We love a good Seattle-Portland rivalry as much as the next Timbers fan, but at the end of the day we’re always happy to raise a toast to the Greater Northwest. In the name of sensational sips, we’re extending a grapevine to our neighbors to the north with these five budget-friendly picks from Sean P. Sullivan, featured in our sister magazine Seattle Met’s September article “100 Best Washington Wines.” 

2009 Bergevin Lane She-Devil Syrah $24  This glass-staining wine is filled with flavors of violet, blueberry, and milk chocolate, and has a soft, silky palate.

2009 Corvus Cellars Cuvée $19 A Bordeaux-style blend boasting fruit from Red Mountain and the Walla Walla Valley’s Seven Hills Vineyard.

2008 Long Shadows Nine Hats Red Wine $25  Cabernet sauvignon dominates in this Bordeaux-style blend; it contains the same fruit as Long Shadows’ other wines—those wines just happen to cost twice as much.

2009 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot $24 This is Washington merlot at its most essential: a study in raspberries, chocolate, and spice.

2009 Woodinville Wine Cellars Little Bear Creek Red Wine $20  Cedar, spice, and dark, brambly fruit characterize this blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, and malbec, made in a restrained style.