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Uncork Washington’s Natural Wine Country

From the lush forests of the West to the dry, arid hills of the East, visitors to Washington’s wine country experience the variety and flavor that have made Washington’s wine famous. 

Some of the world’s finest varietals have been grown and crafted in the rich regions of the Columbia, Yakima, Walla Walla, and Woodinville valleys. With ample opportunity for the traveler and connoisseur to uncover bottled gems, these valleys also present a wealth of natural beauty, colorful history and diverse outdoor life to be enjoyed.

Here, the quality of the fruit is rivaled perhaps only by the quality of life.  The natural gifts of the region may be less obvious than the massive volcanoes in the Cascades or cultural centers of Seattle and Tacoma.  But a look beneath the surface will uncover the subtle secrets buried in the spirit of wine country.

Should you find yourself racing to taste the smooth flavor of that Pinot Noir before vineyard closing, don’t worry…unlike large vineyards in California and Europe, the growers and winemakers here often devote personal attention to visitors or stay long after closing to taste and discuss their craft. Sip an exclusive, handcrafted vintage as you share a conversation with a local winemaker—they’re usually your first point of contact walking into a rural area tasting room. Discover small production, award-winning varietals, often not available on store shelves. Tour family-owned-and-built wineries, complete with temperature-controlled barrel rooms and farm animals. Many have quite distinctive character: Mountain Dome Winery has a 4,000-square-foot geodesic dome; at the Three Rivers Winery you can grab a club and play it’s 3-hole golf course; and L’Ecole No. 41 was named after the school house it occupies!

Yakima Valley

Spring Barrel Tasting, www.yakimavalleywine.com, covers two weekends in April.  The “Pre-Barrel Weekend” kicks off the celebration, providing all the fun with half the people. Event hours both weekends generally run from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Red, Wine and Chocolate, www.yakimavalleywine.com. If you are a chocolate lover, this weekend is for you! Each participating winery pairs chocolate desserts with their own red wines pleasing to the palatte.

Woodinville

Wine Events
Once a year in April, Woodinville unveils its signature multi-winery event, the “Passport to Woodinville.” Hosted by the Woodinville Wine Country, a non-profit organization, participants receive a “passport” filled with labels and information, a glass and ticket to tour more than 14 wineries, many not open to the public that specialize in varietals and bubblies.

Walla Walla

Spring Release Weekend, www.wallawalla.org. The first releases of a new vintage are the highlight of this May weekend. The valley's winemakers are on hand to introduce their new wines and share the creative winemaking process. Visitors can be the first to enjoy the new vintage and take home a selection of wines, many of which can be found only by visiting the wineries and tasting rooms themselves.

Vintage Walla Walla, www.wallawalla.org. At the end of May, the valley wineries celebrate art with a tasting featuring the newest releases and a rare selection of older vintages. This is an extraordinary opportunity to taste the wines of the present and visit some gems from the past that local winemakers have pulled from their personal winery libraries.  Gracefully presented in the Reid Campus Center at Whitman College, art and music complete this event. Nowhere else will you find this many Walla Walla wineries and this special selection of Walla Walla wines. Advance tickets required. (509) 526-3117.

Spokane

Locals suggest:

The Spring Barrel Tasting, www.spokanewineries.com.
The Cork and Keg Wine Festival, www.spokanewineries.com.
The Holiday Wine Fest, www.spokanewineries.com.

North Central Washington

Red, Wine & Blues, www.visitlakechelan.com. Enjoy this community celebration of Lake Chelan’s agriculture industries at Riverwalk park. Educational displays of grapes and tree fruit, and entertainment are featured, including ice cream social, face painting, Tiny The Clown, Blues music, and apple tasting.

Summer Wine Gala, www.columbiacascadewines.com. Columbia Cascade Winery Association and Ohme Gardens co-host this event featuring wines, gourmet foods and a variety of musical entertainment. Take a leisurely walk through the spectacular gardens with breathtaking views amid the ponds, trees, shrubs, flowers and rock gardens. Check website for date updates.

Columbia Valley

Sweet Retreat, www.columbiavalleywine.com. Indulge your sweet tooth with fantastic wine and food at this annual March event. Enjoy art exhibits, musical performances, winery tours, gift shops and wine specials.

Fiery Foods Festival, www.pascodowntown.org. Held in late September, this annual festival is for those who like their food (and music) flaming hot! Locally grown peppers and other produce are featured along with a hot salsa contest, artisan displays, and Northwest crafts and collectibles.

Prosser Wine and Food Fair, www.prosserchamber.org. Nearly 3,700 wine enthusiasts gather annually in August for an afternoon of fine wine and local food specialties. Two Jazz bands entertain all day.

Whether it’s a connoisseur’s wine dinner, multi-winery festival, hot air balloon trip equipped with bubbly in the picnic hamper, or a self-guided wine tour, Washington wine country is brimming with authentic experiences for those who simply love wine. For more information on Washington wine country, visit www.washingtonwine.org.

Edited by Dave Shultz

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