In a state known for bold reds and sun-soaked vineyards east of the Cascades, a handful of wineries are doing something radically different. They’re producing white wines from cool-climate varietals—grapes better known in Germany, Switzerland or the Loire Valley than in Washington. These wines aren’t just a novelty. They’re fresh, vibrant and uniquely suited to the maritime influence of Puget Sound.
You won’t find them in every tasting room, and that’s the point. These are the cold-hardy whites you have to seek out, and the wineries quietly shaping Washington’s next frontier.
Island Originals
Bainbridge Vineyards is the undisputed pioneer of cold-climate whites in the Puget Sound AVA. Estate-grown and organically farmed, their portfolio includes three grapes rarely found anywhere else in the state: Madeleine Angevine, Müller-Thurgau and Seigerrebe. All ripen early and perform best in mild summers, making them ideal for Western Washington’s cloudier climate.
Madeleine offers crisp acidity with lemon and meadow notes. Müller-Thurgau adds gentle peach and floral tones. Seigerrebe is intensely aromatic with lychee and spice. Together, they form a compelling argument for the region’s potential beyond Riesling and Chardonnay.
Grüner in the Wild
Austria’s favorite white has made a stealthy debut in Woodinville. Glacier View Cellars offers a Grüner Veltliner with savory character and a clean mineral finish—just one of two varietals they produce. Their tasting room in the Warehouse District is casual and welcoming, with swings, mountain decor and a strong lineup of bold reds to round out the experience.
Nearby, Maryhill’s Tasting Room at the historic Hollywood Schoolhouse also features Grüner alongside Albariño, Muscat and a mix of classic whites. It’s a big, high-energy space with food, live music and sweeping options across styles.
One of the most interesting expressions comes from The Orcas Project, an experimental collective with a tasting room tucked into Phinney Ridge. Their Grüner leans vibrant and lean, often released in artist-label small batches that vanish quickly.
Chenin and the Uncommon Whites
Chenin Blanc is having a quiet moment in Western Washington, thanks to producers like Cedergreen Cellars, Ancestry Cellars and Lobo Hills. At Cedergreen, Chenin is part of a thoughtful white program that includes Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. The vibe is unfussy, the wines focused and food-friendly.
Lobo Hills, meanwhile, is quietly producing some of the region’s most distinctive whites. Alongside Chenin, they bottle Auxerrois and Pinot Blanc—both rarely seen in Washington. Their natural wine approach lends texture and subtlety, and their Warehouse tasting room rewards those willing to look past the obvious.
Why It Matters
Cold-hardy varietals aren’t just a curiosity. They ripen early, preserve acidity and thrive where Cabernet can’t. As the climate shifts and wine lovers crave more than buttery Chardonnay or bracing Sauvignon Blanc, grapes like Madeleine Angevine and Grüner Veltliner offer a refreshing detour.
They also reveal the diversity of Washington terroir—particularly west of the mountains. These wines aren’t grown in heat domes or desert valleys. They come from islands, hillsides and misty vineyards close to the sound. And they tell a different story, one of subtlety, restraint and place.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to taste for yourself? Explore the full list of tasting rooms pouring cold-hardy whites:
These aren’t the easiest wines to find, but they’re absolutely worth the hunt.