Top 40 Wines 2025

Top 40 Wines 2024As always, we found it difficult to narrow down a list of our Top 40 wines in 2025, but ultimately we chose those wines that made a lasting impression. Not surprisingly, we tasted hundreds of wines last year. Some, we bought at wineries and retail outlets. Others, we tasted at wine events such as Taste Washington and Swirl Around B.C. Likewise, some fine folks shared their bottles with us, while others kindly sent us samples.

Overall, our 2025 list features 11 sparklers, 13 rosés and whites, and 16 reds, from Washington, British Columbia, Oregon, California, England, France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, South Africa, and New Zealand. Some are on the list because of their exceptional quality (with a matching high price point). On the other hand, others are simply excellent value wines. Moreover, we waited until the beginning of the new year, so we could also include wines we adored over the holidays.
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Sagebreaker Wines

Sagebreaker WinesSagebreaker wines are named after George Smith, who broke sagebrush from the ground in the Horse Heaven Hills a century ago. Today, his descendants – the Andrews family – carry that legacy forward at Andrews Family Vineyards, with groundbreaking Sagebreaker and Trothe wines. As winemaker of the impressive team, Ray McKee crafted these three noteworthy Sagebreaker wines. These wines show the same structure and finesse as Trothe’s luxury lineup, but feature more integrated oak. In a recent chat, Ray told us that he lovingly makes Sagebreaker like Trothe. However, he described Sagebreaker as “wines of yumminess meant to be enjoyed by anyone and everyone with food anytime. Sagebreaker helps people light up their mouths and progress on their wine journey.” Read on for details.

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Summer Reds

Summer reds? Yes, please! Sure, most people think of whites, rosés, and bubbles for the deck in warm weather. But let’s not forget that red wine pairs perfectly with backyard barbecues. That’s right! Summertime means it’s grilling season. So fire up the BBQ. Here are a dozen bottles we served recently with grilled meat.
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TOAST Honorees

Auction of Washington Wines 2025Auction of Washington Wines (AWW) has announced an incredible lineup of TOAST honorees at a celebration on Aug. 14 at Sparkman Cellars in Woodville. The fourth annual TOAST Awards recognize leaders across Washington’s wine industry. Most important, we are absolutely delighted that our friend Mike Sauer of Red Willow Vineyard will receive the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” He is truly wine royalty in our state. Read on for details about other award recipients and the TOAST event in August. Continue reading →