Planning a trip to WA wine country

[mgd05]

Hi, we are going to the WA wine country in July and are looking for some recommendations of vineyards we should visit for tastings. We love pinots and most other reds and would be most interested in visiting small vineyards that have a limited distribution and those that we may not familiar with since we live in Washington, D.C. (e.g., we probably wouldn't want to go to Columbia Crest). Any suggestions would be most appreciated!

[Bucko]

I did a pretty extensive review of Walla Walla wineries recently that may be of some value to you:

http://www.wineloverspage.com/bucko/walla05.phtml

Have fun on your trip. WA wine country is a friendly area -- lots of good folks.

[Findnfish]

Where do you plan on staying? yakima area or Tri-cities? I just spent a weekend in Yakima in the Rattlesnake hills AVA and found several great wineries. Sagelands and Porteus for reds and Hyatt vineyards had great whites and desserts. One unexpected find was Maison de Padgett. Has great wines and excelent atmosphere. He also has a fabulous coffee port...a must try! Bucko also recomended Chinook winery in the Prosser area.

[wondersofwine]

If you are in the Prosser area include Willow Crest--small winery, good grapes, talented young assistant winemaker. You can buy direct from the winery--not in the DC market probably. I also liked the Syrahs at Saviah Cellars in the Walla Walla area.

[Kcwhippet]

I definitely second a visit to Willow Crest and Victor Palencia, winemaker extraordinaire, as well as a visit to Saviah. While you're in Prosser visiting Willow Crest, also stop in at Coyote Caanyon Winery on 6th Street. Matt Gray is making some wonderful wines, and you'll be getting in on the ground floor with this one. I don't even think Stevebody is onto this one yet.