With the world’s wine regions vying for consumer attention, industry leaders and pros speak up about why it makes great sense to drink Washington first
Special Report by John Vitale
WASHINGTON STATE continues to gain traction as one of the finest growing regions in the country. And it’s reputation is spreading globally too, thanks to a host of veteran winegrape growers and dedicated wineries who raise the bar significantly higher every vintage.
The men and women behind these wineries are heat-seeking missiles in their single-minded quest to bottle only the best juice. And, at a quality-to-price ratio that California, French and most European wineries can’t touch. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Washington wineries are innovative tourism leaders, wine storage proprietors and restaurateurs who do their fair share of the heavy lifting when it comes to shining a spotlight on Washington wine.
Supporting local wine producers has never been more important. Tasting wine is a discovery of the senses, and there are numerous ways to do this: join a wine club or two, purchase bottles from your favorite restaurant, order direct online. And by all means, visit a tasting room—they are one of the cleanliest places on the planet.
Yakima Valley Tourism
John Cooper
, President & CEO
“It’s more than sharing the same latitude as great European wine regions that make Washington wines great. From climate to soil enriched by ancient geological events, Washington winemakers benefit from ideal conditions for growing exceptional wine grapes. Now, more than ever, we should all enjoy Washington wines. Not only do our winemakers produce diverse, world-class wines, many are crafted by small operators and independent wineries needing our support. Explore new Washington wines you haven’t tried by having them shipped to your home. Then, visit in person when the time is right.”
Mercer Wine Estates
Rob & Brenda Mercer
, Owners
“We drink Washington wines everywhere we go. And, we love to order them when we are out of state, just for fun. We are never disappointed! Washington wines, sip-for-sip, rate right up there with premier wines in the world, and usually at an outstanding value.”
Maryhill Winery Tasting Room & Bistro
Craig & Vicki Leuthold,
Owners
“The diversity of all the different appellations we have, and all the different vineyard sources makes Washington special. At Maryhill Winery, we are committed to sourcing from 20 vineyards and 8 appellations. This really highlights how many unique growing areas we have, from the Columbia River Gorge down around Bingen and White Salmon being suitable for things like Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, to the Horse Heaven Hills that’s incredibly dry with four to six inches of rain where they grow Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The list goes on and on about what we’re capable of doing in Washington.”
L’Ecole Nº 41
Marty Clubb
, Owner & Managing Winemaker
“Smart wine lovers choose Washington wine! Thanks to our excellent grape growing conditions, top producers continue to deliver expressive, world-class wines—from interesting dry Rosé wines, to easy-to-enjoy summer whites, to classic age-worthy reds. Washington’s diverse range of styles rewards those seeking the perfect bottle to accompany their dinner as well as those eager to discover the potential of the state. On top of all that, Washington wines remain a great value at every price point.”
The Walls Vineyards
Carrie Alexander
, General Manager
“I think one of the best reasons to drink Washington Wine is its diversity of style, varietal and price point. Whether you prefer a high end, well made Cabernet Sauvignon, a bright crisp Rosé, a killer GSM or anything in between, you can find something to love in Washington wine!”
Tsillan Cellars
Dr. Bob Jankelson
, Founder & Owner
“Washington wine is a gift of geography, soil and sun playing music in the vineyards. Washington’s best winemakers take this gift of vineyard music to compose a symphony when a bottle of Washington wine is opened.
Tsillan Cellars (recently named 2020 Washington Winery of the Year) is a pioneering 127 acre destination estate winery overlooking beautiful Lake Chelan. The winery and vineyards are located in the relatively new Lake Chelan AVA. Fourteen varietals from aromatic whites such as Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer and Riesling to subtle Sangiovese and full-bodied reds such as Syrah, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon thrive on the long, hot summer days and cool summer evenings. Tsillan Cellars estate-grown Syrah and Malbec routinely win Double Gold and Best of Class in major international wine competitions attesting to the fact this young Washington viticulture area can compete with the best. Ray Sandidge, a 30-year veteran of Washington winemaking, heads the Tsillan Cellars winemaking team.”
Waterbrook Winery & Browne Family Vineyards
John Freeman,
Winemaker
“I love Washington wines for many reasons, but probably the number one reason is our wines are high quality and affordable which means consumers can enjoy a great bottle of wine every night without spending a fortune. We are about as North as it gets for wine growing regions in the U.S. so we have more sunlight during the growing season and cool nights for the vines to rest at night. This gives Washington wines a great natural acidity that brightens up white wines and protects red wines if you choose to age them. My favorite wine is Merlot, and in the early 2000s a friend brought me a few Washington Merlots. I liked them so much it cemented my decision to move here to be part of this industry.”
Patterson Cellars
John Patterson, Owner & Winemaker
“One of my favorite things about Washington wine is the diversity of all the varietals that are grown here. The uniqueness of Washington AVA’s gives winemakers a canvas that we can select from and find something that is unique to each of us.”
Eye of the Needle Winery
Bob & Lauren Bullock
, Owners
“The diversity of Washington wine grapes could lead one to ask, why would I choose to drink wines from other places? Why would I not start right here? One great reason… you can take a trip around the world and never leave the state! We, at Eye of the Needle Winery, work exclusively with Washington wines and love working with the usual suspects. Our bigger joy is to create wines with the harder-to-find unusual suspects. Chenin Blanc, Barbera, Sangiovese, Aglianico, Sagrantino, to name a few. Unique to Washington are the soils, micro-climates and our region on the globe. Another reason, taste! Find Old World and New World wines while enjoying the deliciousness that comes from such a young growing region. It’s just impressive.”
Rocky Pond Winery
John D. Ware
, President
“Washington’s unique geology coupled with its abundance of winemaking talent has created a wine mecca that rivals Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and other top regions of the world—not only in quality, but in value. For a fraction of the price, wine enthusiasts can experience bright, elegant, fruit-forward and aromatic wines from Washington’s 14 AVAs and over 1,000 wineries. So whether you prefer red or white wines, there is an unforgettable wine experience waiting for you.”
Northwest Cellars
Bob Delf
, Owner
“Long before I started the winery in 2004 I was impressed by wines from Washington. I enjoyed wines made by David Lake from vintages in the ’70s, from Hedges in later years, and many others. I just don’t think there are better wines anywhere in the world for the price. Don’t get me wrong, I do like some other regional wines like super Tuscans from Italy, Rioja and Monastrell from Spain, and some California wines.”
Wine Storage Bellevue & The Stor-House Self Storage
Patrick J. Gilroy
, Owner
“A preponderance of Washington winemakers, producers, growers and managers have worked together to create world-class wines that are enjoyable not only as a current vintage, but many years into the future. We are proud to store vintages from many Washington producers, so wine drinkers can enjoy them at any time—now or years from now—knowing they’ve been kept at their optimal conditions for aging.”
Rolling Bay Winery
Alphonse de Klerk
, Winemaker
“Washington State is second in the nation for production of premium wine. Grown in some of the most unique growing regions, Washington wine grapes are influenced by a wide variety of macro and micro-climates, altitudes and soils. Wines made from Washington grapes are world class yet unpretentious, made with passion by an industry that is collaborative and truly excited for what is happening in their state.”
Pondera Winery
Shane Howard,
Winemaker
“There is something for just about everyone in Washington State. We have many distinct micro-climates which allow for different winemaking styles to flourish, giving winemakers incredible fruit for an abundance of high quality, well balanced wines year after year. As a winemaker, I am proud to be part of the wave of producers bringing Washington’s ‘world-class’ wines to wine lovers everywhere at more affordable prices than comparable wines elsewhere.”
Treveri Cellars
Christian Grieb
, V.P. Sales and Winemaker
“Sparkling wines from Washington are exciting and captivating in a way that no other sparkling wines are. The region is still largely undiscovered, yet yields superior quality fruit that rivals Europe and California. Sparkling wines from Washington also offer extreme value for the quality of wine produced. At Treveri, we make exclusively Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines which have held their own against sparkling wines produced across the country.”
Cairdeas Winery
Charlie Lybecker,
Owner
“Washington State wines show exceptional elegance with the delicate balance of acidity, fruit, earth and spice while keeping alcohol/volume in check. We are making some of the most unique wines in the world and have some very talented winemakers and innovators creating some amazing wines.”
Tour Prosser
Gordon Taylor
, Vice President of Prosser Chamber of Commerce, and Owner Davenlore Winery
“It takes a village, everyone from the field staff, grower, winemaker to the research scientists has an impact and the desire to make Washington wine world class. Here in Washington we are not known for just one wine. We do all of them well and I am good with that.”
Warr-King Wines
Lisa Warr-King Packer,
Owner & Winemaker
“Washington State produces some of the best grapes in the world because of the varied terroir, amazing soils, and a climate of long sunny days and cool nights in the eastern part of the state. This uniqueness of conditions results in fruit that creates wines with splendid structure, minerality and lovely acidity. It is a place where Old World varietals meet New World terroir. A place where luscious fruit, passionate growers, and innovative winemakers, all commit to making spectacular wines from an amazing place, Washington State.”
Chandler Reach Vineyards
Meghan Potter
, Direct-to-Consumer Sales
& Marketing Manager
“It’s hard to pinpoint only a single great reason to drink Washington wine! We’re a close-knit community, one where you can really dive in and get to know growers, winemakers, and the story behind the wines. While young in terms of a growing region, our 14 AVA’s offer idyllic growing conditions; each with their own special characteristics. We are able to successfully harvest many different varietals. There is truly something to offer every wine lover.”
Jacob Williams Winery
Regina Busse
, General Manager
“What makes Washington wine so great? In short, soil and climate. Washington benefits from nutrient rich soil, the product of the Great Missoula Floods. Gravel, sand and volcanic ash converge around fertile river beds, creating ideal vineyard conditions. Washington also benefits from a desert-like climate. Hot days and cool nights translate to the perfect conditions for ripening fruit. Add to this some of the best winemakers in the country and you have the recipe for perfection.”
Brian Carter Cellars
Brian Carter
, Winemaker
“Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise, Tempranillo, Graciano, Sangiovese, Touriga Nacional, Souzao, Viognier, Roussanne and more; how many places are there in the world that grow such an incredible selection of great blending varieties, and do them all to such a high level of quality? Washington: The Blending Capitol of the world.”
Tinte Cellars
Noah Fox Reed
, Head Winemaker
Rebecca Germano,
Assistant Winemaker
“Washington wine growing regions span verdant river valleys to rolling plains, scoured by primeval floods and covered by ancient eruptions. Vineyard roots explore deep loess soils yearning to thrive. The special harmony that exists between the distinctive Eastern Washington terroir and dedicated winemakers throughout the state is embraced by our winemakers to produce wines of extraordinary character and world-class reputation.”
Columbia Winery
Sean Hails
, Winemaker
“The quality of wines made in Washington is incredibly high—and you can’t say that about every winemaking region. We have diversity here that is unlike any other place. Our winemaking philosophy is to support that diversity by constantly looking at new yeast strains or oak regimes to craft the best possible blends.”
Gard Vintners and Lawrence Vineyards
Josh & Lisa Lawrence
, Co-Proprietors/Owners
“Washington offers an immense range of wines due to all the unique growing regions in the state. This is one reason Washington hasn’t quite found one or two grape varieties to ‘hang our hat’ on, so to speak—we do a wide range of varietals very well.”
C.R. Sandidge Wines
Ray Sandidge
, Winemaker/Owner
“Having traveled throughout the world and also making wine in Europe, I believe that Washington State fruit quality is second to none.”
Kiona Vineyards and Winery
JJ Williams
, Sales Manager
“The most interesting wines in the world are representative of their place of origin. There’s a reason regions like Bordeaux, Tuscany, and Champagne are famous; they produce wines of outstanding quality that are distinctive from those made elsewhere. Washington State has elevated itself to the point where we belong in that discussion. The point of drinking a wine is not to rank it, but to enjoy it. To experience Washington wine in conjunction with other fantastic offerings from around the world rewards the drinker with both quality and perspective.”