Washington is known affectionately as the Evergreen State, and with its frequent rainfall along the coastal regions, it is not hard to understand how it has earned this nickname. Seattle is the state’s cultural and commercial capital, a port city located in the heart of Puget Sound. This is the notoriously damp and rainy region is perhaps most recognized for its exports of Grunge music and Starbucks Coffee, but its chapter on winemaking is still being written. The cuisine matches the attitude of the locals: very down-to-earth. Seafood predominates along the coast, particularly oysters, crabs, and salmon.

Yet there is a completely different ‘Washington’ in the eastern half of the state; One that is influenced more by agriculture than by the shipping industry. This Washington is anything but green: The Cascades (at 12,000 ft) serve as a giant rain shadow, blocking all moderating breezes, fogs, and rain from the ocean. It is so void of moisture (less than 8 inches of rain each year) that grape growing would not have been possible without the irrigation source of the Columbia River to the south. Within this hot valley, however, most of the vineyards are situated in cooler microclimates, that are warm at best. This area accounts for 99% of overall state production.

The most successful grapes in this region have been Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay, but this is also a wine region of lots of surprises, such as quality Rieslings and Gewurztraminers.  Rhône varieties, such as Syrah, can also be found here.  Many feel this is the star grape of the future.

Within this rich agricultural realm, Winebow’s goal has always been to painstakingly search out small to medium size, category or appellation leaders. Our core distribution concept is vineyard-based, family-owned properties.  Our Washington portfolio is no exception, and offers exceptional value and quality.

Click here to see our Washington Distribution Portfolio .