Sip and Support Local- Eat, Shop,Stay, Play and Drink – Washington Wine

Sip and Support Local Wineries- Washington State Wine

Let’s be real. We are all in need of comfort right now. Comfort that goes beyond cozy blankets, warm sweaters and fires in our fireplaces. It’s still too warm for that anyway. So how do you bring “happy” home?  Have happy hour at home of course!

I look forward to my steaming hot coffee in the morning and my delicious glass of wine in the evening. These soothing habits seem essential to many as long we keep things in check. Can you relate? Somehow I know you are nodding your head up and down.

Perhaps it’s a way to escape from reality in the safe confines of our own homes. The dream vacation to France or Italy to sip on wine is postponed, but the good news is we have some of the best wines in the world in our backyard. Bring “happy” hour home.

Washington Wine Supports Local Communities

In speaking with Washington Wine, I came to realize that it’s more important than ever to support our local businesses which includes local farmers and wine makers. I think it’s awesome that Washington Wine cares so much.

Washington State Wine Commission has worked hard to  to support local  restaurants, hospitality and tourism with their new campaign…. #DrinkforWA, #PlayforWA, #EatforWA and #StayforWA.  So no matter where you live, support your community and businesses.

Since I live in Washington State, I’m pledging to support local businesses and raise a glass to sip local. That’s pretty easy to do since I am such a big fan of sipping yummy grape juice.

Did you know that Washington State is the second-largest wine region in the U.S. with more than 900 wineries and over 50,000 acres of grapevines? I know, right?!?!

Recently, it was announced that Walla Walla was named America’s Best Wine Region in the US in 2020 by The Readers’ Choice Awards. That’s huge!!

Why Washington State Wine Is Unique

The grape-growing regions of Washington State are very unique—because of an exceptional range of growing conditions. Cross eastward from Seattle over those mountains and you’ll find some 300 days of annual sunshine, miles of fruit orchards, and near-desert landscapes that roll down from mountain plateaus, until you reach the Columbia River.

Source: Washington State Wine 2020 Official Tour Guide

No matter where you live, grab your Gal Pals and “Wine more and Whine Less” by supporting your local wineries, restaurants, and bars. Here are some suggestions to do so:

Six Ways To Sip And Support Local Wineries:

Stock your wine cellar and shop Washington Wines. 

1. Go online

Order some of your favorite sips and try some new ones. Most wineries are running specials on the bottles and shipping.  Buy from wine clubs or from the wineries directly.

2. Virtual Wine Time

No one wants to drink alone. Thanks to technology, no one has to! Invite friends, family, or coworkers for a virtual happy hour. I have scheduled over 20 happy hours with friends and family during the past 6 months. It’s a great way to to stay connected.

3. Consider Curbside Pickup

I have ordered wine curbside, and it’s super easy peasy! Check beforehand for any special instructions (some require an appointment, have unusual hours, or designated pickup locations).

4. Add  Wine To Your  Grocery List

When you are at the grocery store or Costco, pick up several bottles of your local wine. We shop at Costco and they have a nice selection of Washington Wine.

5. Join A Wine Club

Wine clubs offer much more than a sense of belonging. There is a regular supply of rare and exciting wines, sneak previews of new bottles, and discounts! Link Here.

6. Wine Tasting Rooms

Many wine tasting rooms are open during COVID-19, check out your local listings.

Washington Red wine on a table with a candle

Discover Washington Wine  

If you are up for road tripping, Washington offers classic wine country in Yakima, Walla Walla, The Gorge, Tri-cities, Cascade Valley, Chelan and Manson county. Amazing places to stay as well.

If you don’t want to go across the Cascades, head to Woodinville. There are more than 130 wineries and tasting rooms representing producers from across Washington State (including DeLille Cellars, one of my favorites).

Looking for a  quick adventure? Discover one of Washington’s best kept secrets at seven boutique wineries on Bainbridge Island.  Bainbridge Island is a short 35 minute ferry ride from Seattle. I feel so fortunate to have Bainbridge Island in my backyard.

Bainbridge Island Map where all the wine is sold
Check out Bainbridge island wines

Inside scoop: get the Bainbridge Island Wine Trail  App for $30  (supports a charity of your choice) and receive over $100 worth of offers)   where you can visit the 7 wineries on the island and have fun visiting my little island! More on that later.

row of wine glasses with different wines. Buying wine is similar to buying coffee beans

Fall Wine Suggestions

a. Sauvignon Blanc– Acidic and soft
b. Pinot Grigio– Easy drinking wine goes with anything
c. Riesling, Moscato, or Torrones Aromatic yummy flavors that are great to sip on at the beach or with Asian eats.
d. Rosé Wines– I learned that Rosé wines vary from a sweet bubble like a Prosecco to more of a traditional Provence style, which tends to be more crisp and refreshing. You don’t need to go to France to get an excellent bottle of your salmon pink wine with herbal notes. Did you know that Washington State has some of the best Rosé wines in North America? Crazy huh?

Sangiovese, Grenache and Pinot Noir Rosé are on the fruity side of the spectrum (which doesn’t necessarily mean that they are sweet). Expect a deeper red color and expressive notes of strawberries and red cherries.

Look for light red wines with low tannins that taste great when chilled. Lighter-bodied wines are typically crisper, and along with higher acidity, it will guarantee a refreshing sip of wine.

Thinking ahead…As the leaves start to change colors, it’s time to think about sipping on red wine wearing a cozy sweater. I love my reds all year around but as fall hits, my pals request a bottle of red to share.

Therefore, when you are ordering wine, make sure to include red Washington wines.

The Pacific Northwest region has become very popular in the international wine presence. With its dense Cabernet Sauvignons and lush, plummy Merlots, Washington State’s production of quality wines has spiked in the last ten years so, grab a bottle and go clamping in the stunning Pacific NW. 

Some Of My Favorite Red Wines From Washington State (that are reasonably priced) are:

1.Two Vintners Syrah Columbia Valley 

2. Januik Columbia Valley Merlot

3.  L’Ecole No. 41 Columbia Valley Merlot 

4.  Secret Squirrel Blend

5. Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon 

6.  Browne Family Cabernet Sauvignon

7. Dellile Cellars

8. Northstar Premium

Check out all of the Washington State Wineries Here

Shop Washington State Wines Here: Wine.com

So, if you are looking for comfort, grab a Gal Pal and sip on a nice bottle of Washington Wine… but remember, the mantra… “Less Whine, More Wine”.

Do you want to explore more Pacific NW Wines? Oregon wine country is beautiful. Check out my cousin’s home built in the center of wine country and the wine cellar is killer! 

Cheers,

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