What romantic can resist the classic "wine country" formula -- fine vintages from picturesque wineries blended with hearty local fare, pastoral scenery, and diverse recreation. Although the entire state is dotted with wineries, the largest wine region stretches from the Yakima Valley, through the Tri-Cities to Walla Walla. Finish your tastings with a picnic -- many wineries offer picnic grounds and deli-style offerings. Or head for a riverside park.
Country inns provide charming lodgings and gourmet food. One stand-out is Wine Country Inn in Prosser — book a romantic dinner on the terrace overlooking the Yakima River.
Nine wineries are now clustered in the Snoqualmie Valleyand neighboring Sammamish and Snohomish valleys, just east of Seattle. Countryside attractions here include the Snoqualmie Steam Train, Snoqualmie Falls, produce farms, an herb farm, and small towns sprouting antique stores and specialty boutiques.
The San Juan Islands has two local wineries (Lopez Vineyards on Lopez and San Juan Vineyards), as doesVashon Island. Bainbridge Island (west of Seattle) andWhidbey, each boasting wineries. The north Olympic Peninsula has four, and Hood Canal one. Mount Baker Vineyards east of Bellingham also welcomes visitors. The newest wine region is the Columbia Cascade Wineries-- 34 wineries in North Central Washington reaching from Leavenworth to Quincy and from Wenatchee to the Canadian border. The 12 operating wineries in the Lake Chelan Wine Valley combines spectacular scenery, fertile soil and award-winning wines to add to its world-renowned resort town hospitality. And more wineries are coming....
Locals suggest...
Small, family-run wineries can be the most spontaneous. Ask for a vineyard tour to learn about soils, pruning, and harvest. Look for spring and fall festivals centered on “May wine” or spring barrel tasting, and the autumn crush.