Top Five Ways to Celebrate Washington Wine Month

In Washington, we take wine seriously. How seriously? Well, we have two wine months.

That’s right: In March and August, Washingtonians from La Push to Pullman celebrate a marvelous drink. Don’t let the name fool you, though. You don’t need to be from the state of Washington to raise a glass for one of the best beverages out there.

Here’s a quick guide to help you plan the festivities and discover some remarkable Washington wines.

1.Take A Trip to Washington’s Columbia Valley

You can celebrate Washington Wine Month anywhere. But why not go straight to the source?

Consisting of eleven million acres, 40,000 of them are used for growing grapes, and the Columbia Valley is one of the largest growing regions in the United States. It’s a vast area with many sights to see, foods to eat, and drinks to sip. So, where to start?

For golfers, the Columbia Valley is nothing less than a paradise. Options include:

• Gamble Sands Golf Course

• Alta Lake Golf Resort

• Bear Mountain Ranch

• Desert Canyon Golf Course

Even if you’re not a golfer, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Washington Wine Month, from hiking one of the region’s numerous trails to marveling at some of the nation’s largest dams along the Columbia River. Of course, no day is complete without a glass of wine with your fellow travelers. If you ask us, the best place to rest after a long day exploring the valley is on the patio of one of Lone Point Cellars’ cottages.

2.Sample Some of Washington’s Best Wines

Wines are meant to be consumed. So, what better way to celebrate Washington Wine Month than by trying out some of the best wines the Evergreen State state has to offer?

We will shout it from Mount Olympus: Washington’s wines are perpetually underrated. The state is home to over 70 wine varietals, including many less common ones like Mourvedre and Viognier. For those who like the classic grapes, however, Washington has them in spades, including:

• Cabernet Sauvignon

• Chardonnay

• Riesling

• Merlot

• Syrah

But don’t take that to mean Washington grape growers are simply keeping up with the trends by cultivating popular varieties. What makes Washington Wine Month worth celebrating is the innovation in orchards statewide. Our Cabernet Sauvignons, for example, are known for their pure taste and heavenly finish. Meanwhile, the Rieslings in Washington are exceptionally citrusy. Discover what separates Washington wines from the pack by trying Lone Point Cellars Cab, Riesling, or any can’t-miss wines in our collection.

3.Find the Perfect Food and Wine Pairing

What’s better than a glass of wine? A glass of wine is served alongside a dish that compliments it beautifully. Washington Wine Month offers an opportunity to celebrate this famous couple.

Now, talking about pairing wine and food is one thing. Doing it is another. And truthfully, pairing the two is more like an art than a science. Still, you can follow some general guidelines that make the process less intimidating. This includes:

• Red Wines: No two wines are the same, including two bottles of the same wine from the same brand. With that in mind, it might seem unwise to broadly lay out red wine and food pairings for Washington Wine Month. That said, there are some similarities between red wines. Red wines typically have a fuller body than white wines, with notes of spices and darker fruits. To keep it simple, stick with sharper cheeses, smoky and spicy foods, and candies with intense flavors, like dark chocolate. 

• White Wines: White wines are often more acidic and citrus-forward than red wines, which makes the ideal match for citrus fruits such as papaya, oranges, and grapefruit. They also go well with seafood dishes like oysters and mussels. When planning your Washington Wine Month celebration for foods that already have a bit of a bite, choose a wine that enhances those flavors.

Book a reservation at the Lone Point Cellars restaurant for more wine-pairing ideas.

4.Take a Class On Wine

Have you ever wondered why there are so many people out there who are passionate about wine? Survey 100 of these enthusiasts, and you’ll likely hear a few remarks about the drink's complexity.

It’s true. Wine is a drink with many different notes and aromas. If you’re new to the world of wine, you may have trouble noticing the oakiness of a Chardonnay or the tobacco notes of a Cabernet Sauvignon. Washington Wine Month is the perfect occasion to enroll in a wine class and learn the terminology.

During wine classes, wine experts will share insider insight into a range of topics, such as:

• How to tell the difference between wine varietals

• Tasting and describing wines

• The science of grape growing

• Considerations made during the wine production process

At Lone Point Cellars, we believe wine shouldn’t be complicated. Wine classes can make the drink a bit more approachable.

5.Join the Wine Club of a Washington Winery

Everyone wins when you join a wine club for Washington Wine Month. The winery gets a predictable stream of revenue that allows it to keep crafting incredible wines while you get member-exclusive perks, discounts, and, of course, regular shipments of wine.

An overlooked benefit of joining a wine club is the community you become a part of. Many wine clubs sponsor members-only events, including tastings and parties celebrating the release of new wines. At Lone Point Cellars, our club members can attend events where they try exclusive wines with enthusiasts like them.

By joining a Washington wine club, you can discover new wines, make new friends, and save money on trips to your favorite wineries—all while supporting winemakers across the state. What’s not to like?

Celebrate Washington Wine Month with Lone Point Cellars

While the state only officially celebrates Washington wines two months out of the year, we keep the festivities going. Plan your next visit to the Lone Point Cellars estate today!