Washington state may not be Napa Valley, but it is making a name for itself in the wine world.
With more than 650 wineries, and about 350 wine grape growers, Washington is the nation's second largest wine producer with more than 20 million gallons of wine being produced each year.
It is also ranked among the world's top wine regions, according to the Washington Wine Commission. About 30 varieties of wine grapes are grown in eleven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), including: Yakima Valley, Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Puget Sound, Red Mountain, Columbia Gorge, Horse Heaven Hills, Wahluke Slope, Rattlesnake Hills, Snipes Mountain and Lake Chelan.
Year round local wineries offer a variety of tastings and tours. Here is a list of some of the most popular spring and summer events at Washington Wineries:
Woodinville Wine Country
www.woodinvillewinecountry.com
Passport to Woodinville
When: Spring (April) Cost: 2 Day - $60, Sunday only $40. To pick up a passport: Columbia Winery, 14030 NE 145th St., Woodinville.
Passport holders can enjoy wine tastings at these and many other exclusive boutique wineries. Passports and glasses will be available for pick up at Columbia Winery the weekend before Passport and on Passport weekend. Passports will be stamped and are valid throughout the entire weekend once at each stop.
Olympic Peninsula Wineries
www.olympicpeninsulawineries.org
Northwest Wine & Cheese Tour
When: Spring (April). Cost: $25 online for self-guided tour, wine glass and complimentary wine and cheese tasting. Visitors who choose not to purchase a ticket package may also pay $5 at each winery.
Each of six Olympic Peninsula Wineries located in Port Townsend - FairWinds Winery and Sorensen Cellars - and Port Angeles - Black Diamond Winery, Camaraderie Cellars, Harbinger Winery, and Olympic Cellars - will host a different cheese maker, and pair delicious local artisan cheeses with specially selected local wines.
Yakima Valley Wineries
Spring Barrel Tasting
When: Spring (April) Cost: Passes are $30 online or $35 at the door. Online Pass sales begin in February until the end of April.
Spring Barrel tasting is your chance to taste and purchase some of the best wines in wine country. During this event you can get a sneak peak of upcoming vintages that you may sample from the barrel.
Also, winemakers and cellar staff will be on hand to share insights and answer questions on the winemaking process.
Chateau Ste. Michelle
Riesling Rendezvous 2010 Grand Tasting
When: July. Cost: $60 per person, $50 per person VRC member (plus tax and service charges).
This event offers a taste of a variety of Riesling wines from around the world. Hosted by Chateau Ste. Michelle and Dr. Loosen Estate of Germany.
Reservations are required.
For more information, call 800-267-6793 or visit www.rieslingrendezvous.com.
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