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The Columbia Valley, covering more than a quarter of Washington, is where most of the state’s wine is made.
The welcoming wine region focuses on Bordeaux-style reds made from cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and syrah (also known as shiraz) grapes.
The subregions of Walla Walla and Red Mountain zero in on quality. Plus, the proximity to the Columbia River Gorge, one of the most , but the state’s Finger Lakes region is one of the most beautiful wine areas in the country.
It gets its name from the collection of 11 lakes that look like long, skinny fingers on a map. The area has a squarely cool climate and is known for wines made from aromatic white grapes like riesling and gewürztraminer as well as red varieties such as cabernet franc and pinot noir.
Standout wineries include Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, and Ravines Wine Cellars.