An Insider's Guide to Wine Tasting In Washington
Who better to talk about wine tasting in Washington than someone who pours Washington wine all day long!
There are over 1,000 wineries in Washington State and they can be tasted on both sides of the state (for those not in the know, the state is divided in two by a giant mountain range). Wine is grown in the eastern side of the state, where the high desert climate means hot days and cool nights, providing a diurnal shift that produces beautifully dramatic flavors in the wines. Washington Vineyards are planted on the same latitudinal plane as the major wine regions in France meaning you’ll find lots of French varietals that do exceptionally well in the Pacific North West. Washington produces the second largest amount of wine in the US, right after California and if you haven’t already tried some now’s the moment to give some of them a chance!
There are 16 different AVAs (American Vitaculture Areas) in Washington and with USA Today voting one of them, Walla Walla Valley, as America’s Best Wine Region it’s easy to see why they’re worth checking out! Other AVAs to keep an eye on when you’re looking at which wines to try are Red Mountain, Horse Heaven Hills, Yakima Valley, and Chelan Valley (most of the Chelan Valley wines have tasting rooms in the utterly picturesque Bavarian inspired town of Leavenworth which is nestled on the edge of the Cascade Mountains, next to the Wenatchee River and absolutely worth the day trip from Seattle).
While you can absolutely drive out to Eastern Washington and taste at the vineyards themselves the Washington Wine community has made it easy on you and set up over 100 tasting rooms just north of Seattle in a darling town called Woodinville. The Woodinville Wine District the perfect one stop shop for any wine aficionado, or newbie, travelling to Seattle!
Woodinville has enough tasting rooms for several weeks worth of visits (over 100 tasting rooms) but if you’re only in town for a few days here are the ones I would encourage you to stop at:
Chateau Ste Michelle
You’ve probably seen their bottles at your local grocery store but what you might not realize is that they make winery exclusive wines, too! They’ve got 150 different wines you can find at their winery’s shop. Between getting a chance to try some of their exclusive labels, or one of their ten different Rieslings, they’ve also got a concert field where you can see people like John Legend or Nora Jones during the summers! But those tickets sell out fast so be sure to get them well in advanced (when we’re allowed to go to concerts again).
My Favorite: 2015 Tenet
Col Solare
They’ve got their winery out on Red Mountain where you can taste and go on a winery tour but they’ve also got a tasting room inside of the Chateau Ste Michelle property that you can book a reservation for, too. If you love big reds then this is an absolute must for you! The elegant flavors of their Super Tuscan inspired wines are not to be missed. Without doubt, some of the most elegant and elevated New World wines you’ll find around.
My Favorite: 2018 Col Solare Collector’s Society Carmemere
DeLille Cellars
With three floors and patio spaces, too there’s plenty of room for a tasting at Delille. Another winery with a large Red Mountain selection makes for some beautiful reds; but snagging a bottle of their Chaleur Blanc is also a brilliant idea!
My Favorite: 2019 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Blanc Blend
Long Shadows
The sheer innovation involved in the process with the various wine makers who partner with Long Shadows make a stop by their tasting room an absolute must, assuming you can get a reservation! The Walla Walla winery is one with strong ties to the entire Washington Wine community and they prove it with every bottle they produce.
My Favorite: 2018 Long Shadows Poet’s Leap Riesling
Matthews Winery
A chic tasting room with a great patio space that is definitely worth the visit, whether you’re on your way into Woodinville, or on your way out, don’t miss your chance to stop at Matthews before your day is out.
My Favorite: 2017 Matthews Cuvee Blend
Fidelitas
Delightful Red Mountain AVA red wines that you simply have to try. (You can thank me later.) These wines are always a hit and a favorite of many of my friends.
My Favorite: 2018 Red Mountain Malbec
Mark Ryan
Centrally located in the heart of Woodinville Mark Ryan is not to be missed!
My Favorite: 2017 Mark Ryan Lost Soul Red Willow Vineyard Syrah
Maryhill
With a generous seven wines on their tastings and taking place in the historic Hollywood School House’s restored ballroom this is one tasting you’ll be sure to enjoy!
My Favorite: 2017 Syrah
Browne Family Vineyards
Not in Woodinville, but in Pioneer Square in the heart of Downtown Seattle, this is a tasting room that is not to be missed! The wines are superb and with several tastings you can try there’s always something for everyone.
My Favorite: 2017 Celebrate Cabernet Sauvignon (Special Mention: 2018 Do Epic Shit Red Blend)