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How does Washington rank in U.S. wine production?
- Washington produces more wine than any other state except California.
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Why is Washington a great destination for wine lovers?
- It’s one of the best places to visit for sampling new wines, exploring vineyards, and stocking up on high-quality wine.
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What types of wine is Washington best known for?
- Washington is particularly well known for its French blends.
- With an incredible selection of vineyards and wineries, visitors can find a wine they love regardless of their taste preferences.
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How can visitors experience Washington’s wine country?
- Whether you’re in Seattle for a few days or have time for a week-long road trip through Washington wine country, there are many exceptional wineries to visit.
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1. Airfield Estates Winery
Set in the Yakima Valley, part of the state's first American Viticultural Area, Airfield Estates Winery produces red and white wines made entirely with estate-grown grapes. The first wine grapes were planted on the property in 1968, but the estate has a rich history outside of farming as well. During World War II, the land served as an airbase for hundreds of pilots, which is how the winery got its name. Visitors can learn more about his unique history by taking a wine tasting, which are available at the winery itself as well as at their tasting room in Woodinville.
14450 Woodinville Redmond #109, Woodinville, WA 98072, Phone: 425-877-1006
2. Ambassador Wines of Washington
Using grapes grown in its three vineyards planted on Red Mountain, Ambassador Wines of Washington produces spectacular estate wines that reflect the area's rich and wonderful terroir. Visitors are welcome to taste the wines at the tasting room in the Winery Warehouse district of Woodinville; tastings last approximately half an hour and are offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. Groups of more than four people are advised to make a reservation in advance. The tasting room sometimes also hosts special wine and paint nights on Fridays, which are open to people of all skill levels.
19501 144th Avenue Northeast C400, Woodinville, WA 98072, Phone: 425-949-8322
3. Vin Du Lac Winery
Located next to the beautiful Lake Chelan, Vin Du Lac Winery creates limited production red and white wines made with hand-harvested grapes from select vineyards around the lake and in other parts of Washington. Wine tastings are available for a small fee that is refunded upon the purchase of a bottle of wine, and visitors can also purchase wine by the glass or design their own wine flights by choosing their favorite options from an extensive wine list. Guests are also welcome to enjoy a meal at the on-site bistro, which has a seasonal menu and sources much of its produce from its own garden.
105 WA-150, Chelan, WA 98816, Phone: 509-682-2882
4. Bethany Vineyard & Winery
Thanks to its excellent location in southeast Washington, Bethany Vineyard & Winery enjoys a nearly perfect growing climate that enables it to grow high-quality grapes and produce world-class wines. The tasting room is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and delicious cheese plates, sandwiches, and other light snacks are available for purchase. Guests are welcome to enjoy their food and wine in the tasting room or outside on the lawn or on one of the beautiful waterfront patios. Children are permitted in the tasting room if accompanied by an adult, but all of the winery's outdoor areas are reserved for guests aged 21 or older.
4115 NE 259th St, Ridgefield, WA 98642, Phone: 360-887-3525
5. Betz Family Winery
Betz Family Winery, Washington is a limited production winery with a passion for making the best wine imaginable. There is no public tasting room, but private tastings and tours can sometimes be arranged by appointment. These experiences are only offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and they include a carefully chosen selection of cheeses and charcuterie. The winery is also opened twice a year for private member tasting events. Customers are encouraged to become a member if they'd like to purchase wine; because of the winery's limited production, wines are only available for purchase to members and people on the member wait list.
13244 Redmond-Woodinville Rd NE, Redmond, WA 98052, Phone: 425-861-9823
6. Cascade Cliffs Vineyard & Winery
Situated in the picturesque Columbia River Gorge, Cascade Cliffs Vineyard & Winery, Washington was first planted with grape vines in 1986. The winery and its estate vineyard are located right next to each other, and the winery offers plenty of outdoor seating with beautiful views of the vineyard. Tours of the wine production area are available by request, and there are several tasting rooms open to the public. Customers are also encouraged to join one of the winery's three wine clubs; not only does this mean excellent discounts on wine purchases, but all members receive complimentary tours and tastings for themselves and their guests.
8866 WA-14, Lyle, WA 98635, Phone: 509-767-1100
7. Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
The oldest winery in the state, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery has a rich history dating back to the repeal of Prohibition. However, the winery has kept up with the times, and it prides itself on using innovative techniques and state of the art equipment. In fact, it's one of the only wineries in the world to have completely separate wineries for making red wine and white wine. The red wine-making facilities can be found at the Chateau in Woodinville; visitors are welcome to stop by for a tour or one of the winery's many tasting options and food pairings.
14111 NE 145th St, Woodinville, WA 98072, Phone: 425-488-1133
8. Columbia Crest Winery
With more than 2,500 acres of estate vineyards, Columbia Crest Winery is one of the largest and most significant wineries in the Northwest. The winery's expansive portfolio includes high-quality, affordable wines perfect for everyday occasions as well as small batch reserve wines; the reserve wines are only available for purchase to members, but winery guests are welcome to taste them in the tasting room for a small fee. Complimentary tastings of several other wines are available as well, and guests are also welcome to take a complimentary self-guided tour of the property. Guided tours are available for anyone who wants a more in-depth experience.
178810 WA-221, Paterson, WA 99345, Phone: 888-309-9463
9. Gramercy Cellars
Founded by Greg Harrington, an experienced sommelier who spent much of his career working for some of the country's most prestigious wine programs, Gramercy Cellars is a boutique winery that produces approximately 8,000 cases of wine per year. All the wines are made with high-quality grapes sourced from the best vineyards around the state, and some are even made with grapes grown on one of the winery's three estate vineyards. The tasting room is open to the public on Saturdays, and tastings can also be arranged by appointment Tuesday through Friday.
635 N 13th Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362, Phone: 509-876-2427
10. Harbinger Winery
A boutique artisan winery dedicated to making premium wines with Washington grapes, Harbinger Winery offers wines made with unique, rarely-seen grapes as well as traditional favorites. A converted logging truck shop houses the winery, and the building's large wooden beams and metal siding make for a unique but cozy atmosphere. Tastings are held inside the barrel room, where a selection of chocolates and cheese are available to purchase and enjoy along with your wine. Visitors are also welcome to join the Harbringer wine club free of charge; membership only requires the purchase of four bottles of wine per year, and it includes free tastings.
2358 Highway 101 West, US-101, Port Angeles, WA 98363, Phone: 360-452-4262
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