Best Wines from Spokane Wine Country
The most acclaimed and distinctive wines produced in Spokane Wine Country — a guide to what to buy, cellar, and seek from Washington State.
Signature Wines of Spokane Wine Country
Spokane Wine Country is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot — varieties that have established the region's international reputation. The signature wines from Spokane wine country share certain characteristics: concentration from the high-desert sunshine, natural acidity from cold nighttime temperatures, and a mineral quality from the volcanic and alluvial soils that underlie the best vineyard sites. These aren't just good American wines; they're wines that hold their own in international competition.
How to Buy Spokane Wine Country Wine
For the most acclaimed Spokane wine country producers, the only reliable purchase channel is the winery's own mailing list. Producers like Arbor Crest Wine Cellars sell the majority of their allocation before public release. For other excellent Spokane wine country wines, the regional wine shop in Spokane will carry a selection that's unavailable nationally; and visiting the region directly is the best way to access library vintages, limited bottlings, and member-only wines.
Cellaring Spokane Wine Country Wine
Spokane Wine Country Cabernet Sauvignon tends toward age-worthiness — the combination of tannin structure from warm days and natural acidity from cold nights produces wines that develop beautifully over 5–15 years in the cellar. If you're buying to drink now, look for wines from 3–5 years ago; if you're buying to age, current vintage Spokane wine country Cabernet Sauvignon is typically priced more favorably than equivalent wines from better-known regions.
Winery Profiles
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
Spokane, WA
Clifftop basalt landmark — panoramic views, Columbia Valley wines, open daily
Barrister Winery
Spokane Downtown, WA
Critically acclaimed Spokane producer — Syrah, Merlot, collector red blends
Caterina Winery
Spokane, WA
Spokane landmark in a historic building — Italian-inspired Washington wines
Townshend Cellar
Spokane Valley, WA
Spokane Valley estate — Columbia Valley reds in a welcoming setting
Palouse Winery
Pullman, WA
University town winery near WSU — Eastern Washington wines
Latah Creek Wine Cellars
Spokane, WA
Spokane producer since 1982 — estate wines in the Lewis-Clark corridor
Liberty Lake Wine Cellars
Liberty Lake, WA
Suburban Spokane producer — Columbia Valley wines near Liberty Lake
Robert Karl Cellars
Spokane, WA
Spokane's most design-forward tasting room — notable red blends
Browse All Washington Wineries →
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best wineries in Spokane Wine Country?
The most celebrated wineries in Spokane Wine Country include Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, Barrister Winery, Caterina Winery, Townshend Cellar, Palouse Winery. Each represents the region's commitment to world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot from Washington State.
How do I get to Spokane wine country?
Spokane wine country is Based in Spokane (Eastern Washington's largest city). Plan your route using I-90 for Seattle connections or US-97 for north-south travel through Eastern Washington. Most winery tasting rooms are accessible by car; some regions offer wine country shuttle services.
What is Spokane wine country known for?
Spokane Wine Country is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot — varieties that thrive in the region's unique climate of warm days, cold nights, and volcanic soils. Washington State has become one of America's premier wine regions, and Spokane Wine Country is at the heart of that reputation.