera Crisis in the late 19th century, this was not necessary in the Columbia Valley. Therefore, most vines in Washington State are own-rooted.

Which grape varieties are grown in Washington State?

Today, the Columbia Valley is the second largest wine region in the USA. It is not only known for its high-quality premium wines, which are predominantly sold within the country. The diversity of grape varieties also distinguishes the region.

The most important grape varieties in Washington State are:

• Concord Grapes
• Cabernet Sauvignon 
• Chardonnay 
• Merlot 
• Zinfandel 
• Malbec 
• Shiraz 

In the cooler peripheral areas, Riesling and Sémillon also thrive.

What are the outstanding wineries in Washington State?

The first wineries were founded in the 1960s. Columbia Winery planted its first vines in 1957. Since 1951, the vines of Château Ste. Michelle have been growing. The first officially designated Washington wine was produced in 1967.

Today, around 740 wineries produce wine in Washington. Many of these are still small to medium-sized businesses, with a maximum production volume of 5,000 cases of wine per year (a prominent exception is Ste. Michelle, with over 2 million cases per year). Quality is generally prioritized over quantity here. Additionally, the state of Washington has committed to a resource-saving and sustainable approach to water use in its wine industry.

One of the most well-known wineries is Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, which is the largest producer of Riesling wines in the USA.

Chateau Ste. Michelle is not only the oldest winery in Washington State but has also received the most awards. It has been awarded "Winery of the Year" by Wine Enthusiast 15 times already. The Columbia Crest winery is also well-known among wine connoisseurs. It has produced the most 90+ rated wines (Wine Spectator) worldwide.

Purchase Washington wines online at VINELLO

We invite you to try the popular wines from Washington. Browse through our selection at your leisure and find your new favorite wine at VINELLO today. We are proud to present a large assortment that includes wines from various parts of the world.

We place great importance on customer satisfaction. Therefore, we guarantee that your shopping experience with us is secure. We also ensure fast delivery so that your requested package arrives without long wait times. Please feel free to submit a consultation request to our sommeliers - we are happy to assist you!