Need a peaceful getaway in Washington wine country? Head to Benton City! Nestled in the Yakima Valley and Red Mountain AVA, Benton City offers a charming mix of vineyard views, outdoor recreation, and small-town warmth. Whether you're wine tasting, hiking, or fishing by the river, this town is a hidden gem for a relaxed escape.
Benton City, WA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike the trails of Red Mountain – Enjoy sweeping views, wildflowers, and peaceful solitude in Washington wine country.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Benton City Historical Museum – Learn about local farming heritage and the town’s railroad beginnings.
- For Shoppers: Browse local produce and artisan goods at farmers markets – Pick up seasonal fruits, crafts, and baked treats from the region.
- For Couples: Enjoy wine and sunset at a Red Mountain vineyard – Sip award-winning reds in a serene, scenic setting.
- For Families: Picnic and fish at Horn Rapids Park – Shady trails, river access, and a relaxing atmosphere make it great for all ages.
When I like to visit Benton City, WA
The best time to visit Benton City is from May through October. Spring and early summer bring mild temperatures and blooming vineyards, while fall is perfect for wine harvest events and colorful scenery.
Tips for getting to Benton City, WA
- If you are traveling by car: Benton City is located off I-82, about 20 minutes from the Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco) and 3.5 hours from Seattle.
- By Air: Fly into Tri-Cities Airport (PSC), just 25–30 minutes away, with service from Seattle, Denver, and other major hubs.
- By Train/Bus: Amtrak and Greyhound serve nearby Pasco, with local transport options into Benton City.
Where I like to stay in Benton City, WA
- Red Mountain Trails B&B – Cozy farm stay with horseback rides, bike tours, and vineyard views.
- Best Western Plus in nearby Richland – Modern amenities just a short drive from Benton City wineries.
- Vacation rentals and vineyard cottages – Ideal for couples or small groups looking for quiet, scenic lodging.
Best Things to Do in Benton City, WA
1. Red Mountain Trails
Red Mountain Trails is a unique way to explore the beautiful Red Mountain American Viticultural Area, offering horseback riding and wagon ride excursions through the region's scenic vineyard landscape. The company, which is owned and operated by married duo Teresa and Jeff Owen, was founded after the couple returned to the Yakima area in 2011.
Trail rides are available as part of one hour or 3.5-hour excursion opportunities, with wine tasting and picnic lunch experiences available on longer rides. Longer wine tasting tours stop at four to five of the area's top wineries, lasting approximately four hours. Sunset dinner wagon rides offer fresh-cooked meals and traverse the area's terrain, providing spectacular views and romantic ambiance.
27314 E Ambassador Pr NE, Benton City, WA 99320, Phone: 888-414-1619, Map
2. Hamilton Cellars
Hamilton Cellars was opened in 2017 by married duo Stacie and Russ Hamilton with the help of master winemaker Charlie Hoppes. The acclaimed Red Mountain winery has been the recipient of major awards at internationally-renowned wine competitions such as the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the Seattle Wine Awards, and the Riverside International Wine Competition.
Delicious wine varietals include the company's Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Vigonier wines. Visitors can sample wines at the company's tasting bar or reserve group tasting tables for groups of eight or more wine enthusiasts. Snacks are available to complement tastings, and guests are welcome to bring their own food to enjoy on the winery's seasonal outdoor patio.
Hamilton Cellars, 55410 N Sunset Rd, Benton City, WA 99320, Phone: 509-628-8227, Map
3. Hedges Family Estate
Hedges Family Estate has been owned and operated by Tom and Annie-Marie Hedges since 1987, known for its homegrown philosophy of viticulture and passion for authentic winemaking techniques. The lovely Red Mountain AVA winery is committed to helping area nonprofit organizations, contributing on average 10% of net proceeds to a wide variety of charitable causes throughout the Pacific Northwest. Annual wine releases include estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Mountain red blend wines, along with elegant Syrahs released under the company's Descendants Liegeois line.
Visitors can share fresh-baked bread and taste wines at the company's tasting room, which is open year-round throughout the week during the afternoon hours. The winery's spacious vineyard grounds are also open to the public for picnics and sipping purchased glasses of wine.
6503, 53511 N Sunset Rd, Benton City, WA 99320, Phone: 509-588-3155, Map
4. Col Solare
Col Solare is a world-class partnership between Washington wine producer Chateau St. Michelle and Tuscan leader Marchesi Antinori, uniting international viticultural techniques to craft the best red wines possible from Washington State grapes. The winery, which was founded in 2007, was originally born out of Marchese Piero Antinori's 1992 trip to the Columbia Valley.
It is named in honor of the Italian word for "shining hill," a nod to the beauty of the Red Mountain region. Today, the winery maintains two locations throughout the Red Mountain region, including a signature location atop the mountain itself. Guests can visit the winery's tasting room daily during the morning and afternoon hours and try wine flights of Col Solare and companion label Shining Hill's best wines. Grappa tastings are also offered, complemented by gourmet cheese plates. Tours explore the winery's beautiful grounds, including its iconic 56-foot bell tower.
50207 Antinori Road, Benton City, WA 99320, Phone: 509-588-6806, Map
For Wine Fans
5. Cooper Winery
Cooper Winery is one of the Red Mountain AVA's newest wineries, originally opened in 2014 by Neil Cooper. The family-operated winery is known for its excellent Bordeaux-style red wines, which are produced from grapes sourced both from the company's own vineyards and area Pacific Northwest cultivators.
Delicious red and white blends are produced year-round, complemented by traditional varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Visitors can stop by the company's tasting room each day during the afternoon hours and taste their choice of the company's 25 high-quality wine releases. The Cooper Winery tasting room is dog-friendly, making it a great choice for visitors traveling with four-legged friends in tow.
35306 N Sunset Rd, Benton City, WA 99320, Phone: 509-588-2667, Map
6. Frichette Winery
Frichette Winery is a limited-production winery that was opened to the public in 2013, owned and operated by married duo Shae and Greg Frichette. The family-operated winery is located atop gorgeous Red Mountain and produces high-quality wines crafted from the best grapes sourced throughout the Red Mountain AVA. The company has increased its wine production from 650 cases at its first vintage to 1,400 cases annually.
Wines produced each year include Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Semillon varietals, along with delicious port wines such as the company's Zinfandel ruby port. Visitors can enjoy private concierge tasting experiences, which last 90 minutes and sample a flight of the company's current wine roster.
39412 N Sunset Rd, Benton City, WA 99320, Phone: 509-426-3227, Map
Where I Like to Eat in Benton City, WA
- Wine O’Clock – Farm-to-table dining with wine pairings from neighboring vineyards.
- The Palm Bar & Grill – Local favorite for burgers, steaks, and casual American fare.
- Lu Lu Craft Bar + Kitchen (nearby in Richland) – Farm-sourced meals on the Columbia River with beautiful views.
My favorite local events:
- Red Mountain AVA Spring Release Weekend (May) – Sample new wines and enjoy live music at local wineries.
- Benton City Daze (September) – Community celebration with parades, vendors, and family fun.
- Holiday Barrel Tasting (November–December) – Experience wine straight from the barrel at participating vineyards.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Benton City, Washington:
- Richland (20–25 min) – Explore the REACH Museum, waterfront parks, and more urban amenities.
- Kennewick (25–30 min) – Shop at Columbia Center Mall or enjoy entertainment at the Toyota Center.
- Prosser (25–30 min) – Tour more Yakima Valley wineries and visit the Prosser Farmers Market.
- Horn Rapids Off-Road Park (20 min) – Dirt biking and motorsports fun just outside Benton City.
- Columbia River Trail (30 min) – Walk or bike along scenic stretches of the river near Tri-Cities.
Plan Your Trip