Think of Washington State, and you might conjure up images of Seattle and wet, gloomy pine forests along the mighty Cascade Range. But on the rain shadow side of these mountains lie the rolling, semi-desert lands of eastern Washington – where most of the region’s AVAs are located. And it is here, on these geologically diverse soils with 300 days of beaming sunshine a year, that the Charles Smith range of wines are crafted.

Getting to know Washington

Head winemaker Megan Schofield, who joined the brand in 2018 after a stint at Robert Mondavi Winery,  explains that Washington wine country is one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world, with layers of gravel, sand and silt mixed with volcanic soils. These prehistoric soils were partly caused by deposits from the Missoula floods of the last Ice Age.

Head winemaker Megan Schofield

“We get very little rain, it is a high desert, very dry area, with 300 days of sunshine,” Megan says. “We experience a very warm growing season, but icy cold winters with a high risk for frost.” Because of this continental climate – and being on a latitude between that of Bordeaux and Burgundy – they can produce a range of top quality, bright red and white wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling and Chardonnay.

One of the challenges of this region is water scarcity, due to the continental climate and very low annual rainfall, making it critical to have access to irrigation from local rivers, reservoirs or wells. Another challenge is the risk of frost – both in spring and autumn – and Megan explains that as a rule of thumb, you want all your fruit harvested no later than Halloween.

Charles Smith Wines

The high-quality, varietal specific wines of Charles Smith are great value representations of what the Washington State region has to offer. Grapes used for these wines are sourced from prime vineyards across five of the region’s AVAs (American Viticultural Areas): primarily Columbia Valley, but also Yakima Valley, Wahluke Slope, Rattlesnake Hills and Ancient Lakes.

“Our wines are quintessentially Washington – a true representation of the terroir of these areas,” Megan says. “These wines aren’t traditional or complicated; they are just there to enjoy and share.”

A taste of Washington

The Charles Smith range comprises a Riesling (Kung Fu Girl) and Chardonnay (Eve) for whites, a rosé (Band of Roses), and Merlot (The Velvet Devil), Syrah (Boom Boom!) and Cabernet Sauvignon (Chateau Smith) for reds.

One of the most popular is the Kung Fu Girl Riesling – and Megan explains that it’s also one of the easiest to make! “The grapes are from some of our most northern vineyards. The must undergoes a cool ferment with some residual sugar left over to add to the wine’s beautiful aromatic profile,” she says.

Boom Boom! Syrah grapes come from elevated vineyards in the Wahluke Slope region, grown on a south-eastern slope with a high exposure. “Syrah does really well in eastern Washington, and we do a lot of whole cluster fermentation on it,” Megan explains.

But which of the Charles Smith wines are Megan’s favorite? “It has to be The Velvet Devil Merlot – it’s the one we drink the most of at home! This Merlot is extremely versatile; it’s light enough to not overpower food, and is delicious with anything from burgers and pizza, to hearty, saucy pastas.”