Celebrate WAugust: Sip, Savor and Support the Heart of Washington Wine Country
Sun-drenched vineyards, award-winning wines, and unforgettable tasting experiences make August one of the best times of year to explore the Heart of Washington Wine Country in Tri-Cities.
August is a special time in Washington Wine Country. Across the state, wine lovers celebrate Washington Wine Month, affectionately known as WAugust—a month dedicated to supporting local wineries, discovering new favorites, and raising a glass to one of Washington's signature industries.
Here in the Tri-Cities, that celebration feels especially close to home. With vineyard-covered hills just minutes from the Columbia River, wine country isn’t a day trip, it’s part of everyday life.Home to more than 200 wineries within an hour's drive, including the world-renowned Red Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills AVAs, the Tri-Cities is where award-winning wines meet wide-open skies, river views, and relaxed tasting experiences. Whether you're a longtime local or just passing through, WAugust is the perfect excuse to explore the wine country in your own backyard.
Why WAugust Matters
Every bottle of Washington wine tells a story—one of passionate growers, talented winemakers, and the unique landscape that makes our region one of the premier wine destinations in the world.
In the Tri-Cities, that story is written in the soil of Red Mountain, shaped by the winds of Horse Heaven Hills, and poured daily in tasting rooms from Kennewick to Prosser to West Richland.
Supporting local wineries does more than fill your wine rack. It helps sustain family-owned businesses, supports local agriculture, creates jobs, and strengthens the communities that make the Tri-Cities such a vibrant place to live and visit.
When you stop in for a tasting after a river walk, enjoy dinner paired with a local vintage, or bring home a bottle from a winery just down the road, you're directly supporting the people behind every pour.
Five Ways to Celebrate WAugust in the Tri-Cities
1. Visit a New Winery
Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and visit a winery you've never experienced before. From boutique producers crafting limited-production wines to iconic estates with international acclaim, there's always something new to discover.
2. Meet the People Behind the Wine
One of the most special parts of tasting in the Tri-Cities is how personal it feels. You’re often talking directly with the people who grow the grapes, make the wine, or have been part of the region for generations. Every pour comes with a story and often a recommendation for your next stop just down the road.
3. Pair Local Wine with Local Food
Our region's restaurants proudly feature Washington wines alongside locally inspired menus. Whether you're enjoying a riverside dinner, an upscale tasting menu, or a casual lunch, ask your server for a Washington wine pairing and experience how beautifully local food and wine come together.
4. Stock Up for Fall Gatherings
Summer in the Tri-Cities is just the beginning. Between backyard barbecues, football season, and holiday gatherings just around the corner, now is the perfect time to stock your cellar with local wines. Your future self will thank you.
5. Share Your Experience
Found a new favorite wine on Red Mountain or a hidden gem of a tasting in the hills? Share it. Tag it. Tell a friend. In a region as connected as the Tri-Cities, word of mouth is one of the most powerful ways to support local wineries and help others discover the Heart of Washington Wine Country.
Raise a Glass to Washington Wine
WAugust is not just a celebration, it's an invitation to explore, connect, and support one of Washington's greatest success stories.
Whether you spend the month discovering a new favorite winery, revisiting a longtime favorite, or introducing friends and family to the incredible wines produced here, every visit makes a difference.
This August, celebrate Washington Wine Month by uncorking something extraordinary right here in the Tri-Cities.
Cheers to WAugust!