Abeja Merlot Named Best in Washington

Robb Report's ranking places the Walla Walla winery's 2023 Merlot ahead of other Washington Merlots and eight other top Merlots worldwide.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Wine

Photograph of an unlabeled bottle of red Merlot on an oak barrel head with vineyard rows and golden hills in soft focus under a clear sky. — Robb Report has named Abeja Winery's 2023 Merlot the best Merlot in Washington and among nine top Merlots worldwide, while the vintage is now sold out. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Robb Report has named Abeja Winery's 2023 Merlot the best Merlot in Washington, and listed it among nine top Merlots worldwide. The 2023 vintage is sold out, while the 2024 Merlot is available on the winery's website.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights Washington's standing among international premium Merlot producers and gives consumers a reference point when choosing a bottle. Abeja's ranking adds to its recent honors for its restaurant and hospitality operations.

The 2024 Merlot retails for $62 for a 750ml bottle and is sold on Abeja's website. The 2023 vintage is sold out, and the ranking's judging methodology was not detailed in the source material.

The players

Abeja Winery

Abeja is a Walla Walla, Washington winery that has operated for 25 years and also runs The Kitchen restaurant and an inn.

Robb Report

Robb Report is a luxury lifestyle media brand known for its annual rankings and coverage of fine wine, spirits and dining.

Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast is a long-running American wine publication that publishes annual best-of lists covering wineries and restaurants.

The details

Robb Report's article names Abeja's 2023 Merlot the best Merlot in Washington and lists eight other top Merlots from around the world. The Kitchen at Abeja in Walla Walla was separately named one of the best winery restaurants in the world earlier this year.

Earlier in 2026: The Kitchen at Abeja was named one of the best winery restaurants in the world.
Summer 2026: Wine Enthusiast named Abeja one of its Best Winery Restaurants in the World.
Recently (approximately November 4, 2026): Robb Report named Abeja's 2023 Merlot the best in Washington.

Market Landscape

Abeja's recognition comes as Washington's Walla Walla Valley continues to compete with established premium Merlot regions for international attention. The Wine Enthusiast restaurant listing shows the winery's hospitality program is being recognized alongside its wines.

Wine buyers in Washington can still purchase the 2024 Merlot for $62 per 750ml bottle through Abeja's website, since the 2023 vintage is sold out. Visitors planning a trip to Walla Walla may find the winery and its restaurant a destination for this vintage.

The takeaway

Consumers looking for a benchmark Washington Merlot can use national rankings like Robb Report's to narrow choices, but should check current availability since sold-out vintages can limit access.