Maryhill Viognier Columbia Valley

Maryhill Viognier Columbia Valley is a 100% Viognier white wine from Washington State's Columbia Valley, bottled at 14–14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Recognized with a Gold medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition (2017 vintage) and a 90-point score from Wine Enthusiast (2018 vintage), this expression stands as a flagship from Washington's largest Viognier producer.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14–14.5%  |  Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington  |  Varietal: 100% Viognier  |  Winery: Maryhill Winery

Production & Heritage

Maryhill Winery, located in Washington's Columbia Valley, has established itself as the state's largest Viognier producer, turning out between 6,000 and 8,000 cases of this varietal each year. Grapes are sourced from four distinct vineyards across the Columbia Valley AVA, providing blending complexity from varied terroir. After harvest, the juice is immediately drained from skins and transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation with cultured yeast, with a portion fermented on French oak staves — a technique that imparts subtle vanilla and textural richness without overwhelming the grape's aromatic intensity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe stone fruit — peach and apricot leading the way — followed by honeysuckle, white flower, and hints of melon. Subtle undertones of vanilla and citrus zest emerge as the wine breathes, reflecting the French oak influence.

Taste: The palate enters with generous white peach and apricot, carrying a full-bodied, nectarous weight. Mid-palate reveals layers of marzipan and mango alongside lemon chiffon brightness, while a creamy texture anchors the fruit. The partial oak fermentation adds a smoky, vanilla-laced dimension that balances the natural sweetness of the Viognier grape.

Finish: The finish is medium in length with lingering stone fruit sweetness and a trace of warm spice. A gentle citrus lift keeps the close refreshing rather than heavy.

How to Drink Maryhill Viognier

Serve chilled to around 50–55°F to let the aromatic profile open fully without muting the oak nuance. This Viognier drinks beautifully on its own but has enough body and complexity for cocktail experimentation. A White Sangria benefits from its stone fruit intensity and natural sweetness. A Viognier Spritz — topped with sparkling water and a grapefruit twist — plays to the wine's citrus and floral notes. It also works in a French 75 variation, where its vanilla and marzipan character adds unexpected depth to the classic template.

Best For

• Introducing a white wine drinker to aromatic, full-bodied varietals beyond Chardonnay
• Summer patio sessions where fruit-forward wines shine
• Pairing with a Southeast Asian or Pacific Rim dinner spread
• Gifting to someone exploring Washington State wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Maryhill Viognier taste like? Maryhill Viognier delivers ripe peach, apricot, and mango flavors with a creamy texture and subtle vanilla from partial French oak fermentation. It finishes with moderate warmth and lingering stone fruit sweetness.

How does Maryhill Viognier compare to Gramercy Cellars Viognier? Both are respected Columbia Valley Viogniers, but Maryhill's partial fermentation on French oak staves adds a vanilla and smoky dimension that Gramercy's more restrained, mineral-driven style tends to avoid. Maryhill also produces significantly more volume — 6,000 to 8,000 cases annually — making it far more widely available.

Is Maryhill Viognier good for sipping on its own? Yes — its aromatic intensity and full-bodied palate make it an engaging standalone sipper. Serve it well-chilled to balance its natural richness and 14–14.5% ABV warmth.

Where is Maryhill Viognier made? Maryhill Viognier is produced by Maryhill Winery in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington State. The grapes are sourced from four different vineyards across the appellation to achieve blending complexity.

What foods pair well with Maryhill Viognier? Thai green curry matches well with the wine's stone fruit sweetness and floral aromatics. Roasted chicken with apricot glaze echoes the dominant fruit notes. Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or triple-crème complement the wine's rich texture. Grilled shrimp with citrus butter highlights the lemon chiffon undertones. Spiced pork tenderloin works with the wine's body and subtle oak character.

What sizes does Maryhill Viognier come in? Maryhill Viognier Columbia Valley is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Maryhill Viognier worth the price? Maryhill Viognier positions as an accessible, value-driven expression within the Columbia Valley Viognier category. Its 90-point Wine Enthusiast score (2018 vintage) and Gold medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition (2017 vintage) suggest quality that punches above its price tier.

Why Maryhill Viognier?

Maryhill Winery's status as Washington's largest Viognier producer is not mere volume play — it reflects a deep commitment to the grape that few American wineries match. The four-vineyard sourcing strategy across the Columbia Valley AVA gives winemakers meaningful blending tools, while the partial French oak stave fermentation adds a layer of complexity that sets this bottling apart from the many stainless-steel-only Viogniers on the market. Consistent critical recognition — including a 90-point Wine Enthusiast rating and a San Francisco International Wine Competition Gold — confirms that scale has not come at the expense of quality. For drinkers seeking a full-bodied, aromatically generous Viognier with genuine Washington provenance, this remains one of the most reliable and rewarding options in its price range.