Wine more for the road

Washington wine not better known worldwide? The answer is partly because Washingtonians are keeping it to themselves.

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"Around 75% of wine made here is consumed within the state itself," Adam Acampora of Woodinville Wines explained. That and the fact many wineries are small, with most making 5,000 cases per year or less.

So for the time being, it seems the best way to sample the wines of this well-kept secret region is to travel there and take a road trip.

It would be criminal to head to Washington and skip over Seattle so my first stop was the famous Space Needle. The 1961 monument is still the city's tallest building. On a clear day it's possible to see the surrounding lakes and mountain ranges from the viewing platform. After a pit stop at the Pike Place Market - renowned for fish being thrown to customers - it was time to hit the road in search of Washington's wine.

The first "wine town" I visited was Woodinville itself, just half an hour from downtown Seattle. It is far from the vineyards, but it's home to 130 wineries in four "wine districts" with various tasting rooms, restaurants and bars.

The map of the area reminded me of a theme-park guide with a "Downtown" and a "Hollywood District" to explore.

Before I hit the tasting rooms, a huge roaring fire and a complimentary glass of red wine was awaiting me as I checked into Willows Lodge, a boutique hotel, which leans into the cosy woodland lodge style with reclaimed wood furniture and fireplaces.