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World Wine Education: Washington
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 1. Washington produced wines from native American grapes starting in the 1930’s but now these varietals are used solely for juice and jam production.
2. Where apples grow grapes often thrive.
3. The Columbia Valley covers over 10.5 million acres.
4. Many fruit wines come from this region.
5. Washington has not felt the full effects of the vine eating phylloxera due to its climate which is not conducive to its proliferation.
6. Vines here are often ungrafted which helps them to recover after the winter freeze.
7. Washington Cabernet has the reputation of being fantastic in youth but not aging well.
8. Western Washington accounts for less than one percent of the state's production.
9. Washington is the number one hop producer.
Washington in Brief Washington Features
Washington has two extremely different microclimates. West of the Cascade Mountain Range rain is the norm with more moderate daily and seasonal temperature swings. Facing East is the Columbia Valley where most of the grapes are grown in semi-desert conditions. Irrigation is necessary and helps to make more consistent vintages. Long warm days and cool nights keep sugar and acid levels high which result in clean, crisp and ripe flavors. This huge agricultural area has traditionally been an apple growing region and many say where apples thrive grapes will do the same. The Columbia Valley does include some well known sub-regions including the Yakima Valley and the Walla Walla Valley. These valleys are dotted with some large premium producers as well as boutique wineries. Columbia Crest Winery is large but produces many excellent wines at many price points. At the other end of the spectrum you have several small producers with cult like followings; Leonetti and Quelcida Creek Wineries are two examples. Many varietals do well in this climate: Merlot and Cabernet are excellent often fruit forward wines, Syrah is showing great promise, Chenin Blanc and Gewurtraminer are faring well, and some of the best Chardonnays anywhere are coming from this region.
Hogue Cellars

The Hogue family has been farming the in the Yakima Valley for over forty years. They started growing vinifera grapes in 1974 and began making excellent wines soon after. They have proven that they can capture the essence of Washington fruit in their wines. Mike and Gary Hogue came into the wine business as farmers and their strategy has been very simple, produce the best quality wines for the lowest possible price. Today they produce over three million bottles a year and have attracted a real following. Their Cab-Merlot blend is a fantastic wine for the money and their Rieslings and Chardonnay also get high praise.
ProducerVarietalVintagePriceBuy Now
HogueCabernet Blends19977.99Details
HogueChardonnay199713.99Details
HogueChardonnay19989.99Details
HogueChenin Blanc/Steen19986.99Details
HogueSauvignon Blanc19986.99Details
HogueGewurztraminer19986.99Details
HogueRiesling19985.99Details
HogueRiesling19987.49Details
HogueCabernet Sauvignon199613.99Details

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