Whoever said that the only good wine in America came from California had obviously never been to Washington before. Our great state offers a wide variety of terroirs for grape growing and has led to some world-class labels and wineries over the years. From Riesling to Cabernet Sauvignon, there is no shortage of opportunities to explore Washington’s wine scene.

Here are 8 Washington wineries worth visiting this summer.

CHATEAU STE MICHELLE

chateau ste michelle

Washington’s largest and oldest winery plays host not only to wine lovers, but also musical acts and concertgoers throughout the summer. The property is stunning, and you’re more than welcome to enjoy your sips outdoors to soak up the view.

Where: 14111 NE 145th St, Woodinville

NORTHSTAR WINERY

winery

Starting out in the early 90s, Northstar was created to showcase the variety of Washington’s vineyards. Now, one of the best merlots out there (yes, looking at you, France) comes from this winery. Come try it for yourself, we think you might just agree that it gives the ‘authentic’ stuff a run for its money.

Where: 1736 JB George Rd, Walla Walla

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CAVE B ESTATE WINERY

cave b

Sitting on the same plot of land as The Gorge, Cave B was specifically chosen for its rich soil and desirable microclimates. Cave B started up in 2000 as a premium winery and has since become a destination for wine aficionados and nature lovers alike.

Where: 348 Silica Rd NW, Quincy

COL SOLARE

col solare

A collaborative effort between Washington’s Chateau Ste Michelle (see above) and the iconic Italian producer Marchesi Antinori. When a winery that started in 1385 signs off, you know you’ve got something good. The name here is Italian for “shining hill”. We’d like to know what’s Italian for “the cabernet sauvignon is legendary and we love the scenery.” Any help?

Where: 50207 Antinori Rd, Benton City

PORTTEUS VINEYARDS

portteus

Venture up to Portteus if you prefer red varietals over white. The guy who started it all chose Washington in favor of Napa, so go ahead and feel flattered while you sip. Voted as one of the best wineries to visit in Washington.

Where: 5201 Highland Drive, Zillah

ABEJAH WINERY

abeja

You need to stay at the inn here to be able to enjoy a wine tour. Fine, twist our arm. From the moment you’re greeted with a glass of cab, the staff is trying to get to know you in order to find out exactly what’s best to offer. We wish we had more refined tastes for them to work off of.

Where: 2014 Mill Creek Rd, Walla Walla

NOVELTY HILL-JANUIK

januik

When these two independent winemakers decided to join forces, they created a perfect storm for wine tasting. And, it’s a family affair, with the son running Novelty Hill and the parents running Januik. Pair that with one of the best-designed facilities in the state, and you’ve got a destination winery that can’t be missed.

Where: 14710 Woodinville-Redmond Rd NE, Woodinville

LONG SHADOWS VINTNERS

long shadows

Arguably the most prestigious name in this group, Long Shadows is an understated masterclass in Washington winemaking. The combination of five world-class winemakers and unprecedented access to premium land in the Columbia Valley has resulted in seven different top-tier labels. Makes sense that these would sell out quickly online, so head to the winery to try them all.

Where: 1604 Frenchtown Road, Walla Walla

Nice, ok, we feel more cultured already, and we haven’t been out there yet this season! Can you imagine how good it’s going to feel kicking back on one of these patios, sipping some of the country’s best wine? Us too, we’re hitting up our friends about it tonight.JTNDZGl2JTIwaWQlM0QlMjJtb2JpbGUtYWQtb25seSUyMiUzRSUwQSUzQyUyMS0tJTIwU2VhdHRsZSUyMC0lMjBNb2JpbGUlMjAtLSUzRSUwQSUzQ2lucyUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyYWRzYnlnb29nbGUlMjIlMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjBzdHlsZSUzRCUyMmRpc3BsYXklM0FibG9jayUzQndpZHRoJTNBMzIwcHglM0JoZWlnaHQlM0E1MHB4JTNCJTIyJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwZGF0YS1hZC1jbGllbnQlM0QlMjJjYS1wdWItNTUyMTg1Njk1NTQ5NzQ1NiUyMiUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMGRhdGEtYWQtc2xvdCUzRCUyMjE2MjcxNzI5NDclMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZpbnMlM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=