Every year, millions of wine enthusiasts flock to Washington Wine Country to sip, celebrate and support local Washington vineyards. Washington wine country has become so popular that the state now dedicates March and August to celebrating everything wine, with local tastings, vineyard tours, and restaurant deals.
Ready for a vacation? Discover why you should choose Washington wine country for your next getaway.
What is August WA Wine Month?
In August, wine-lovers from across the country explore Washington wine country’s wine-touring regions, which feature over 1,000 wineries and 20 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas). Visitors can get acquainted with Washington’s wine culture with winemaker dinners at local restaurants and wine pairings with featured food at regional wineries.
What’s the Difference Between March and August Wine Months in WA?
Washington dedicates two months every year, March and August, to showcasing the uniquely delicious flavors of Washington State wine.
March is Taste Washington Wine Month, a celebration featuring over 225 wineries, 65 restaurants, and a number of wine-related activities such as seminars and The New Vintage Party. Taste Washington, one of the country’s largest food and wine events, takes place all across Seattle and its neighborhoods. While Taste Washington was canceled the last few years due to the pandemic, it will be re-introduced in 2023.
To honor Taste Washington this past March, we compiled a guide to pairing some of our favorite local wine offerings with dishes from Puget Sound restaurants. Some popular restaurant dishes to try with Washington wines include fish, chips, and slaw from Ivar’s Seafood Bar with a crisp Hogue Cellars Pinot Grigio and a bright Charles & Charles Rosé with a Desi Sandwich from Bongo’s.
In August, visitors from across the country are encouraged to explore Washington’s eight wine-touring regions. Visitors can enjoy wine pairings at local restaurants and wineries against the beautiful summer landscapes.
Guide to Your Next Glass
Build your own customized Washington Wine Country road trip with the Map My WA Wine app. Search over 1,000 wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms and discover your next glass. The app lets you view upcoming events and provides specific information like which wineries have live music, food on site and outdoor space so that you can customize the perfect trip for you.
The app also features extensive maps of key wine regions and provides directions to take you between the spots you select to visit. Download the guide to your next glass for the all-in-one app that will take all the planning stress off your plate so you can start sip-celebrating!
Start your trip in Yakima Valley at Owen Roe or Two Mountain Winery for unpretentious tasting rooms and some of the finest vintages in the region. Then head to Leavenworth for alpine-style hospitality with some small boutique tasting rooms or over to Walla Walla to sip in the vineyards and enjoy the warm summer evenings.
Wherever you go in Washington Wine Country, you’re sure to find unique wines and charming towns. Before you venture to Washington’s wine regions, check the wineries’ websites for tasting room opening hours and fees.
Road Trip for Professionals
Are you professionally passionate about wine? For 13 years, the Road Trip has provided a select group of wine aficionados with the opportunity to spend 5 days getting hands-on vineyard and winery experience. Meet the people who put Washington wine on the world stage, learn the newest winemaking techniques, explore seminars led by the biggest names in wine and taste the best of the harvest season. Sound fun? Nominate someone you know (or yourself) for this exciting opportunity today.
Get All Your Favorite Bottles at Bartell
Celebrate the flavors of Washington all year long with Bartell’s selection of local wines. From light, crisp whites perfect for sunny afternoons, like Hogue Cellars Pinot Grigio, to full-bodied Merlots you can pair with a cheese board, like our Canoe Ridge Merlot, Bartell’s is proud to support so many of our Washington wineries in store.
To complement your wine selections, we carry party supplies and classic salty snacks, including Doritos, Rold Gold Pretzels and your favorite chip brands like Kettles and Tim’s. Or create a wine-tasting charcuterie board with our selection of jerky and nuts, including brands like Planters and Blue Diamond.
Have a wonderful Washington Wine Month!