The gateway to Washington Wines… and the perfect getaway
With more than 900 wineries, Washington produces more wine than any other state except California, and the leafy town of Woodinville pours more of it than anyplace else. Home to nearly 120 wineries and more 90+ point rated vintages than any wine region in the world, the tasting opportunities here are as endless as they are delicious. With so much abundance, the first question for any Woodinville visitor is how best to take it all in.
Before you go
For those new to the area, or anyone looking for a bit of local knowledge and grape guidance, a tour can offer a curated, full-service experience through the bounty of local wineries and tasting rooms. But one size doesn’t fit all, so Barrel Wine Tours offers a full menu of day trips to meet the varied interests and expertise of wine and food lovers. Options range from an introductory tour of the rich diversity of winemaking here, to delicious food-pairing journeys, to boutique winery excursions, to white wine outings and even microbrewery and distillery treks.
If you prefer to chart your own tasting and dining course, head to Taste.WoodinvilleWineCountry.com for a digital wine pass. It’s your instant ticket to custom tours and discounted tastings throughout wine country. Available for different wine varietals and winery districts, each pass is good for four tastings and is delivered directly to your phone via text message. In seconds, your phone becomes your ticket to tasting, and you’re ready to hit the wine trail.
Of course, these suggestions are merely gateways to Woodinville’s wine country and the world of Washington wines. Once you’re there with glass in hand, your next move is up to you—but you won’t be short of options. With more than 100 winemakers bringing their unique personality and passion to wine and wine tasting, the possibilities go on and on.
10:00 AM Indulge in the wine and chocolate pairing experience at Patterson Cellars, and then walk next door to Pondera Winery, where your eye enjoys a treat as big as your palate, thanks to the rotating gallery of art from national and Northwestern artists.
11:00 AM Taste your way through Woodinville’s growing community of microbreweries, cideries, and distilleries with a diverse selection of craft beverages to wet your whistle.
12:00 PM The menu of farm-fresh eateries in this former agricultural valley makes the perfect pairing with all the area’s wineries. The Hollywood District, in the heart of the Sammamish River Valley, abounds with delicious options within a few steps of the Hollywood Schoolhouse roundabout. One of the latest additions is the Heritage Restaurant & Bar, with distinct, down-to-earth lunch, appetizer, and dinner selections to complement the neighboring tasting rooms.
3:00 PM A rewarding and relaxing way to make the most of this food and drink play-ground is to turn a day into a getaway. A night’s stay offers the best of both worlds: touring and exploring on your own. It also expands your evening possibilities. Check in at the Willows Lodge, Woodinville’s gold-rated Condé Nast resort to refresh your spirit.
5:00 PM Nearby, the Barking Frog and The Herbfarm offer impeccable fine dining options, whereas boutique wineries like Sparkman Cellars and DeLille Cellars host intimate tasting experiences. Teatro Zinzanni, a dinner theater with cirque, comedy, and cabaret provides spectacular evening entertainment.
With so much to taste and do, the most important thing to pack on a trip to Woodinville wine country is a little extra time for enjoying it all. Still, no matter where you roam, you’ll want to promise yourself another day to come back for more.