Washington State is one of the top wine-producing regions in the United States, with over 1,000 wineries and more than 50,000 acres of vineyards. The state is known for its high-quality grapes and diverse range of wines, from crisp white wines to robust reds.

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Some of the most popular wine regions in Washington include the Yakima Valley, Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, and Red Mountain. The Yakima Valley is the oldest wine region in the state and is known for its Chardonnay and Merlot. The Walla Walla Valley is known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. The Columbia Valley is the largest wine region in Washington and produces a wide range of varietals, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Red Mountain is a small but significant wine region known for its full-bodied red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.

Washington State has also gained recognition for its sustainable wine practices, with many wineries incorporating eco-friendly practices into their production methods.

There are many excellent wine brands from Washington State, but here are a few that are consistently recognized for their high-quality wines:

Chateau Ste. Michelle: This winery is one of the largest in the state and produces a wide range of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Their wines have won numerous awards and accolades.

Cayuse Vineyards: This winery in the Walla Walla Valley is known for its premium, limited-production wines, particularly their Syrahs. Their wines are highly sought-after and often sell out quickly.

Quilceda Creek: This winery in the Columbia Valley is known for its Bordeaux-style red wines, particularly their Cabernet Sauvignon. Their wines consistently receive high scores from wine critics and have a dedicated following.

Leonetti Cellar: Another winery in the Walla Walla Valley, Leonetti Cellar is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as its red blends. Their wines are highly acclaimed and often sell out quickly upon release.

L'Ecole No. 41: This winery in the Walla Walla Valley produces a wide range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Their wines consistently receive high ratings and are widely available across the country.

These are just some of the popular ones. There are many many others, and they’re all taking an interest in Sommelier Choice Awards 2023. 

The goal of the Sommeliers Choice Awards is simple to provide on-premise buyers and sommeliers a valuable benchmark for understanding which wines would make a compelling addition to a wine list.

The judging panel of the Sommeliers Choice Awards will consist entirely of top sommeliers, on-premise wine buyers, and wine directors at U.S. restaurants, bars, pubs, and clubs. 

#EnterSCANow: Sommelier Choice Awards

Written by Stuti Khetan, Beverage Trade Network