Most of the popular grape varieties grow well here including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. When we look at the facts it is easy to see why Washington is so well suited to viticulture: Washington enjoys the same latitude as Bordeaux and Burgundy, and basks in an average of 17 hours of sunlight. Little wonder that Washington is now the second largest producer of wine in America. The first full weekend of December is famous for the Holiday Barrel Tasting, where all new vintages of wine are opened for the first time.