News and Wine Blog
Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon
07/28/2026
I forgot how much I love Washington Red Wines. With the warmer weather, my go to has been Whites and Roses. I grilled steak the other night and grabbed the In Sheep's Clothing Cabernet to drink with it. This wine over drinks for the price point of $27.75 or $24.98 for wine club members. It shows dark fruit notes with hints of spice. It is easy drinking, flavorful, has a great tannin structure and drinks great with steak!
Washington is the second-largest wine-producing state in the U.S., with nearly 1,000 wineries, 21 AVAs, and more than 80 grape varieties grown across the state. Cabernet Sauvignon thrives especially well in the dry, sunny growing regions east of the Cascade Mountains and is known for combining ripe, expressive New World fruit with firm structure, fresh acidity, and excellent value.
Tasting notes for Washington Cabernet: They are bold, dry red wines with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cassis, plum, and dark chocolate with notes that can include cedar, tobacco, graphite, baking spice, mocha, mint, and dried herbs. Compared with many California Cabernets, Washington Cabernets tend to show a balance of ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and savory structure.
Most Washington vineyards sit in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, where the climate is sunny, dry, and continental. Long summer days, cool nights, and dramatic diurnal shifts help Cabernet Sauvignon ripen fully while retaining acidity and tannic backbone.
Fun Facts on Washington State Cabernet!
Washington is the second-largest wine-producing state in the U.S., with nearly 1,000 wineries, 21 AVAs, and more than 80 grape varieties grown across the state. Cabernet Sauvignon thrives especially well in the dry, sunny growing regions east of the Cascade Mountains and is known for combining ripe, expressive New World fruit with firm structure, fresh acidity, and excellent value.
Tasting notes for Washington Cabernet: They are bold, dry red wines with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cassis, plum, and dark chocolate with notes that can include cedar, tobacco, graphite, baking spice, mocha, mint, and dried herbs. Compared with many California Cabernets, Washington Cabernets tend to show a balance of ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and savory structure.
Most Washington vineyards sit in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, where the climate is sunny, dry, and continental. Long summer days, cool nights, and dramatic diurnal shifts help Cabernet Sauvignon ripen fully while retaining acidity and tannic backbone.
Key Regions to Know
- Columbia Valley: The broad umbrella AVA that contains the vast majority of Washington’s vineyard acreage and many of its most important sub-appellations.
- Red Mountain: A warm, small AVA famous for powerful, concentrated Cabernet with firm tannins and excellent aging potential.
- Horse Heaven Hills: A windy, sunny region known for structured reds, dense fruit, and polished tannins.
- Walla Walla Valley: A celebrated region with a strong premium-wine reputation, producing Cabernet styles that can be rich, savory, and complex.
- Yakima Valley: Washington’s first federally recognized AVA and an important source of Cabernet and Bordeaux-style blends.
Post By:
Deanna Albertson