Beginner’s Guide to Wine Tast ing in Washington

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO WINE TASTING IN WASHINGTON

Story & Photos by Paula Williamson Design & Illustration by Katie Jo Stewart

When I was 21, I went on a date to a fancy Italian restaurant in the West Village. I was a poor college student, so any meal I did not have to pay for was a treat. However, this was extra special. The meal was delicious, but my date ordered a bottle of Merlot for dinner. I had never had red wine and had no idea how it was supposed to taste. This wine was terrible, but I decided to continue drinking it because I did not want to seem unrefined. I spent the entire meal shooting wine and chasing it with water.

Years later, I moved from NYC to San Francisco and was introduced to Napa, Sonoma, The Russian River and the other wine towns surrounding the Bay Area. I fell in love with wine tasting and have developed a passion for wine. I often think back to that date and laugh to myself, thinking if only I had known. Are you curious about wine? Wonder what all of the fuss is about? You do not have to travel to California to experience wine tasting. In fact, according to the Washington State Wine Commission, Washington is the second largest wine-producing state in the United States, home to over 1000 (primarily family-owned) wineries. Wine tasting at small family wineries is an excellent, stress-free way to explore the world of wine. Picture it - you and a group of friends are seated outside, the wind whipping through the evergreens. You scoot closer to the fire pit, swirling a glass of red wine in your hand while you laugh, talk and take in the mountains in the distance. This is what wine tasting looks like in Washington. The experience is meant to allow for exploration.

What Makes Washington Wines Shine?

According to Jason Reigel, winemaker and owner of Ellensburg Canyon winery, The Yakima Canyon has unique soil types that translate into flavors in the wine. You will get to meet the winemakers at most wineries. The price point is affordable, and the cool weather climate creates excellent white wines with high acid and minerality. Columbia Valley has so many opportunities and offers an excellent value for consumers, second-generation winemaker Megan Hughes of Barnard Griffin Winery says. While the Californian wine experience is beautiful, since Washington is more agricultural land-based, you get the opportunity to talk to the winemakers, drive through the vineyards and make a connection. You can get an education-based experience if that is what you want.

“Washington has all the tools to make wines that stand out,” Mackenzie Fancher, Assistant Winemaker at Swiftwater Cellars, says. The cool nights and incredible soil help create big, bold wines that can stand beside any food or have the personality to stand alone.

Wine Tasting Tips from the Pros

“Taste everything you can, even the bad stuff or what might be bad stuff,” Reigel says. He encourages tasters to take advantage of where they are. Smaller wineries generally have lower tasting fees and can be explored more. Hughes says not to chew gum because it will change the way your taste receptors experience the wine. Wearing perfume can also negatively impact taste. “Think of wine tasting as an art,” Fancher says. Each winemaker is an artist, and all have different styles and creativity. Think about the fruits you have tasted. Swirl your glass before every taste, and you will likely get new aromas each time. The longer you let it breathe, the more the flavors and aromatics will develop.

Popular Varietals in Washington State

Red Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Bordeaux blends.

Whites Chardonnay, (sweet) Riesling. Rosé all day!

Wine Recommendations for Beginners

Ellensburg Canyon Winery “Sundance” Riesling, 2020 $22.00 ‘Happy Dance’ Cabernet Franc Rose, 2020 $22.00

Barnard Griffin 2020 Rose of Sangiovese $14.00

Swiftwater Cellars 2018 No. 9 Chardonnay $20.00 2018 No. 9 White $20.00

Nearby Wineries to Check Out

Ellensburg Canyon Winery (15 minutes from Ellensburg) 221 Canyon Vista Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926 Phone: (509) 933-3523 Open 11–5 pm Wednesday thru Sunday, closed on Monday/Tuesday.

Gard Vintners (15 minutes from Ellensburg) 311 N Pearl St. Ellensburg, WA 98926 Phone: (509) 925-1095 Open Monday-Thursday 2–8 pm, Friday 2–9 pm, Saturday 12–8 pm, Sunday 12–5 pm

Swiftwater Cellars (45 minutes from Ellensburg) 301Rope Rider Drive, Cle Elum, WA 98922 Phone (509) 674- 6555 Open Fridays & Saturdays 11:30am - 9:00pm Weekdays

Frichette Winery (1.5 hours from Ellensburg) 39412 N Sunset Road Benton City, WA 99320 Phone (509) 426-3227 Open 12 pm-5 pm seven days a week Barnard Griffin (2 hours from Ellensburg) 878 Tulip Lane, Richland, WA 99352 Phone (509) 627-0266 Open Mon- Fri 12pm-6pm