When it comes to Syrah in the United States, two regions consistently rise to the top for quality, character, and stylistic diversity: Walla Walla Valley in Washington State and the Central Coast of California (from Santa Barbara County down through Paso Robles). These producers are crafting Syrah that ranges from bright, peppery and savory to rich, bold and fruit-driven. These wines are a great illustration of how terroir shapes expression.
Walla Walla Valley Highlights
The Columbia Basin’s warm days and cool nights give Syrah here both power and balance. Look for:
- Cayuse Vineyards — Known for its Bionic Frog Syrah and other expressive wines that consistently score at the top of critics’ lists.
- Horsepower Vineyards — A boutique producer crafting Rhône-inspired, beautifully concentrated Syrah from vineyards in and around Walla Walla.
- Hors Catégorie Vineyards — Another rising name making bold, layered Washington Syrah.
Central Coast Stars
California’s long growing season and diverse soils produce Syrah with a different personality — opulent fruit, soft tannins, and a spectrum from classic to highly individual:
- Sine Qua Non — Cult favorite whose almost mythical Syrah wines (often blends) are some of the most sought-after in the U.S.
- Alban Vineyards — Edna Valley pioneer with deeply textured, terroir-expressive Syrahs that balance fruit intensity with savory complexity.
- Tensley Wines — Highly rated Syrahs from Santa Barbara County showing bright spice and cool-climate lift.
Whether you’re sipping a cool-climate, peppery Walla Walla Syrah or a lusher Central Coast creation, these producers show just how vibrant and expressive American Syrah has become with styles that appeal to both Rhône traditionalists and fans of ripe, fruit-forward wines.
Join us for our next Wine Circle on March 5 focusing on Syrah/Shiraz. Maybe there’ll be an American Syrah for us to discover. My fingers are crossed!
Wilmington Wine Circle 