Best Washington State Wineries to Visit
Below is a list of Washington State’s best wineries to visit according to Food & Wine Magazine. We can personally confirm the Cave B is a great experience for more than just wine tasting. They have amazing Cliffhouses overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. And even better if you can plan a stay while a favorite band is next door at the Gorge Amphitheatre.
| Charles Smith/K Vintners | Cave B Estate | Barnard Griffin |
| Chateau Ste. Michelle | Col Solare | Columbia Crest |
| DeLille Cellars | Gramercy Cellars | Hedges Family Estate |
| Hogue Cellars | L'Ecole No. 41 | Long Shadows |
| Milbrandt Vineyards | Nefarious Cellars | Northstar Winery |
| Novelty Hill Januik | Walla Walla Airport | Waterbrook Winery |
| Woodward Canyon |
Grape Crush Report Reveals Lighter Harvest for Washington State in 2015
SEATTLE (Feb. 8, 2016) – Washington State’s wine grape harvest in 2015 totaled 222,000 tons, down 2 percent from the prior year, said a report released today by the Washington State Wine Commission and the United States Department of Agriculture. Grape growers attributed the decrease to several factors including unusually warm weather, which resulted in a smaller berry size. Winemakers are excited for the quality of the 2015 vintage. Smaller berries typically result in full-bodied, intense, fruit-driven wines.
Washington wines win top awards at San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Two Washington wines finished atop the largest wine competition in the United States. Barnard Griffin in Richland earned best rosé and Claar Cellars near Pasco won best dessert wine at the 31st annual San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, held each year in this community in northern Sonoma County. The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition drew 7,162, a record for the judging. More than 70 wine professionals spent four days evaluating the wines, culminating in a Friday morning sweepstakes tasting of the 70 top wines.
Best of class winners from Washington:
14 Hands Winery 2013 The Reserve Red Blend, Horse Heaven Hills
Browne Family Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Franc, Columbia Valley
College Cellars 2013 Scholarship Red, Walla Walla Valley
Kandarian Wine Cellars 2012 Los Oidos Vineyard Syrah, Walla Walla Valley
Mercer Estates 2013 Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills
Tamarack Cellars 2013 Merlot, Columbia Valley
Tsillan Cellars 2014 Gewürztraminer, Lake Chelan
Zerba Cellars 2013 Malbec, Walla Walla Valley