Alcohol: Washington Wine
Did you know that the Washington wine industry is the second largest premium wine producer in the United States? Over the last decade, wine production more than doubled to make wine grapes one of Washingtons leading fruit crop. There are over 240 wineries that produce Washington wine harvested from 29,000 acres of wine grape vineyards.
Compared to California, the nations leading wine producer, Washingtons latitude allows vineyards to receive an average of two hours more sunlight! Grapes can mature and ripen nicely with the extra light. Since the region also enjoys warm daytime and cool nighttime temperatures, the wine grapes remain high in acidity, which creates rich, high-quality wines.
Since Washington experiences several different microclimates throughout the largest growing region, many varieties of wine grapes flourish within the state. With more than 15 varieties, enthusiasts have a choice of 57% red and 43% white Washington wine. You can find Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillion as Washingtons leading varieties.
Pairing Food with Washington Wine
With rich, full-bodied Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignon, diners can enjoy robust foods with intense flavors. The complex reds are great company to grilled meats and aged cheeses. Dry, buttery Chardonnays and many other white wines are excellent with seafood dishes like lobster, shrimp, seafood salad, and also pasta dishes made with creamy sauces.