winery visit in washington state

[Karl S Mann]

What are the 3 most interesting wineries to visit in Washington State?

[Jordan Simon]

Define interesting. If you mean the "best" wines (at least available for tasting), that's one ball of wax. If you mean lovely surroundings, that's another thing. Best wine tour -- assuming the visitor isn't that familiar, since virtually all are variations on the same theme(s)? Architecture? Gardens? Views? Artworks? Additional events like live jazz? Are you focusing on specific varietals? Also, how willing are you to travel? There are several top wineries in Woodinville outside Seattle (much of the fruit is sourced elsewhere in the stats) like Delille and Columbia and, of course, Chateau Ste. Michelle (whose architecture and design are stunning, and which gives perhaps the best all-around feel for what makes Washington wines special as it's the largest producer yet also crafts boutique single-vineyard-designate wines). But the vineyards are out east -- Yakima and Walla Walla, for the most part, including AVAs within the AVAs like Red Mountain, Horse heaven Hills, and Wahluke Slope as well as up-and-coming regions like Lake Chelan. It's possible to tour both Yakima Valley and Walla Walla in a few days, but you're talking over 100 miles, with lots of detours down to the scenic Columbia Gorge for example. Hedges Family Estate gives a good overview of Red Mountain, explaining why it earned its own AVA, and occupies a simply stunning physical setting. Bookwalter Winery is more "urban," yet pastoral with gardens (also lots of live entertainment, small nibbles for sale, hip decor). L'Ecole No 41, set in a historic schoolhouse, is probably the most intriguing Walla Walla tour if you do the "Honor Roll" tasting and get the chance to meet Marty Chubb, the owner/winermaker. Indeed, always call ahead and ask if the winemaker is available. I wouldn't tour Dunham Cellars if Eric wasn't there to discuss his winemaking philosophy, for example, but that makes all the difference.

Hope that helps.

Unfortunately, several top wineries aren't open for tours and tastings, like Cayuse, Leonetti or Quilceda Creek.

[Karl S Mann]

Jordan, thank you for the information...you hit the bulls eye of what I wanted to know. I am working for an importer/distributor of fine wines here in Indiana. I am always grateful for insiders information - like yours..that will steer me in the right direction. I am looking forward to tour the "interesting" wineries of Washington State>

Jordan Simon said:

Define interesting. If you mean the "best" wines (at least available for tasting), that's one ball of wax. If you mean lovely surroundings, that's another thing. Best wine tour -- assuming the visitor isn't that familiar, since virtually all are variations on the same theme(s)? Architecture? Gardens? Views? Artworks? Additional events like live jazz? Are you focusing on specific varietals? Also, how willing are you to travel? There are several top wineries in Woodinville outside Seattle (much of the fruit is sourced elsewhere in the stats) like Delille and Columbia and, of course, Chateau Ste. Michelle (whose architecture and design are stunning, and which gives perhaps the best all-around feel for what makes Washington wines special as it's the largest producer yet also crafts boutique single-vineyard-designate wines). But the vineyards are out east -- Yakima and Walla Walla, for the most part, including AVAs within the AVAs like Red Mountain, Horse heaven Hills, and Wahluke Slope as well as up-and-coming regions like Lake Chelan. It's possible to tour both Yakima Valley and Walla Walla in a few days, but you're talking over 100 miles, with lots of detours down to the scenic Columbia Gorge for example. Hedges Family Estate gives a good overview of Red Mountain, explaining why it earned its own AVA, and occupies a simply stunning physical setting. Bookwalter Winery is more "urban," yet pastoral with gardens (also lots of live entertainment, small nibbles for sale, hip decor). L'Ecole No 41, set in a historic schoolhouse, is probably the most intriguing Walla Walla tour if you do the "Honor Roll" tasting and get the chance to meet Marty Chubb, the owner/winermaker. Indeed, always call ahead and ask if the winemaker is available. I wouldn't tour Dunham Cellars if Eric wasn't there to discuss his winemaking philosophy, for example, but that makes all the difference.

Hope that helps.

Unfortunately, several top wineries aren't open for tours and tastings, like Cayuse, Leonetti or Quilceda Creek.

[The Travel Team]

I agree with Jordan - Eastern Washington is more "scenic" with more big labels but Woodinville has over 60 wineries (http://www.woodinvillewinecountry.com/) and that's in one small city - many little teeny tiny ones where you can walk from one to the next in a minute. If you're heading to the Seattle you might as well hit up the area, just bring a designated driver. :)

Karl S Mann said:

Jordan, thank you for the information...you hit the bulls eye of what I wanted to know. I am working for an importer/distributor of fine wines here in Indiana. I am always grateful for insiders information - like yours..that will steer me in the right direction. I am looking forward to tour the "interesting" wineries of Washington State>

Jordan Simon said:

Define interesting. If you mean the "best" wines (at least available for tasting), that's one ball of wax. If you mean lovely surroundings, that's another thing. Best wine tour -- assuming the visitor isn't that familiar, since virtually all are variations on the same theme(s)? Architecture? Gardens? Views? Artworks? Additional events like live jazz? Are you focusing on specific varietals? Also, how willing are you to travel? There are several top wineries in Woodinville outside Seattle (much of the fruit is sourced elsewhere in the stats) like Delille and Columbia and, of course, Chateau Ste. Michelle (whose architecture and design are stunning, and which gives perhaps the best all-around feel for what makes Washington wines special as it's the largest producer yet also crafts boutique single-vineyard-designate wines). But the vineyards are out east -- Yakima and Walla Walla, for the most part, including AVAs within the AVAs like Red Mountain, Horse heaven Hills, and Wahluke Slope as well as up-and-coming regions like Lake Chelan. It's possible to tour both Yakima Valley and Walla Walla in a few days, but you're talking over 100 miles, with lots of detours down to the scenic Columbia Gorge for example. Hedges Family Estate gives a good overview of Red Mountain, explaining why it earned its own AVA, and occupies a simply stunning physical setting. Bookwalter Winery is more "urban," yet pastoral with gardens (also lots of live entertainment, small nibbles for sale, hip decor). L'Ecole No 41, set in a historic schoolhouse, is probably the most intriguing Walla Walla tour if you do the "Honor Roll" tasting and get the chance to meet Marty Chubb, the owner/winermaker. Indeed, always call ahead and ask if the winemaker is available. I wouldn't tour Dunham Cellars if Eric wasn't there to discuss his winemaking philosophy, for example, but that makes all the difference.

Hope that helps.

Unfortunately, several top wineries aren't open for tours and tastings, like Cayuse, Leonetti or Quilceda Creek.