With over 160 wineries located in the state, Washington ranks second in the United States for premium wine production.

More than 29,000 acres of vinifera grapes are planted in the main growing regions of the Columbia and Yakima Valleys, Walla Walla and Puget Sound. Twenty-three varietals are produced, with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Sangiovese leading the reds and Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc the whites.

Last year saw another exceptional vintage (after the one in 1998) and a record harvest of 84,500 tonnes.

On Sunday, June 24, 2001, 38 members of Vancouver American Wine Society and guests visited two of the largest wineries in Washington, Chateau St. Michelle and Columbia. Located about 25 kilometers northeast of Seattle near the small town of Woodinville, these wineries are two of the oldest in the state, Chateau St. Michelle having been founded in 1934 and Columbia in 1962.

First stop was the 87-acre wooded estate of Chateau St. Michelle. The estate is home to all of the wineries white wines, while red wines are made in Columbia Valley in eastern Washington (both white and red wine grapes are grown there).

Chateau St. Michelle has a diverse portfolio of premium wines, including Columbia Valley wines, Single Vineyard designations from Canoe Ridge, Cold Creek, Indian Wells and Horse Heaven, and the Artist Series and Reserve wines, highlighting Bordeaux-style blends and late harvest wines.

Chateau St. Michelle also has developed partnerships with Germany's Dr. Eric Loosen and Italy's Marchese Piero Antinori to further develop the potential of specific varietals, such as Riesling (try the 2000 Eroica Riesling).

After enjoying a sparkling wine reception, the VAWS group toured the winemaking facilities of Chateau St. Michelle. This was followed by a lovely lunch hosted by Karen Burke, well known manager of the northwest division of Stimson Lane. (Burke attended the VAWS dinner at the Sutton Place Hotel on June 11, 2001, to speak about the wines served that evening.)

Next stop was Columbia Winery, a stone's throw away from Chateau St. Michelle. Columbia was established by a group of University of Washington professors who believed that classic European vinifera vines could survive the cold Washington winters to produce fine wine in the state.

Over the past 30 years, Columbia Winery has realized its potential for producing premium wines, with present capacity exceeding 125,000 barrels per year.

Columbia's reputation and portfolio of wines has grown due in large part to the hiring of winemaker David Lake in 1979. Lake was the first winemaker to produce several varietals in Washington State, including Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and Pinot Gris Lake also is known for his signature wines from the Otis, Red Willow and Sagemoor Vineyards, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah.

Following a very informative tour of the winery's facility, the group sampled various wines at the tasting bar, apparently the largest one in the state. With sated appetites and palates, the VAWS group boarded the bus for the two and a half hour trip home.

Although the weather didn't cooperate with us, everyone seemed to enjoy the day -- especially those who won door prizes of wine and related paraphernalia! Considering how many other wineries our neighbor to the south has to explore, another trip or two may be in the society's future.

Vancouver American Wine Society extends a warm thank you to Karen Burke and her staff at Chateau St. Michelle and to Columbia Winery for being such gracious hosts.