Designated: 1995
Vineyards: 121 acres (49 hectares)
Top Varieties: Madeleine Angevine, Siegerrebe, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir
Average Annual Precipitation: 15-60 inches
The Puget Sound appellation, named after the body of water that stretches across the region, has the distinction of being Washington’s only growing region located west of the Cascade Mountains. It encompasses a wide swath of land—including numerous islands—from the Canadian border to the north through Seattle to Olympia, the state’s capitol to the south.
Due to its location, Puget Sound is unique for Washington as a growing region in that it has a temperate, maritime climate. In contrast, Washington’s growing regions east of the Cascade crest have arid or semi-arid, continental climates. Puget Sound is therefore by far Washington’s coolest and wettest growing region.
Rainfall ranges from 15 inches (38 cm) to 60 inches (152 cm) annually, with most precipitation occurring from November through April. In contrast, summers are typically fairly warm and dry. The abundant rainfall means that most vineyards in this area can dry farm, in contrast to eastern Washington where irrigation is required due to the desert climate.
Cool climate grapes dominate in this area, with Pinot Noir the most planted variety followed by Riesling. However, the area also has plantings of Madeleine Angevine, Muller Thurgau, Regent, Siegerrebe, and other varieties seldom seen elsewhere in the state.