Washington Wines

The lush and fertile valleys of Central and Eastern Washington are renown for sunshine, apples and world-class wines.

See more photos of beautiful Central and Eastern Washington

Washington state is the nation's second-largest wine producer. With a climate comparable to the finest wine-growing regions in France, Eastern Washington vineyards consistently produce grapes of the highest quality -- attracting wine makers from all over the world.

Wine Tips...

Marilee's long-time friend, Durella DeGrasse, a certified wine professional and alumna of Central Washington University's World Wine Program, has agreed to be a regular contributor here. Watch for more Wine Tips in the coming months.

This month...

Drink American for Thanksgiving

About this time of year, a big question on everyone's mind is: What wine should I serve with Thanksgiving dinner? Thanksgiving dinners are so varied that it's impossible to suggest a one-size-fits-all wine, but this is an American holiday so stick with American wine.

Start with a bubbly; this is a great way to begin a celebration and if anyone wants to keep drinking the sparkler, it will also be good with the dinner.

Here are three suggestions for reds to serve with that big meal:

• Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine whose flavors match well with the dinner. A good Cabernet has complexity and layers of interest, just like the big meal on the table. This is a wine that is itself part of American history. Open a classic cabernet which showcases the taste of big, ripe, proudly American grapes highlighting the winemaker's skill in creating a tight, textured, structured wine.


• Pinot Noir with a lively, medium body and red fruit will be a good addition to your Thanksgiving dinner.


• Zinfandel is a uniquely American wine with character, spice and stature.

If you want to serve white wine, look for one that is quite dry but bursting with fruit and has good acid - a dry Riesling, a Pinot Gris or a Chardonnay that is not heavily oaked.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Durella DeGrasse
Certified Wine Professional

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