While Washington State ranks as the second-largest wine producer in the U.S., it remains a hidden gem in the wine world. With 20 unique American Viticultural Areas and over 1,000 wineries, it provides visitors with a friendly and unpretentious wine country experience, often likened to some of France’s most celebrated wine regions due to their shared latitude. Here are some must-see highlights for wine enthusiasts exploring the state.
Explore Charming Small Towns
In Washington’s wine region, visitors can discover numerous small towns, ranging from quaint hamlets with just 100 residents to those with populations around 10,000. These towns offer an authentic local experience amid the wineries. South of Yakima, Prosser, established in 1882, has transformed into a riverside haven and a perfect base for winery exploration. Visitors can hunt for antiques in its historic downtown, where many buildings date back to the 20th century, or even meet local alpacas at a nearby farm (by appointment). Each year, the city launches harvest season with The Great Prosser Balloon Rally, featuring sunrise and nighttime balloon launches, farmers markets, and a street painting festival.
Further east lies Benton City, located within the prestigious Red Mountain AVA, home to some of Washington’s most acclaimed vineyards and estates. Here, guests can savor elegant wines crafted from classic French and Italian grape varieties while enjoying views of iconic estates like Hedges Family Estate, Kiona Vineyards and Winery, Fidelitas Wines, and Col Solare.
The Tri-Cities area, composed of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, is situated at the heart of Washington’s Wine Country Region, where the Columbia and Snake rivers converge. Visitors will find excellent outdoor recreation, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a variety of comfortable lodging options for exploring the wine country. The Lodge at Columbia Point offers stunning waterfront views, spa services, and a restaurant featuring food and wines from across the region.
Discover American Viticultural Areas
Washington’s wine country lies east of the Cascade Mountains, with diverse growing regions that vary in area, climate, and soil types, allowing for 80 different grape varieties to thrive, producing 17 million cases of wine annually. The region has seen significant development over time, starting with Yakima Valley, the state’s first designated AVA in 1983, and more recently, Goose Gap, White Bluffs, and The Burn of Columbia Valley, designated in 2021. Named after the Yakama Native American tribe, Yakima Valley is one of Washington’s most diverse growing areas, with top varieties including Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Visitors can enjoy sweeping orchard views and shareable small plates at Freehand Cellars, or opt for a guided e-bike tour of nearby wineries with Kickstand Tours.
Walla Walla Valley, the easternmost AVA in Washington’s wine country, boasts the highest concentration of wineries in the state, with over 130, including some of the oldest, such as Woodward Canyon (1981) and L’Ecole No. 41 (1983). This region has earned the title of ‘Best Wine Region’ for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022. Visitors can deepen their understanding of winemaking in Walla Walla through blending experiences hosted by Northstar Winery and Canoe Ridge Vineyard.
Celebrate Crush Season Events
Washington’s crush season extends from mid-August to mid-October, with harvest celebrations taking place in early November throughout the wine country. Yakima hosts the annual Sip and Stroll festival in early November, bringing together key players from the local craft beverage scene, including wine and cider producers. Both locals and visitors can sample everything from new wine releases to seasonal beers while exploring the city’s downtown businesses that host tastings. Walla Walla Valley marks the end of the harvest with Fall Release Weekend, where from November 1-3, wineries hold special events to unveil their newest wines. Attendees can engage with winemakers and sample fresh batches of wine.
