Chile delayed

I'm thinking the big travel plans to Chile will be delayed...airfare is crazy expensive. We're bummed of course but on to new plans. Since we wanted to go for the wine region I think this would be a good alternative.
Oh yeah, Washington wines. They just aren't as stuffy and snotty as Napa Valley. Not to mention, they actually taste good. With airfare to the West coast at about 25% as much as airfare to South America, it looks like a much better option. The only problem...convincing people I'm not going to visit Forks. Because even I'm not that nerdy.

Anyone been? Are you laden with tips about the North West that you wanna share? Let me know!