Expanding your knowledge — and enjoyment — of Washington wines

Q: While I've lived in Seattle for more than 13 years, I have never been wine tasting in Eastern Washington. I know little about our local wines — except what can be found over in Woodinville. I'd love to plan a long weekend trip to do some wine tasting, but I have no clue where to begin.

I love big reds. I am an Amador County Zin fan. I am not a fan of Pinot in any fashion — too subtle, from what I've experienced. How that relays into Washington wines I have no clue. Can you help a girl who wants to do some exploring and expand her horizons?

A: Here are some ideas to get you started: Spend some weekend afternoons exploring winery clusters within an hour or so of Seattle. The Woodinville area has dozens of wineries, and many of them make what I would consider "big reds."

A smaller cluster is in South Seattle. Check out the South Seattle Artisan Wineries Web site for details (www.ssaw.info). Your timing is good, as holiday tasting events are coming up in the near future.

Exploring Eastern Washington is great fun and will require many trips, as this state's wineries now number close to 570 and wine tasting tourism is on the rise. You won't find much in the style of Amador zin or pinot noir, but just about everything else is out there.

The closest areas to Seattle would be wineries clustered around Leavenworth and Yakima. Other good stops are Wenatchee, Lake Chelan, Prosser, Red Mountain, the Tri-Cities and, of course, Walla Walla. Once you are on the road you will be able to find wines that suit your taste.

Talk to the tasting-room managers and ask for recommendations. If you like someone's cab or syrah, ask who is nearby with something similar. And most of all, have fun!

Paul Gregutt answers questions weekly in the Wine section. He can be reached by e-mail at wine@seattletimes.com.