Washington State

WINDING THROUGH WINE COUNTRY

Over 28,000 acres of grapevines are planted in Washington’s rich soil.  Nearly 250 wineries turn grapes into premium, award-winning wines.  Washington’s wine country is expansive and is recognized for quality in the global wine industry.  The Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities and Walla Walla regions are home to the highest concentration of wineries and lie only a few hours east of Seattle.  Each region offers a wide variety of dining, lodging and entertainment choices.

Start in Yakima and ride along Highway 12 to Tri-Cities.  Gently rolling agricultural lands are easily viewed along the way.  From Tri-Cities, riders can join the Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway which circles around Tri-Cities and Walla Walla. Go east to Clarkston or west along the Columbia River gorge and back out to the Pacific Ocean.  Riders can re-trace the footsteps of these famous explorers by taking in a number of Lewis and Clark interpretive centers, parks and museums.  For more information, visit: www.visittri-cities.com or www.visityakima.com.

Locals suggest...

• With almost 300 days of sunshine a year, why not stop at one of the Tri-Cities 10 beautiful golf courses or one of its two championship putting courses?  For more information, visit:  www.visittri-cities.com, or call 1-800-254-5824. 
• In September, the Tieton River, located just west of Yakima, turns into a whitewater enthusiast’s dream.  Book an outfitter early as space fills up quickly. For more information, visit:  www.visityakima.com or call 1-800-221-0751.
• Looking for a unique way to spend the night?  Try lodging at The Inn at Abeja.  Just eight minutes out of Walla Walla, this turn of the century farmstead features a winery and elegant guest accommodations.  Stay in its Chicken House Cottage which originally housed countless foul.  For more information, visit: www.abeja.net, or call 509-522-1234.