Washington Wine

With its excellent topsoil and varied climate, it isn't hard to believe Washington produces more wine than any U.S. State besides California. What's amazing is, nearly all of it is aimed at the luxury market. This is less surprising when you realize that Washington is located on approximately the same latitude as Bordeaux and Burgundy, which gives it a similar climate.

Needless to say, Washington boasts world-class Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots. Indeed, Washington produces a who's who of European varietals, from Barbara to Gewürztraminer, from Tempranillo to Riesling. Washington also produces wines from less common grapes, such as Melon de Bourgogne (from which the French make Muscadel) and Sauvignon Vert.

Washington's vineyards are, almost without exception, in the central and eastern parts of the state, indeed only two percent of the grapes are grown anywhere west of the Cascade Mountains. This is in direct contrast to Oregon, where the vast majority of grapes are grown in the western part of the state.