How many wine regions does Washington state have?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Answer: (A)

Washington is usually spoken of as having two broad regional wine areas: Western Washington and Eastern Washington. This split comes from clear differences in climate and geography that shape what grapes thrive where and how the wines taste. The western side, closer to the Pacific and with cooler, more maritime conditions, tends to favor cooler-climate varieties and nuanced, lighter wines. The eastern side is drier and warmer, allowing for bolder, riper wines and a wider range of grape varieties. While there are many specific wine districts and AVAs scattered across the state, the practical way people talk about regional tourism and wine travel is to think in terms of these two main regions. That’s why the answer is two.