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Washington State wines: everything you need to know
- Kate Hawkings
Published: July 24, 2026 at 9:30 AM
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Olive’s wine expert breaks down the new wave of dynamic winemakers causing a stir in the Pacific Northwest. With stunning landscapes and a diverse wine scene, this US state is ripe for discovery
Despite being overshadowed by its famous neighbours Oregon and California to the south, Washington State is the second largest wine producer in the USA, home to more than 400 growers and 1,000 wineries. The main growing region is the Columbia Valley, a remarkable place encompassing several distinctive sub-regions with a unique geology formed by a series of huge floods at the end of the last Ice Age. In the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains to the west, it’s a mainly flat, semi-arid desert criss-crossed by rivers that irrigate the vines as well as apples, cherries, hops and other crops. There is a huge diurnal range – temperatures in the summer can drop from around 40C to close to freezing overnight – which helps grapes retain acidity and freshness, an important factor in the face of climate change. Although vines were planted here by European settlers in the 19th century, the modern wine industry only kicked off in the late 1960s with plantings of mainly French varieties chosen to emulate the great wines of Bordeaux. These days more than 80 varieties are grown and wine is made in many different styles.
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Washington State's main grape varieties
Riesling is the state’s signature white grape, produced in wonderfully aromatic dry and off-dry styles, while chardonnay is also widely planted, often barrel-fermented but increasingly made crisper and more delicate without the use of oak. Other exciting grapes include chenin blanc, verdelho and albariño. Bordeaux varieties dominate the reds, mainly cabernet sauvignon and merlot, made traditionally with plenty of oak influence, concentration and alcohol. Rhône varieties also shine – syrah, grenache and mourvèdre – and often are more elegant, along with non-French grapes such as tempranillo and sangiovese, which are sometimes blended with white grapes to make very gluggable wines.
Key styles of wine in the region
Powerful reds are the region’s calling card, usually made in American oak barrels which impart bolder and sweeter flavours than their European counterparts. These wines, as well as oaky whites, are best decanted before serving to open up flavours and soften chewy tannins. While some boutique producers make lighter, fresher wines more suited to modern palates, few are available in the UK as they are made in very small quantities.
Where to stay
Washington State would make a thrilling road trip with its spectacular landscapes, outdoors activities and culinary scene. Visit cool urban wineries in buzzy Seattle, then drive over the Cascade Mountains into the grape-growing regions, finishing with a trip through the Columbia River gorge to Portland in Oregon. The Marcus Whitman Hotel is located in friendly Walla Walla city in the Walla Walla Valley AVA (American Viticulture Area), straddling the Washington-Oregon border, and there are several winery tasting rooms within easy reach of this lovely historic hotel.
The best Washington State wines to try
Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay
- Available from Majestic Wine (£19)
Washington’s oldest winery, established in 1967 and situated in Woodinville just outside Seattle, makes wine from grapes grown in the Columbia River Valley. This classic oaked chardonnay is rich and buttery with scents of dried apricots, warm pastry and toasted nuts. Great with creamy pasta sauces or a roast chicken.
Lone Birch Riesling
- Available from thewinesociety.com (£12.50)
A smartly priced off-dry riesling from a family winery in the Yakima Valley region which grows its own grapes very much with an eye on sustainability. Fragrant with notes of peaches, pineapple, kiwis and lemon curd, its bright acidity keeps it fresh and very moreish. Try with gently spiced food.
Pursued By Bear Bear Cub Red
- Available from hedonism.co.uk (£42)
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From a winery founded by actor Kyle MacLachlan, this powerful cabernet sauvignon/merlot/syrah blend is firmly in the old world style, aged in French oak barrels, packed with ripe cherry, blackcurrant and blueberry fruit with notes of vanilla and chocolate. One for barbecues or a good steak on a rainy summer’s night.
Authors
Kate HawkingsWine Columnist
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