Take your Wine Adventures to Washington State
There are few places quite as beautiful as Washington State in the summertime, and with such amazing weather and gorgeous views, the Washington state wine regions are the perfect place to take your wine adventures. Especially during Washington Wine Month where you will find over 1,000 wineries across the state celebrating. Food, live music… and of course the best wines.
With so many amazing and delightful wineries in Washington to choose from, we’d like to highlight a few standout experiences we’ve enjoyed.
Red Mountain – Kiona Vineyards & Hedges Family Estate
One of our favorite wine regions in the nation is the stunning Red Mountain Region in Washington State, and nestled right in the heart is Kiona Vineyards. Founded in 1975, Kiona Vineyards is family owned for three generations, growing grapes and producing amazing wines. From initial planting of the vines to bottling of product, Kiona Vineyards is responsible for every aspect of the finished product set forth into the world.
For summer, Kiona Vineyards features an Estate Red Mountain Sangiovese, which although does not enjoy great mainstream popularity yet, features grapes that grow exceptionally well in the Red Mountain region. The flavor is layered, with bright cherry aromas and a zingy acid finish. If you prefer a crisp, revitalizing white, The Kiona Vineyards Chenin Blanc is easy to drink with a delightful mix of citrus and a thoroughly refreshing finish. The Chenin Blanc pairs exceptionally well with poultry and soft to semi-firm cow’s milk cheeses and makes a stellar addition to your summertime table.
Staying within the Red Mountain Region of Washington State, another can’t-miss location is the Hedges Family Estate. Established in 1987, the Hedges Chateau is in the heart of Red Mountain and is surrounded with beautiful views and an Old World European feel.
For summertime wine drinking, try the Hedges Family Estate ‘Descendants Liegeois Dupont – DLD’ Le Rose, Columbia Valley, USA 2019. Right away you get a sense of mandarin zest and orange oil, with a touch of tropical fruit and candied melon. A hint of rose petal and a light hint of spearmint creates interest in this light and fruity, yet complex rosé.
Columbia Gorge Region – Maryhill Winery & Major Creek Cellars
Washington State is rich with winery regions beyond Red Mountain, and we would be remiss if we didn’t mention a couple of the stellar wineries in the rich Columbia Gorge region in Eastern and Western Washington. Featuring about 20 wineries along the Columbia River, the Columbia Gorge region is another bucket list locale to visit.
Nestled within the Columbia Gorge Region is the fantastic Maryhill Winery, established in 1999 by Craig and Vicki Leuthold. With a 3,000-square-foot tasting room, gorgeous vine-covered arbor, and beautiful picnic grounds, the winery has grown to produce more than 90,000 cases, making it the 9th largest winery in Washington.
When you visit Maryhill Winery this summer, be sure to indulge in the 2013 Sauvignon Blanc, with it’s aromas of kumquat, pear, lychee, and ruby red grapefruit. This slightly acidic and refreshing wine is perfect for summertime wine tasting, pairing well with fresh crab, simply grilled fish, and barely cooked tomato dishes such as gazpacho.
However, size isn’t everything, and you can easily go from the largest Washington winery to the smallest and find equal quality and style. In visiting the Columbia Gorge area, you must visit Major Creek Cellars, who produce less than 200 cases per year, marking them as the smallest winery in Washington. Launched in 2004, Major Creek Cellars’ mission is to deliver affordable, premium red wines to the northwest and beyond.
For summertime tasting, you’ll want to try the Major Creek Cellars 2013 Pinot Noir, which combines Pear Blossom and Jewett Creek Ranch vineyards fruit and has a lasting finish of deep red cherries. This classic wine is a Columbia Gorge-sourced aromatic Pinot that pairs excellently with grilled meats and seafood.
Washington State Wine Months – August and March
With summer almost behind us, plan your next wine adventure for March. The Washington Wine website will announce the actual dates and festivities for 2023.
Washington State wine country is an amazing place, and you can experience the beauty and joy it has to offer every month. Our Washington State Wine Country Map is an epic representation of Washington’s renowned wine country. This beautiful wall map is the perfect gift for the Washington wine lover in your life and also makes a stunning addition to the personal or professional wine space.