From the lush forests of the West to the dry, arid hills of the East, visitors to Washington's wine country experience the variety and flavor that have made Washington's wine famous.

Some of the world's finest varietals have been grown and crafted in the rich regions of the Columbia, Yakima, Walla Walla, and Woodinville valleys. With ample opportunity for the traveler and connoisseur to uncover bottled gems, these valleys also present a wealth of natural beauty, colorful history and diverse outdoor life to be enjoyed.

Here, the quality of the fruit is rivaled perhaps only by the quality of life. The natural gifts of the region may be less obvious than the massive volcanoes in the Cascades or cultural centers of Seattle and Tacoma. But a look beneath the surface will uncover the subtle secrets buried in the spirit of wine country.

Should you find yourself racing to taste the smooth flavor of that Pinot Noir before vineyard closing, don't worry, unlilke large vineyards in California and Europe, the growers and winemakers here often devote personal attention to visitors or stay long after closing to taste and discuss their craft. Sip an exclusive, handcrafted vintage as you share a conversation with a local winemaker - they're usually your first point of contact walking into a rural area tasting room. Discover small production, award-winning varietals, often not available on store shelves. Tour family-owned-and-built wineries, complete with temperature-controlled barrel rooms and farm animals. Many have quite distinctive character: Mountain Dome Winery has a 4,000-square-foot geodesic dome; at the Three Rivers Winery you can grab a club and play its 3-hole golf course; and L'Ecole No. 41 was named after the school house it occupies!

Whether it's a connoisseur's wine dinner, multi-winery festival, hot air balloon trip equipped with bubbly in the picnic hamper, or a self-guided wine tour, Washington wine country is brimming with authentic experiences for those who simply love wine. For more information on Washington wine country, visit www.washingtonwine.org.

Learn More About the Wine Industry

Central Washington University (CWU) "World Wine Program" focuses on the business and trade aspects of the wine industry. It features learning opportunities for those now working in the wine and associated industries, consumers and those who would like to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the wine industry.

The program consists of five tracks including:

• Wine Trade Professional Certificate;
• Academic track with a 15-credit Certificate; or Wine Trade and Tourism Minor;
• Trade training for the wine industry;
• Short courses for the consumer; and,
• International learning experiences.

The Wine Trade Professional Certificate, offered as a credit or non-credit program in Ellensburg and at CWU-Lynnwood, provides a comprehensive program that covers viticulture, winemaking, world wine regions, styles and trade structures, the business of wine, wine marketing and merchandising and professional evaluation techniques.

Graduates will be prepared for careers in wine merchandising, wholesale, retail, distribution, marketing, import/export, consulting, hospitality and more.

Short day-long or weekend courses are offered for the wine industry on a variety of topics from professional evaluation to business aspects and current trends. The International Learning Experience is an overseas course designed to further participant's understanding of the global wine market. In addition, short courses for the consumer "are intended to demystify the world of wine while exposing consumers to new and classic wines,regions and styles," according to Amy Mumma, who developed the curriculum and is the principal program instructor. Contact the CWU Office of Continuing Education at1-800-720-4503 or online at cwuce.org/wine-education.