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Washington Wines

Blended Learning Wine BottlesTo help nurture the over 900 wineries, 55,000 acres of wine grapes, and 24,000 acres of juice grapes in our state, Washington State University partners with the wine and grape industry to grow and improve our world-class Viticulture & Enology Program.

Washington is the second largest premium wine producer and the largest juice grape producer in the US, generating more than $5 billion of economic impact to the state of Washington annually.

Washington wines are recognized for their quality and value, evident through data published by Wine Spectator Magazine. For the past 9 consecutive years, Washington state wines have had the highest average percentage of 90+ point rated wines compared to every major wine producing region according to Wine Spectator data. And, at a lower average price for those same 90+ rated wines.

Over 70 varieties of wine grapes are now grown in Washington, and experimentation continues.  In 2016, over 270,000 tons of wine grapes were harvested throughout the state, including:

  • Aglianico
  • Albariño
  • Aligoté
  • Barbera
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Carignan
  • Carménère
  • Chardonnay
  • Chenin Blanc
  • Cinsault
  • Counoise
  • Dolcetto
  • Gewürztraminer
  • Graciano
  • Grenache
  • Grenache Blanc
  • Grüner Veltliner
  • Lemberger
  • Madeline Angevine
  • Malbec
  • Marsanne
  • Melon de Bourgogne
  • Merlot
  • Mourvèdre
  • Müller-Thurgau
  • Muscat
  • Nebbiolo
  • Petit Verdot
  • Petite Sirah
  • Picpoul
  • Pinot Gris/Grigio
  • Pinot Noir
  • Primitivo
  • Riesling
  • Roussanne
  • Sangiovese
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Semillon
  • Siegerrebe
  • Sousão
  • Syrah
  • Tempranillo
  • Tinta Cão
  • Touriga Nacional
  • Viognier