Red Mountain AVA

The CMS in this blend stands for Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah – a Washington State twist on the classic Bordeaux blend with a touch of Rhône influence thrown in for good measure. This combination works beautifully in Washington's Columbia Valley, where all three varieties thrive and complement each other perfectly. Hedges Family Estate has been a pioneer in Washington wine country, helping to establish the Red Mountain AVA and championing sustainable viticulture practices. Their CMS blend is a perfect introduction to what makes Washington reds so special – the structure of Cabernet, the plushness of Merlot, and the spicy depth of Syrah create a wine that's greater than the sum of its parts. This bottle consistently delivers impressive quality for the price, making it a smart choice for everything from Tuesday night pizza to weekend dinner parties.

While the red CMS blend gets most of the attention, this white counterpart deserves equal billing. The 'CMS' here stands for Chardonnay, Marsanne, and Sauvignon Blanc – a creative combination that showcases Washington State's versatility with white varieties. Hedges Family Estate brings their same thoughtful approach to this white blend, creating a wine with more complexity and interest than many single-varietal options in the same price range. The Sauvignon Blanc provides the backbone of citrus and herbaceous notes, while Chardonnay adds body and texture, and Marsanne contributes subtle floral and honeyed elements. The result is a versatile white that works year-round – refreshing enough for summer sipping but with enough substance to pair with fall and winter meals. It's the kind of bottle that makes you reconsider what Washington whites can offer.

Washington State Cabernet continues to prove it belongs in the conversation with California's finest, and Hedges Estate is making some of the most compelling arguments. This Columbia Valley Cab delivers serious quality and regional character at a price point that would make Napa blush. The Hedges family has been pioneering quality winemaking in Washington's Red Mountain AVA for decades, focusing on sustainable practices and letting the unique terroir shine through. Their Cabernet strikes that perfect balance between power and elegance – substantial enough to satisfy those looking for a bold red but with enough restraint and complexity to keep things interesting. It's the kind of bottle that makes you wonder why you don't drink more Washington wine, and then immediately resolve to correct that oversight.

Lemberger might sound like a stinky cheese, but it's actually a seriously underrated red grape (also known as Blaufränkisch in its native Austria). Kiona Vineyards was the first to plant this variety in Washington State back in 1976, making them the OG Lemberger champions in America – a title probably not mentioned on their business cards but impressive nonetheless. Grown on Red Mountain, one of Washington's most prestigious AVAs, this wine showcases what happens when an Eastern European grape variety finds its happy place in the Pacific Northwest. It delivers the perfect balance of bright fruit, peppery spice, and refreshing acidity that makes it incredibly food-friendly. For wine geeks, it's a chance to try something different; for everyone else, it's just delicious red wine that doesn't require a pronunciation guide to enjoy.