Below, you’ll find a summary of each vintage for the past 30 years. If you are looking for more information, please reach out to Heather Bradshaw, Communications Director at Washington Wine, at hbradshaw@washingtonwine.org.
2022
240,000 Tons Harvested
The 2022 growing season in Washington was notable for a cool, wet spring, a hot, but brief, summer, and nearly-unprecedented warm finishing weather in late September and almost all of October. The growing season started out with a cold, wet winter, putting significant moisture into the soil. Early varieties started to bud at the end of March/early April, aligned with recent history. A freak blizzard hit Columbia Valley in April, stalling bud break for two to three weeks. Cool weather continued through bloom, and when summer temperatures finally arrived the growing season was already two to three weeks behind recent years. October saw ideal growing conditions, with temperatures five or more degrees above average, resulting in near-perfect finishing weather given the coolness of the season. The final crop was heavier, particularly for white varieties, due to larger berries and clusters.
2021
179,600 Tons Harvested
2021 was a warm growing season in Washington marked by a record shattering heat event in late June and, in some cases, historically low yields at harvest. While most growers felt that their vineyards fared the extreme heat well, it contributed to a significant reduction in berry size and cluster size. The rest of the growing season continued to be warm, and 2021 is considered to be either the second warmest vintage on record behind 2015 or the warmest. Veraison began in mid-July, aligned with recent years though early by historical standards. Harvest for sparkling wine began August 12th, five to seven days ahead of recent years. Temperatures cooled down in September and October, allowing for extended hang time for those who sought it. While the crop was much smaller than growers and winemakers would have liked, all were pleased with quality. Brix were somewhat elevated, and many reported that acids held on surprisingly well considering the warmth of the year.
2020
178,500 Tons Harvested
2020 was a relatively warm year for Washington with a significantly smaller crop than average. Bud break began in mid-April, well aligned with historical averages. Late July and early August saw some heat spikes, but, overall, it was a fairly moderate, even summer. Harvest began the third week of August, well aligned with many recent years. This was followed by a hot beginning of September, which led to feverish picking of early ripening varieties. Significant wildfire smoke came in during the second week of September, pausing harvest for nearly 10 days. The layer of smoke also stalled sugar accumulation and pushed harvest for some varieties into cooler parts of September and October. Early reports indicate limited negative impacts from the smoke. October temperatures were above average before a freeze event October 25th brought the growing season to a close in many locations. Overall, yield was down substantially in 2020. Growers attributed this to a large crop in 2019, a series of October 2019 freezes, and mixed weather at bloom that led to a poor set. This all contributed to significantly smaller cluster weights and berry sizes across varieties. While the crop was smaller, the combination of smaller berries and extended hang time is traditionally a recipe for high quality wines in Washington. Many growers and winemakers were excited with the result, noting the dark color of the reds.
2019
201,000 Tons Harvested
The 2019 growing season was unique. Late winter weather left snow in the vineyard in February into March, delaying pruning and other vineyard work. This also contributed to greater soil moisture, increased canopy growth, and slightly delayed bud break and bloom. Summer temperatures were cooler and considerably more even than in recent years, with a notable lack of heat spikes. Overall, temperatures across the growing season were slightly above 20-year averages but were nowhere near as warm as the years that preceded it. A minor frost event at the end of September was followed by a series of larger, statewide frosts and freezes in early to mid-October. By this point, growers at warmer sites, winemakers who pick at lower overall maturity, and those who pick at lower yields per acre had already picked most or all of their grapes. For others, especially for sites carrying higher tonnages, there was a large amount of fruit still on the vine. Although growers worked feverishly to bring it in, some fruit was left unpicked due to concerns about frost damage. As a result, tonnage was down from recent years. Despite these challenges, growers and winemakers alike were excited about the quality of fruit they picked 2019. Cooler temperatures contributed to lower overall sugar accumulation and higher acidities, which many welcomed.
2018
261,000 Tons Harvested
2018 was another warm vintage for Washington that was marked by ideal weather during the harvest season. April was cool, delaying bud break slightly. Then May was one of the warmest on record, advancing bloom. This was followed by a cooler-than-average June. July and August temperatures were quite warm and then it cooled considerably in September, creating ideal conditions for ripening. October temperatures were average across the Columbia Valley, with moderate days and cool nights. The result of it all was a long, drawn out season. Warm days during harvest continued sugar accumulation while cooler nights preserved acidity. As a result, Brix levels were slightly above average in 2018, while acid levels were higher than anticipated for a warm vintage.
2017
229,000 Tons Harvested
The 2017 vintage started out with a cool, wet winter and cool spring. As a result, bud break was behind historical averages and significantly behind the most recent warm vintages of 2013-2015. Bloom was also slightly delayed. The early part of summer saw average temperatures in the Columbia Valley followed by above average temperatures in July and August. As a result, heat accumulation was a bit above average for the season, despite the cool start. Harvest began right on schedule but in the second half of September, temperatures cooled considerably, which delayed ripening. This allowed for luxurious amounts of hang time without the threat of increased sugar accumulation, stretching harvest into the first week of November. As a result, winemakers report that sugars were slightly down in 2017 whereas acid levels were up.
2016
270,000 Tons Harvested
2016 continued the trend of warm growing seasons in Washington marked by an early start. Bud break and bloom were significantly advanced from historical dates, with bloom occurring in some areas as early as the third week of May, a good two-plus weeks ahead of average. By the end of May, 2016 was easily on pace to surpass 2015 as the warmest vintage on record. To everyone’s surprise, beginning in June, temperatures swung back toward normal. “As we all know weather is very unpredictable and we did not see the cool second half coming,” said one winemaker. These cooler temperatures persisted throughout the majority of the summer.
2015
222,000 Tons Harvested
The overwhelming factor in 2015 in Washington was heat,” said one winemaker. No one would disagree. If 2013 and ’14 could be described as ‘hot’ and ‘hotter,’ then 2015 would no doubt be described as ‘hottest.’ 2015 was Washington’s warmest vintage to date, with above average temperatures across the Columbia Valley throughout the growing season. While the ever-warm Red Mountain accumulated over 3,900 Growing Degree Days, even cooler regions like the Yakima Valley saw over 3,150. Overall, the Columbia Valley averaged 3,157 GDDs, compared to a long-term average of 2,628 – a sizeable difference. The warm temperatures led to advancement of all markers of the growing season, with bud break, bloom, and harvest occurring two to three weeks ahead of historical averages. Harvest began historically early, with some wineries bringing in fruit in mid-August – a prospect that would be unheard of in most years.
2014
227,000 Tons Harvested
This was a second consecutive warm year for Washington, with many growers reporting that it was their warmest year on record. Grape production continued to expand, up 8% to 227,000 tons. Much like the year before, the warm temperatures advanced most markers of the growing season. July and August saw record temperatures in some locations, and the warm temperatures continued all the way into mid-October.
2013
210,000 Tons Harvested
This year was a warm growing season in Washington, with above-average temperatures throughout spring and summer and notably warmer-than-average nighttime temperatures. A dramatic mid-September drop in temperatures extended harvest into early November. Many growers and winemakers reported lower acidities, sometimes markedly so, and in some cases higher sugar levels.
2012
188,000 Tons Harvested
Wine grape growers were pleased to see a return to “normal” weather for the 2012 harvest. 188,000 tons of grapes were harvested, Washington’s biggest harvest yet and almost a 20% increase over the previous record harvest in 2010. Warm, sunny and consistent weather during the growing season with no rain lead to fruit ripening on schedule and helping winemakers avoid a compressed harvest as some had seen in 2010 and 2011. Winemakers were thankful that the warm days cooled off significantly during the night, with temperatures in Walla Walla even dipping down into the 30s in early September. This dramatic diurnal shift allowed the grapes to retain their natural acidity, which will balance out the plush, ripe flavors that will result from the 2012 vintage.
2011
142,000 Tons Harvested
A late 2010 freeze damaged some vines in the Horse Heaven Hills and Walla Walla AVAs and a cool summer resulted in the latest harvest on record for many vineyards. Much of the fruit was picked in a short period, creating a compressed harvest. Acidity was moderate in both red and white varieties, and ph was generally low, which will allow wines from 2011 to age for a long time to come. Despite some weather challenges, the fruit from 2011 fully ripened and many vintners celebrated the lower alcohol levels and crafted elegant, complex wines from the vintage.
2010
160,000 Tons Harvested
Bud break arrived on schedule in early April, but a cool, wet spring led to delayed flowering and reduced fruit set across many varieties. An unusually cool summer produced dramatic differences in ripening between warmer and cooler sites, with veraison extending well into September in some cooler areas. However, naturally low yields, combined with over a month of consistently warm weather from late September through late October, produced phenolic ripeness and flavor development with extraordinary natural acidity. Cool, wet weather returned in late October, an appropriate bookend to a challenging harvest. Overall, 2010 should produce balanced, elegant wines with lower alcohol and higher acidity.
2009
156,000 Tons Harvested
Cool spring temperatures and high wind conditions led to late bud break and a small quantity of poor fruit set. Very hot, dry summer (the hottest July on record for many sites) accelerated ripening of sugars and a need to pick most grapes by early October, earlier than generally practiced in the past 15 years. Night time temperatures were slightly higher than normal, as well. An even, warm, dry September helped balance the sugars/acids and allow phenolic ripeness/flavor development to occur. Colors in black grape varieties were deep, tannins developed quickly. Early frost hit vines on October 11, damaging 15% of the harvest. Overall, 2009 was a compressed harvest with little uniformity but good to very good overall quality for big red wine grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, with slightly higher than normal alcohol levels. White wines generally had higher sugars/lower acids as a result of the hot summer.
2008
145,000 Tons Harvested
Cool spring temperatures with some rain led to 2-weeks-later-than-normal bud break. The summer was average to slightly below average in terms of temperatures, resulting in veraison occurring one week late. Harvest was 10-14 days later than normal, but summer and early fall were dry, allowing for sugar and phenolic ripening with no loss of acid. Fruit flavors are less ripe, acid levels are slightly higher than normal. Overall, 2008 was a very good vintage across the board for most varieties. Reds will be lighter bodied, with purity of fruit and balance, with lighter bodied grapes like Cabernet franc and Merlot performing well. Whites will be clean, crisp and fresh, with Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc all performing well. Fine potential to age based upon the heightened acid levels.
2007
127,000 Tons Harvested
Ideal spring temperatures lead to even, timely fruit set. Late spring was warmer than usual. Summer was uneven – overall averages of temperatures were slightly lower, but there were major heat spikes to shut the vine down. Sugar levels remained slightly lower than usual. Ideal, slightly cool but sunny and dry fall weather allowed for very long hang time when necessary. Flavor development, acid balance, phenolic ripeness all occurred without the threat of high sugars. 2007 is an excellent vintage for most grape varieties and regions, with ripeness to enjoy now but balance to allow for a decade of aging for the structured varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling and Syrah.
2006
120,000 Tons Harvested
A mild, rainy spring led to slightly late, but uniform, fruit set. Summer was warm to hot and completely dry. Diurnal shift was strong, maintaining balance between the strong sugar development and acid presence. September cooled down considerably, with some humidity and rain, which slowed sugar development and allowed phenolic and flavor development to occur. October was dry and sunny with moderate temperatures, allowing longer hang time when needed. Very good to excellent vintage for both reds and whites, with some tannic structure/higher acid combinations pointing to strong ability to age for structure varieties. 120,000 tons harvested
2005
110,000 Tons Harvested
A mild winter and warm spring led to relatively early and heavy fruit set, and a hot summer rapidly accelerated ripening. September and October cooled significantly, allowing for extended hang time and flavor development. Overall, the 2005 vintage produced highly concentrated and intensely colored red wines, along with ripe yet expressive white wines. 116,760 tons harvested
2004
100,500 Tons Harvested
A hot growing season followed by a cool fall created a longer harvest, resulting in Washington wines with full, rich flavors. Despite winter damage to vines in certain areas across the state, the overall size of 2004 crop estimates were offset by an increase in bearing vineyard acres coming into production. Winemakers across the state reported small berry size with concentrated, quality fruit. Harvest began in some areas unusually early in August as a result of the warm growing season and early maturing fruit. The cool fall extended hang time with final berries picked in early November.
2003
108,500 Tons Harvested
Washington winemakers and wine grape growers felt the 2003 vintage was among the best in history, particularly for red wine varieties. Hot weather hit late in the growing season, nudging the fruit to reach flavor and structural ripeness. Grape harvest began on September 2 in the state’s warmest sites – Red Mountain and the Walla Walla Valley. Cool weather moved in on September 10th, allowing extra hang time and flavor development, which extended harvest through late October.
2002
109,750 Tons Harvested
The 2002 grape harvest is defined by the quality. Lower yields per acre resulted in richer fruit flavors. The growing season began cool, then warm temperatures (mid to high 90s) put the crop ahead of schedule in some areas. Harvest began as early as September 9th, but as cool weather hit in late September, activity slowed down. Winemakers welcomed cool temperatures, allowing fruit to mature and intensify flavors. The majority of the state’s wine grapes were harvested by mid-October.
2001
100,000 Tons Harvested
Syrah particularly stood out in the superior 2001 vintage. Temperatures during the 2001 growing season reached much warmer highs, which resulted in riper fruit. Temperatures moved forward harvest start dates by about 10 days earlier than average (September 1, 2001 the first grapes were picked near Benton City, on Red Mountain). Winemakers described white wine varieties as outstanding with lots of floral and fruit characteristics. Additionally, red grape varieties had softer tannins and bigger, more dominant flavors making them more approachable than in years past.
2000
84,500 Tons Harvested
With seasonal and regional variations, this year was anything but typical. Hang time was ideal, allowing grape flavor maturity to catch up with the sugar accumulation. The result is an unprecedented quantity of dark, concentrated red wines and fresh, balanced whites. This was the first year that more red varieties were harvested in Washington than white.
1999
65,000 Tons Harvested
Extended hang time during a very warm and dry September allowed for a crop with perfectly balanced levels of natural acid and rich, ripe flavors. Overall yield was down due to thinning of vines during the long, cool summer.
1998
71,000 Tons Harvested
Early predictions peg this as the year when Washington State vineyards hit the top of the charts for both size and quality. Full, even ripening yielded balanced sugars and acids, while increased acreage augmented the total harvest.
1997
62,000 Tons Harvested
Growers were delighted with this year’s rebound. This vintage yielded almost twice the fruit as the previous harvest. Mild temperatures created even ripening.
1996
34,000 Tons Harvested
An unusually harsh winter severely reduced the crop. Red varieties were affected most, but a mild spring and a hot summer nurtured good quality grapes.
1995
62,000 Tons Harvested
Moderate weather extended the growing season and resulted in an optimal harvest of excellent quality.
1994
44,000 Tons Harvested
A cool spring followed by a hot mid-summer led to an early harvest and lower crop levels than the previous year. Winemakers were enthusiastic about the quality of both red and white wines because of the concentrated flavors and intense varietal character of the fruit.
1993
62,000 Tons Harvested
A warm finish to an unusually cool summer pushed the fruit to full ripeness. Mild winters the previous years and the maturing of several new vineyards combined to yield a record crop. Winemakers were excited most about white varieties, comparing them to the benchmark quality of 1983 and 1989.
1992
50,000 Tons Harvested
The crop averaged just over 4 tons per acre and the grapes hung heavy and ripe in the early fall. Excellent color and low to moderate tannins were courtesy of a gentle winter, mild spring and very warm summer.
1991
26,000 Tons Harvested
Severe winter storms gave way to a cool, wet spring, a dry summer and a warm harvest season. The result was dramatically reduced vineyard yields, and one of the state’s best years for white wines with solid acid levels and full flavors.
1990
38,000 Tons Harvested
Red wines proved especially fine after a growing season vineyard managers dream of: bud break in mid-April, bloom the second week in June and harvest the first week of September.
1989
43,000 Tons Harvested
Critics called this Washington’s best vintage of the 1980s, especially for reds. A winter freeze thinned vines a bit, reducing the size and number of grape clusters. The moderate growing season allowed slow and complete ripening of the fruit.
1988
46,000 Tons Harvested
Consistently warm days followed a gentle, dry winter brought crop levels up and produced well-balanced sugars and acids. Red wines were particularly rich and supple.
1987
46,000 Tons Harvested
A warmer than average growing season produced outstanding wines, particularly noticeable in the top-quality reds. Wines were packed with bright fruit and supple tannins and continue to deliver on the promise of long-term aging potential.