Wine from Washington

Washington state is the second largest wine producer in the United States and has over 43,000 acres of vineyards. Cinsault grapes were originally brought to Washington by Italian immigrants. Because of this, the Walla Walla Region. The two biggest wineries, Columbia and Chateau Ste Michelle, were founded in the 1950's, and 1960’s.

The long days filled with sunlight, along with the consistent temperatures, are what influences the vines in the vineyards.

Washington is divided vitculturally and geographically and is divided into sections that separate the Cascade Mountain chain. Western Washington produces less than 1% of the wine in Washington mainly due to the wet conditions in Tacoma, Olympia, and Seattle.

Andrew Will, Chateau Ste Michelle, and Quilceda Creek are some of the wineries that actually have wine production on the premises in the western part of Washington.

The Willridge Winery, along with other city wineries, is located in Seattle. Most of the grapes come from Eastern Washington, which is much drier and warmer.

The Columbia Valley is home to several small AVA’s that include Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, Walla Wall Valley, Yakima Valle, Snipes Mountain, and Rattlesnake Hills. Two other AVA’s are pending and include the Ancient Lakes and another located near Wenatchee on the Columbia River. One of the newest AVA’s in Washington is on the western side of Central Washington.