PASSPORT
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) winer-
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ies. 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.
