Washington State
Washington's eastern Columbia Valley, with its big diurnal swings and irrigated desert soils, produces sophisticated Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah plus some of America's best Riesling.
Fast facts
At a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Climate | Semi-arid, continental, irrigated |
| Geography | Columbia Valley east of the Cascade range |
| Key appellations | Columbia Valley · Walla Walla Valley · Yakima Valley · Columbia Gorge · Red Mountain |
| Main grapes | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling |
| Famous for | Cabernet & Merlot, Syrah, Walla Walla, Riesling |
Grapes
Signature grapes of Washington State
The varieties that define this region's wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the world's most famous red grape, the backbone of Bordeaux's great blended wines and th…
Merlot
Merlot is France's most planted red grape and the plush partner to Cabernet in Bordeaux blends, especially on …
Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah (known as Shiraz in Australia) is one of the world's great black grapes, capable of extraordinary power …
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the world's most planted white grape and a remarkable blank canvas for terroir and winemaking. F…
Riesling
Riesling is one of the world's greatest white grapes — aromatic, intensely acidic, and profoundly age-worthy. …
Nearby
Related regions
Explore neighbouring wine areas.
Wine travel
Visiting Washington State
Walla Walla's historic downtown, Yakima Valley's orchards and the dramatic Columbia Gorge make a rewarding road trip.
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