United States of Wine: Washington
We're wrapping our 3-part series up in Washington, home of wet weather and bold red wines.
Known For: Merlot or Syrah
Best Time to Visit: August through November
When you picture Washington, it's likely that you're picturing a cold, grey, and rainy landscape surrounded by towering pine trees. Now picture yourself curled up amongst those pines, next to a roaring fire with a glass of Merlot in hand. Booking your flight as we speak? We get it. The various wine countries of Washington are worth a trip or two, so take a look at some of our top spots and locals-only tips below!
Puget Sound
William Grassie Wine Estates
With their tasting room just a short distance from the infamous Snoqualmie Falls, William Grassie Wine Estates is a must-see on your trip through Washington for more reasons than one. This winery is a hidden gem producing some of the best Bordeaux wines we've ever tried. With 4 acres of gardens and a small but gorgeous vineyard on the property where your dogs can run freely, Summer would be an ideal time to stop in and enjoy a flight.
Chateau Ste Michelle
Located just 30 minutes outside of bustling Seattle, Chateau Ste Michelle is a great place to escape for some of Washington's best wine. Snag a bottle of your favorite wine and some snacks from inside the tasting room, and enjoy a picnic on their large lawn. We highly recommend you make your trip between May and September, as they host a Summer concert series during those months featuring big-name artists in a fun and unique setting!
JM Cellars
The outdoor space at JM Cellars is complete with bocce ball, a fire pit, and a short trail, so you can enjoy your wines outside -- oh, and of course your dog is welcome here too! Tucked away in the rolling hills of Washington, this is a winery you won't want to miss. JM Cellars is known for the crisp, dry whites, so be sure to include a couple in your tasting flight!
Central Washington
Tsillan Cellars
The Tuscan-themed Tsillan Cellars will transport you instantly to the beautiful Italian coast -- complete with the Italian-style wines! The food is also incredible, so plan for a long Sunday brunch along with your tasting.
Rio Vista Wines
Sit beneath the shade of their infamous willow tree or pick a spot on their sandy beach, and take in views of the Columbia River. You could even reach their winery by boat! But no matter how you make your way there, once you arrive, you'll find exceptional wines crafted from grapes grown in the unique microclimate of this riverside vineyard.
Cave B Estate Winery
Leave the kids at home for this one, as Cave B Estate Winery is a romantic experience from beginning to end. The views, the wines, the food, and the impeccable service all make for a unique and magical ambiance. Top it off by spending the night in one of their on-property yurts! Pro Tip: Call ahead to ensure that there is no concert going on at the nearby Gorge Amphitheatre on the day you plan to visit, as it will dramatically increase traffic and make parking nearly impossible.
Walla Walla Valley
Sleight of Hand Cellars
Sleight of Hand Cellars is one of few wine tasting rooms that can boast a funky and laidback Rock 'n' Roll theme! Complete with record players that are always spinning something fun and lively, this winery is a great place to grab a couple drinks with some friends. The wine is excellent, and will surely exceed any expectations you may have for such a casual spot -- so trust us, there's a reason this one makes our list!
Three Rivers Winery
Enjoy a glass of wine from Three Rivers Winery while you play golf on their 3-hole pitch and putt golf course! It's free to play, and they have all of the clubs, balls, and tees you'll need to get out there. If you opt to visit at night instead, try for a Friday night so you can watch some live music with your glass of an award-winning premium wine.
L’Ecole No 41
The tasting room for L’Ecole No 41 is a converted schoolhouse built in 1915, and the winery is currently run by the daughter and son-in-law of the couple who founded it in 1983. To say that this spot is full of history is certainly an understatement! Enjoy their boutique wines while jotting down tasting notes on the chalkboard counter, and get your education fix in the old library from one of their educated staff members.
Northstar Winery
North Star Winery offers a blending seminar, where you can learn all about their winemaking process and even blend your own bottle to take home! This blending experience also includes a tasting of their full wine list and an informative facility tour. If that's not enough of a draw, trust us when we say that their Merlot is a must-try, so what are you waiting for?
We hope you've enjoyed our tour through the wine countries of the West Coast! Now get out there and start tasting. Cheers!
