Washington State is a premium wine producing region located in the northwest corner of the United States. Although a relatively young wine industry, it is the nation's second largest wine producer and is ranked among the world's top wine regions. Washington wines are found nationally in all 50 states and internationally in more than 40 countries.

With 40,000 acres planted, the state has ideal geography and conditions for growing premium vinifera wine grapes. Primarily grown on their own root stocks, which support healthier plants, vines produce grapes of consistent quality, resulting in strong vintages year after year. While wine grape growers in Washington focus on Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, the region also produces a wide range of other spectacular white and red wines.

From Italy to Australia, winemakers from all over the world have chosen to establish themselves in Washington, where they can create wines reflecting this region's unique characteristics. Their hand-crafted wines are receiving wide acclaim from critics regionally, nationally and internationally for consistent high quality. Many of them have received scores of 90 and above from major wine media. Overall, Washington receives a higher percentage of high scores from principal wine publications than other leading wine regions.

As the state's fourth largest fruit crop, the Washington wine industry is an important contributor to the long term preservation of Washington agriculture. The industry is committed to sustainable agricultural practices and conservation of water resources. Washington is also home to wineries that are certified organic and biodynamic.

Washington's wine industry generates more than $3 billion to the state economy and it employs more than 14,000 people directly and indirectly. Wine grapes are among the highest tax generators of any agricultural crops in terms of tax revenues accrued to the state and federal government. Furthermore, Washington wine tourism attracts nearly two million visitors annually, contributing to the positive growth of local and regional economies.

Washington State - the perfect climate for wine is the symbiotic relationship of ideal growing conditions, quality wines, business innovation, lifestyle, and social responsibility. All are key elements of this world-class wine industry.

This weeks feature Winery, Mark Ryan Wines, uses grapes from a number of important vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA region.  Among those are three of the top vineyards in Washington:

Ciel du Cheval

Owned and operated by Jim Holmes and managed by Ryan Johnson, Ciel du Cheval has helped pave the way for the fine wine grapes on Red Mountain. With 120 acres under vine, Ciel du Cheval is a major contributor to Mark Ryan wines. The very first vintages of Dead Horse and Long Haul were packed with fruit from Ciel du Cheval, a tradition that continues to this day.
Balancing polish and refinement in its power and depth, Ciel represents a feminine compliment to Klipsun's brazen muscularity. The vines are planted in a fan trellis system, which provides a more-dense canopy to shield the clusters from the intense heat of the site. This style of management allows the grape's sugars to develop harmoniously with its concentration and physiological ripeness, showcasing deep fruit flavors balanced with non-fruit complexity. 

Klipsun

Named by Wine and Spirits magazine as one of the Top 25 vineyards in the World, Klipsun is truly a Washington icon. Located on the western edge of Red Mountain AVA, the vineyard was planted in 1984 by David and Patricia Gelles. There are currently 120 acres planted to vines, managed by Julia Kock. Klipsun fruit is all about power. It's placement on Red Mountain exposes the vines to strong nighttime winds that thicken the grape's skins, making a smaller berry with dense fruit concentration and broad-shouldered structure. These conditions, coupled with the natural, consistent heat of Red Mountain create a wine of big, bold aromas and muscular intensity and power. 

Kiona

Kiona vineyard was one of the first planted on Red Mountain. In 1975, John Williams and Jim Holmes planted the first vines on 84 acres. Jim went on to create Ciel du Cheval while Kiona is still owned and operated by the Williams family. Managed today by John's son Scott, Kiona contributes a combination of deep, complex aromas and flavor with polished structure and balance.