Wine
Everything You Need to Know About Washington State Syrah
January 23, 2026
For fans of structured-meets-serious Syrah, Washington State offers a world of thought-provoking options to discover. Although less planted than Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the state’s Syrah plantings have skyrocketed to over 2,000 hectares, making it the third-most planted red variety across the board—and in terms of quality, the expressions are simply unmatched. The area’s northerly location and overall cool climate create the foundations for balanced, acid-driven wines that pair beautifully with a variety of foods, while also boasting immense potential for long-term cellaring. In short? If restrained California wines and Northern Rhône picks are your go-to, then these special bottles need to be on your radar.
Terroir & Flavor Profile
The first plantings of Washington State Syrah date back to 1986, when Mike Sauer laid roots at Red Willow Vineyard in Yakima Valley. Since then, the Syrah has slowly but surely made a name for itself across a handful of Washington State’s key appellations, including Walla Walla, Horse Heaven Hills, and Red Mountain. While the former are dominated by arid and semi-arid continental climates, Red Mountain is deemed the warmest and driest viticultural area in Washington. In turn, the Syrahs from these sub-regions span the stylistic and flavor profile gamut—meaning there’s truly a bottle out there for every unique preference.
Victoria Love, Sommelier at Sommsation, reveals that Washington State Syrah has become a bit of a quiet superstar. “What makes it stand out is the way it brings together ripe fruit, savory complexity and natural freshness,” she says. Love notes that warm days help the grapes to develop bold flavors like blackberry, plum and black cherry, yet the area’s cool nights slow everything down just enough to keep the wines balanced, structured and focused.
“You often get beautiful notes of smoked meat, pepper, olive and dried herbs that sit alongside lush dark fruit. It is this mix of richness and energy that makes Washington Syrah so distinctive and so exciting for wine lovers,” she says.
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Global Context of Washington Syrah
According to Love, Washington State Syrah strikes a sweet spot between the Old World and the New World in terms of style. “Northern Rhône Syrah tends to be more peppery, floral and tightly structured. It often leads with notes of violet, black olive, smoked meat and earth,” she says, explaining that while Washington Syrah shares some of these savory qualities, it's usually fuller in texture with riper fruit. In terms of other European expressions, such as those from northern Italy, Love often finds them to be more herbal and spicy with a lighter body and higher acidity.
With regards to New World expressions, Love states the opposite. “Barossa Valley Shiraz is another story,” she says, describing the wines as big, bold and intensely fruity. While Australian expressions tend to showcase flavors of blackberry jam, blueberry and baking spice, Love notes that Washington Syrah is typically fresher and less opulent.
“It offers plenty of flavor but with more natural acidity and a more layered feel,” she says, stating that Washington expressions tend to feel concentrated and plush, though they still keep a lively backbone. “Overall, Washington Syrah bridges the gap between elegance and power which is why it appeals to so many palates,” she reveals.
Sommsation Experts Recommend:
Amavi Cellars Walla Walla Syrah 2023 ($42.00) - Aromas of dark berries, including blackberry and black cherry. Hints of violet and lavender, earthy undertones of smoked meat and cracked pepper. Bold flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and ripe plum, followed by hints of blueberry, dried herbs, smoked meat, and a hint of cocoa.
Approachment Wine Company Wicked Garden Syrah 2023 ($52.00) - Blueberry compote with bramble spice, plum, mineral, rocky, cracked black pepper.
Washington Syrah on the Table
Thanks to its concentrated yet balanced nature, Washington Syrah pairs with a myriad of foods and flavors. “Washington Syrah is incredibly versatile on the table, and pairs great with barbecue, pulled pork or smoked brisket,” says Love, citing that the smoky, peppery character in many of the state’s wines match beautifully with slow-cooked meats, mushroom, and truffle dishes. Additionally, Love notes that the earthy qualities in the wine pair perfectly with umami driven plates, and that cured meats (salami) and aged cheeses (gouda, sharp cheddar) are equally ideal matches—and vegetarians, worry not. “Hearty vegetable dishes like roasted eggplant, lentil stew, or grilled portobello mushrooms all work surprisingly well too,” she says.
Sommsation Experts Recommend:
Amavi Cellars Stone Valley Syrah 2022 ($65.00) - Aromas of orange peel, savory olive tapenade, damp forest floor, leather, tobacco leaf, and lavender. A touch of umami woven through juicy red currants, dark berries, and ripe plum with smooth tannins with a gentle structure that unfolds with each sip.
Sleight of Hand Cellars Psychedelic Syrah 2022 ($75.00) - Roasted meats. Tobacco spice. Floral citrus blossom. Fresh herbs. Wet stone. Earth. Freshly pickled plums. Red cherries. Mouth coating tannins.
Go-To Gifting & Ageworthy Factor
Above all, Love states that Washington Syrah appeals to a wide range of wine drinkers. “If you enjoy the structure and savory layers of Rhône wines but also appreciate the lush fruit of New World styles, you will probably fall in love with Washington State Syrah,” she says, describing It is also a great choice for anyone looking to explore high quality, high value red wines. In terms of gifting, Love finds that Washington Syrah makes for an excellent gift, as it feels special without being predictable—and moreover, can truly deliver for the price.
With regards to cellaring, Love affirms that many Washington Syrahs also age beautifully. “After a few years in the cellar they develop deeper layers of spice, earth and softened tannins,” she says. “They are wonderful bottles to buy for future celebrations or to mark a meaningful year.” Curious to dive deeper into the world of Washington Syrah? Explore our curated selections or contact our concierge to get started.
