Sauvignon Blanc, Boushey Vineyard, Yakima Valley by Richard Duval

Drumroll please. The 2026 Northwest Challenge Wine is…

Sauvignon Blanc!

What you need to do to participate is:

1. Say “I accept the 2026 Northwest Wine Challenge!” in a comment here or on the Northwest Wine Report Facebook or Instagram page.

2. Open at least one bottle of Sauvignon Blanc each month in 2026. The wine should be labeled Sauvignon Blanc or predominantly Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon blends count, as long as Sauvignon Blanc is the primary component.

3. The wine must come from the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia).

4. Please let us know what wine you had each month! I’ll post on Facebook each month asking what wine everyone had to keep us all accountable.

Why Sauvignon Blanc? In recent years, there’s been an increase in production and quality in Sauvignon Blanc in the Northwest. This is by no means just a Washington thing.

Oregon is producing some lovely Sauvignon Blanc, both in Willamette Valley and in Southern Oregon. Idaho makes some good Sauvignon Blanc as well. So does British Columbia. It’s a great time to explore the variety.

The intention of the Northwest Challenge wine is to highlight varieties and styles that are common in the Northwest but may not always be fully appreciated by consumers, media, and/or trade. It’s also to explore varieties, producers, and regions. So time to get exploring!

The Northwest Wine Challenge is now in its (gulp) eighth year. Previous challenge wines have been Merlot (2019), Riesling (2020), Syrah (2021), Chardonnay (2022), Cabernet Franc (2023), Rhône-style blends (2024), and Grenache (2025).

Below is a selection of Sauvignon Blanc producers to consider, listed alphabetically. To find more, go to Wine Search, Advanced Filter, Variety=Sauvignon Blanc or Bordeaux-style White Blend. (Note, a subscription is required). You can even search by Home Region to look for examples in, say, Woodinville.

Questions? Let me know. Here’s to more Northwest Sauvignon Blanc in 2026!

Who’s with me?

Select Northwest Sauvignon Blanc producers

Avennia
Chateau Ste. Michelle
Chemistry
Cymbal
DeLille (Chaleur Blanc, Marguerite, Métier by DeLille)
Devison
Dunham
Echolands
Estival
Foolhardy
Gård
Goose Ridge (and Revelation by Goose Ridge)
Iterum
J. Bookwalter
J. Christopher
King Estate
L’Ecole No. 41
Le Doubblé Troubblé
Love and Squalor
Mark Ryan
Matthews
Mercer
Novelty Hill
Pepper Bridge
Reali
Sagemoor
Seven Hills
Sightglass
Sparkman
Walla Walla Vintners

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