Washington State Wineries

They are a hike, but that's where the action is in WA. Most of the wine production lies East of the Cascades, so you're going to have to make a serious detour if you want to find out what they're about. As a reward for your efforts, you'd get to see the spectacular Columbia River gorge as you travel downriver to Portland. If you don't want to detour, you can always visit the Olympia brewery in Tumwater, WA ;-)

Mark Lipton

Mark, can you suggest the best of the best wineries to visit regardless of drive?

My son graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and we are taking what might be a last family trip as his life will change as he starts his career. He starts with Intel in Portland Oregon.

So we fly to Seattle and spend couple nights downtown, then we spend week in at a condo we have acquired Victoria, BC. Then ferry back to Seattle and we have 2.5 days for wine, then to Portland to help him settle in.

We have done Woodinville before so I have no interest in that if Walla Walla and Yakima are worth the trip.

Can you help with suggesting any of the wineries worthy of the drive. I do not really know much about the Washington wines except the large commercial ones we get out here in NC.

I know the title says Washington state wineries but if you don't want to go far off the path, the Willamette Valley is just south of Portland and is a great place to visit even if you have been there.

Been to Willamette Valley many times. I get to Portland often. Rarely to Washington state however.

Richard, Walla Walla is a five hour drive from Seattle and it is a four hour drive from Walla2 to Portland, so factor that into your plans. Yakima Valley is between Seattle and W2, and there are several wineries along the highway, so you don't have to go far out of your way.

As for wineries, I don't know much about Yakima, but in Walla Walla, I recommend Buty, Woodward Canyon, L'Ecole No. 41, Tamarack, Reininger, K Vintners, Walla Walla Vintners, Rulo, Yellowhawk, Longshadows may have a public venue by now. There are many others...just throw a rock and you will probably hit a good winery. In my opinion it is well worth the trip. In fact, I'm going there myself in two weeks or so.

This is a reply to all the earlier postings in this thread. I live in Seattle and have made numerous trips to the other side of the state where the vineyards are located. I would second all of the recommendations (except for the one to visit Olympia Brewery in Tumwater; that closed down several years ago) made so far. As has been noted, Walla Walla is THE place to visit in Eastern Washington, but it is quite a ways away. One possibiliity is to travel though the Yakima Valley to Prosser, stopping only a couple of times since the wineries there are spread out over a large area. Sagelands is right on the main highway and one of the first ones you will come to. From Prosser, you can take the short drive to Red Mountain where you will find Hedges, Kiona, and several other top wineries. Between Prosser and Red Mountain you will find Chandler's Reach, which I recommend. Go to Walla Walla if you can but if it's too far for you, then take the road that runs from Prosser to Paterson. Just before you get to the Columbia River you will find Columbia Crest winery. From there you can take a beautiful drive through the Columbia River Gorge to Portland. There are a few wineries along the way that are worth stopping at if you have the time. Maryhill, in particular, comes to mind.

Vino

Thanks. Look like Walla Walla it is.

Wish there was Mass Transit from Sea to Walla via Amtrac. Not!!!

Have plans for a GREAT 2 days in Walla Walla before departing for Portland.

Dick

Excellent decision. A previous poster (AyTee) made a number of recommendations, all of which I heartily endorse (except that I'm just not familiar with Longshadows). To his list I would add Pepper Bridge, Dunham Cellars, and Basel Cellars. Basel is an interesting place to visit, apart from their wines.

Vino

You guys have been great. Thank you for the suggestions made.

Have reservations at great hotel now and found a way to make the timing work.

To bad Leonitti Cellars does not do tours :-(

If anyone here has connections that would be GREAT!!!!

Dick, On Robin Garr's board, there's been strong endorsements of Yellow Hawk in Walla Walla, a winery that focuses on Italian varietals and is apparently a very good place to visit.

HTH Mark Lipton

Much thanks. I will add that to the list of places to visit.

dick

Cayuse is great, if that's not been mentioned before.