News & Events

Stay up to date with all the latest happenings in Washington Wine Country. Find out about the newest wineries and restaurants, recent developments and latest news in Juice.

The Red Route Series

 

Washington Wine Country is overflowing with wine tastings, winery tours, grape stomps, live music concerts, and more. While numerous great wines are produced across the vineyard region, these three travel routes will get you started on your own exploration of some of the favorite varietals in three of Washington's largest AVAs: the Bordeaux blends of Yakima Valley, Merlot from Columbia Valley, and Syrah in Walla Walla Valley. Follow the wine and see where it takes you!

Bourdeaux Inspired Blends from Yakima to Red Mountain

 


Question: What’s a Bordeaux Blend? Answer: It’s a blended red wine that contains two or more of the varietals that are authorized for use in the red wines of France's Bordeaux region. The six varieties are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenere. A typical Bordeaux blend will have Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot as the primary grape (up to 85%), with other grapes making up the remainder. If that list makes your mouth water, then read on for inspiration for your next weekend getaway in Yakima Valley.
More Details

A Merlot Road Trip through Columbia Valley

 


Merlot put Washington state on the map: In the early 1990s, this red varietal catapulted Washington's winemaking reputation to the top, where it has remained ever since. According to Food & Wine's March 2008 issue, "The state is arguably the best source in the U.S. for Merlot." At around 6,000 acres, it competes with Cabernet Sauvignon for the most widely planted wine grape varietal in Washington.
More Details

A Syrah Road Trip through Walla Walla

 


Walla Walla Valley: Walla Walla is sprouting wineries and growing grapes so quickly that it's hard to keep up, but the latest stats say there are close to 100 wineries and over 1,200 acres of vineyards. One of Walla Walla's most favored wines is Syrah - a spicy, rich, complex Rhone varietal that turns into big, dark, intensely concentrated wine.
More Details

Tasteful Experiences of Washington Wine Country