Photo by Richard Duval
As Washington’s wine industry captures more national attention, there are almost (almost) too many quality bottles to count, some nigh impossible to obtain unless you’ve been on the winery’s list for decades. And so, for our annual list of great wines, we’ve focused on 30 unique bottles—debuts, risktakers, and creations that simply deliver astounding quality or value. Best of all, most of these wines are fairly easy to find. The 2015 vintage, the source of many wines discussed here, was the warmest the state has ever seen. Even in a year that challenged growers and winemakers alike, Washington saw a host of outrageously good wines. Meanwhile, 2017 was a thrilling year for white wines—one of the best I’ve seen in my 17 years of tasting. Let each of the bottles below, listed in order of style, serve as a reminder: There’s never been a better time to drink Washington wine.
The 30 Most Exciting Wines in Washington
These bottles include debuts, risk takers, or creations that simply deliver astounding quality or value. Best of all, most are obtainable.
Wine, Rocks, and Christophe Baron’s Revolution
Syrah from the Rocks District holds the region in thrall. And the man who launched this movement wants nothing to do with it.
The Rise of SoDo Urbanworks
How an old industrial park reimagined how Seattle drinks wine.
Meet the Tastemakers Influencing the Washington Wine Scene
Three consummate pros, from ascendant to old guard.
How Sean Chose the Most Exciting Washington Wines
The methodology for this year's tasting.
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