Washington

Washington, a key player in the U.S. wine industry, is the country's second-largest wine producer, trailing only California. Since its wine industry's inception in the 1820s, Washington has grown to encompass a vibrant tapestry of vineyards and wineries, with a special focus on the northwestern region. The state's diverse climate and geography, which range from coastal rainforests to arid desert landscapes, offer a unique backdrop for wine production. Major wine-producing regions include the historic Yakima Valley, the compact but powerful Red Mountain, and the premium wine hotspot, Walla Walla Valley.
Yakima Valley, the oldest and largest wine producer, is renowned for its Chardonnay, Syrah, and Riesling grapes. Chardonnay and Syrah thrive in a variety of climates, while Riesling is noted for its remarkable longevity. Red Mountain, a smaller region within Columbia Valley, boasts over 500 vine-planted hectares out of its total 1,635. The region's leading grapes - Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot - lend themselves to a Bordeaux style due to the late ripening of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Lastly, Walla Walla Valley, despite contributing a mere 5% of the state's overall production, is home to over 120 wineries and is recognized for its exceptional Chardonnay and Syrah wines.

Region	Washington
Country	United States of America
Climate and soil	Washington's climate and soil are instrumental in its wine production. The state's diverse geography, split by the Cascade Range, results in a mix of fertile, temperate zones and arid regions. The northwestern part, where most of the wine production is concentrated, benefits from a temperate, humid climate and generous sunshine. An important factor in the region's viticulture is the fertile soil, enriched by volcanic ash from the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens. This unique soil composition allows a variety of white vines, including Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, to flourish, resulting in fresh, fruity wines that can be either still or sparkling.