Although Washington is the second largest wine producing state in the United States, it has a very short history when it comes to viticulture. While the first attempts at winegrowing happened in the 1860s, most of the grapes grown in Washington at that time were table grapes instead of wine grapes. Wine production continued to be hindered in Washington due to both state and federal prohibition, so it wasn’t until the 1960s that wines were being produced in the state. 

Spread across 17,400 hectares, most of Washington’s vineyards and wine regions are located east of the Cascade mountains, miles away from where the wine is made. With a continental climate, the mountain’s rain shadow effect keeps the land dry with minimal rainfall, protecting the vines from mildew and other diseases. This makes for the perfect conditions to grow Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc. Washington is divided into 21 appellations with the main three being: Columbia Valley, the largest appellation in the state which covers over a quarter of Washington’s landmass and is home to most of the states other significant AVAs; Yakima Valley, which is Washington’s first AVA and is home to a third of the states vineyards; and Walla Walla Valley, which is a shared AVA between Washington and Oregon. 

Ryan Patrick Rock Island Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Selected from several vineyards across the Columbia Valley, this blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and 11% Syrah has great nuance and complexity. Aged for 30 months in 20% new American oak barrels, this sustainably-farmed wine has aromas of vanilla and toasted oak spice, and gives way to deep dark black fruits. On the palate, this red wine is rich with a concentrated mouthfeel in the midpalate leading to tantalizing notes of black currrant, plum, blackberry jam and finishes with lingering spicy black pepper. Enjoy alongside grilled salmon.

Washington Wine Map Courtesy of Washington Wine