September means cooler days, changing colors, and soaking in as much sun as you can before autumn arrives in full force. What better way to bid farewell to summer than by exploring some of the Pacific Northwest’s best wine regions?
While there are hundreds of wineries to explore in the Pacific Northwest, we’ve focused on those in a day’s drive of Bellingham that offer overnight accommodations. The wineries featured in these pages offer a full vacation experience with wine at the heart and center.
To help you plan your own weekend wine escape, we’ve organized each overnight winery by location: Whidbey Island, Okanagan Valley, Walla Walla Valley, Prosser in Yakima Valley, and Lake Chelan Valley. Because nobody can drink wine from sunrise to sunset (okay, maybe some people can), we’ve also listed options for what to eat, see, and do when you’re not busy tasting.
Weekend Wine FAQs
What’s an AVA?
AVA stands for American Viticultural Area. The official definition, as determined by the U.S. government, describes it as a “delimited grape-growing region with specific geographic or climatic features that distinguish it from the surrounding regions and affect how grapes are grown.” Categorizing wines according to their AVA not only helps consumers understand more about the wines they purchase, but also helps growers develop a common identity alongside other growers in their area. Washington has 14 AVAs that collectively boast more than 950 wineries and 58,000 acres of planted grapes.
What’s a wine varietal?
A varietal is a type of wine made from a single variety of grape. Here are a few common varietals found in our neck of the vineyard:
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
One of the world’s most recognized red wines, known for its deep color and full body. Flavors range from green apple to cherry, vanilla, and even tobacco.
CHARDONNAY
A popular white wine with medium acidity that ranges from crisp and clean to rich and creamy. Primary flavors include vanilla, butter, and apple.
MERLOT
A popular red wine—second only to Cabernet Sauvignon in the U.S.—with a smooth texture and medium to full body. Flavors include chocolate, black cherry, and plum.
RIESLING
A high acidity white wine known for its floral aromas. Flavors include pineapple, pear, apple, and lime, as well as jasmine and honeycomb.
SYRAH
A tannin-heavy, full-bodied red wine known as Shiraz in South Africa and Australia. Flavors include plum, blueberry, and smoke, with afternotes of pepper.
What’s a wine’s vintage?
A wine’s vintage is the year the wine’s grapes were picked. The vintage serves as an important time-stamp, allowing connoisseurs and consumers to trace a bottle back to a particularly good or bad harvest.
What’s a tannin?
Tannins are organic compounds found in many fruits, including wine grapes. In nature, tannins create a bitter taste meant to deter animals from consuming a fruit before it’s ripe. Although tannins can be bitter, they can also be enjoyable—think of the bite in coffee or dark chocolate. In wine, tannins are responsible for the dry feeling in your mouth when you drink a red. The amount of tannins in a wine depends on the type of grape and the vintage.
What does it mean if a wine is oaked?
When a wine is aged in an oak barrel, it is referred to as oaked. The oak may imbue wine with different aromas and flavors such as cedar, vanilla, spice, or smoke. Unoaked wines typically have lighter, fruitier flavors than their oaked counterparts.
Why do people swirl their wine before tasting?
Short answer: It makes the wine taste better! Swirling wine introduces oxygen into the glass, a process known as aeration. Aerating wine releases the wine’s aroma compounds. Because taste and smell are so closely linked, these newly released notes enhance the wine’s flavor.
Whidbey Island
With its rural countryside and Olympic Mountain vistas, Whidbey Island has all the makings of an unforgettable weekend wine escape. Known for its temperate climate and as part of the state’s third oldest AVA, the island’s wineries are famous for their award-winning Madeleine Angevine, Siegerrebe, and island-grown Pinot Noir.
Many of the wineries are close to the small towns of Freeland and Langley, both of which make for an ideal home base for touring the Whidbey Island Wine & Spirits Trail. For wine lovers who want to take their wine escape to the next level, two wineries offer accommodations just steps away from the tasting room.
COMFORTS OF WHIDBEY
Located on a 22-acre farm, Comforts of Whidbey is a mix of industrial-yet-rustic architecture with large wooden doors and warm wood floors. From the tasting room, guests can chill with a glass of wine, snack on light nibbles, and admire the Puget Sound view.
Tucked above the tasting room, the lavish six-room bed and breakfast features well appointed guest rooms with calming water or vineyard views, king-sized beds, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and luxurious bathrobes. With no televisions or alarm clocks, Comforts of Whidbey is the perfect place to reset to island time.
In the mornings, guests begin the day with a delicious farm fresh breakfast featuring seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. While the winery is open Thursday through Sunday, the bed and breakfast is available every day. Guests who arrive between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. receive a complimentary flight of wine with a cheese plate. Stay for Sunday Jazz or help pick grapes at the annual community harvest.
5219 View Rd., Langley
360.969.2961 | comfortsofwhidbey.com
THE VINEYARD HOUSE AT DANCING FISH VINEYARDS
Set on six private acres, the Vineyard House is steps away from the tasting room at Dancing Fish Vineyards. Inspired by Italian decor, the renovated house accommodates up to six guests and features two bedrooms, a bathroom with a clawfoot tub, a dining room table for six, a stylish living room where you can sip a glass of wine around the gas fireplace, and a courtyard and deck to take in the lush landscape. Guests may prepare meals in the gourmet kitchen on the LaCornue range or walk to downtown Freeland for dinner.
In the evening, stroll along the hillside to admire the pastoral acreage that includes a historic renovated red barn and rows of grapevines. If you want to burn off some wine, head to the Loafing Shed and play a game of bocce ball.
The tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday, and the Vineyard House is available year-round. For a unique experience, plan to stay for live music on Fridays.
1953 Newman Rd. , Freeland
425.503.7655 | dancingfishvineyards.com
EAT, DRINK, DO, & SHOP
OTT & HUNTER WINES
Overlooking Saratoga Passage, this wine bar has one of the best views in Langley and features hand-crafted artisan wines, wine flights, and a limited evening-only menu on Fridays and Saturdays with cheese plates and pizza.
204 1st St., Langley
360.221.7131 | otthunter.com
WHIDBEY PIES & CAFE
No trip to Whidbey Island is complete without a slice of pie. The loganberry is a must! The cafe opens daily at 11 a.m. and serves soups, salads, and grilled sandwiches.
765 Wonn Rd. , Greenbank
360.678.1288 | whidbeypies.com
CHOCOLATE FLOWER FARM
Featured on “Martha Stewart Living” and in the Food Network Magazine, this shop specializes in chocolate flowers as well as chocolate products and gifts.
5040 Saratoga Rd., Langley
360.221.2464 | chocolateflowerfarm.com
LANGLEY WHALE CENTER
To learn more about Washington’s resident orca whales and the latest whale sightings, this is the place. If the whale bell rings, head to the shoreline one block from the center and search for whale spouts in the water.
105 Anthes Ave. , Langley
360.221.7505 | orcanetwork.org
GREENBANK FARM WINE SHOP
For wine gifts, wine accessories, and to sample more local wines, this shop has everything you need, including the area’s famous loganberry wine, jams, and syrups.
765 Wonn Rd. , A101, Greenbank
360.222.3797 | greenbankfarmwineshop.com
Bottle It Up
Upcycling with wine bottles or corks is in trend right now, and why not? It’s inexpensive, convenient, and creates fun decor for any oenophile’s home or garden. Check out these simple yet beautiful ways to reuse empties after your wine escape weekend.
GARDEN EDGE
Creating a garden edge with empty bottles is super easy and fun. First, ask your friends to save and even sign their wine bottles. When you have enough, fill each bottle with glass beads or marbles and burry neck-down to create your edging or border. Burry at different depths and alternate colors to give the pattern some flair.
FOR THE BIRDS
Drill holes near the bottom of an empty bottle for birdseed to spill out. To build a perch and feeding dish, glue a plate or wooden round to the bottom of the bottle. Wrap the bottle’s neck with copper or other ornamental wire to hang.
SEA GLASS
Paint your favorite wine bottles with sea-glass-effect paint. For clear glass, simply paint the outside with sea glass spray paint. For colored glass, try Martha Stewart’s etched glass effect paint. For a coastal vibe, wrap the bottle’s neck with twine and tie-off with a dangling seashell. Add fairy lights or a sprig of your favorite flowers to complete the look. JENN BACHTEL
Okanagan Valley in British Columbia
THERAPY VINEYARDS
Home to Oliver, B.C., which has been dubbed the “wine capital of Canada,” the Okanagan Valley is a mecca for fans of Rieslings, Chardonnays, sparkling wines, Pinot Gris, and even reds.
The area is hot and the summers are short, so it might seem like unideal conditions to grow Syrah, Bordeaux, or other red wine grapes, but lucky for us, this isn’t the case. The long daylight hours in the summer make up for the short season, and the 83-mile-long Okanagan Lake regulates temperatures throughout the valley during extreme seasons.
The Okanagan area has a rich history of agriculture, with roots in the peach, cherry, and apple industry. This infrastructure paved the way for the area’s wine country. Here are a few places to go if you’re hoping to experience the Okanagan valley from inside the vineyard gates.
QUAILS’ GATE
The Stewart family is the third generation to farm their parcel of land in West Kelowna. The Stewarts have used the now-vineyard since the early 1900s, and have been active members of the community for the last century. Quails’ Gate offers unparalleled wines, with 10 options in both red and white varietals.
If you’re looking for a place to un-wine-d, Quails’ Gate offers two overnight accommodations. The first is the Lake House, which boasts a large kitchen, a dock on the lake, and enough space for 14 people. The second is a cozy beach-front cottage called the Nest, which sleeps up to seven.
3303 Boucherie Rd. , West Kelowna
250.769.4451 | quailsgate.com
THE INN AT THERAPY VINEYARDS
If rest and relaxation are just what the doctor prescribed, head to Therapy Vineyards. The tasting room, which sits on the edge of the vineyard, is called the Farmacy, and boasts wines with names like “Freudian Sip” and “Pink Freud.”
If you’re in need of some Divine Intervention, the inn has recently undergone a lengthy remodel. The semi-private balconies offer breathtaking views of the vineyards below and the lake beyond. All rooms have access to the outdoor hot tub as well as the dining room, where you’ll find a gourmet breakfast spread each morning. Guests of the inn receive free tastings and a discount on purchases.
940 Debeck Rd., Naramata
250.496.5217 | therapyvineyards.com
EAT, DRINK, DO, & SHOP
WATERFRONT
Winner of Best Okanagan Restaurant at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, Waterfront is known for their extensive wine list. This high-end dining room is perfect for a formal night out.
1180 Sunset Dr. , Kelowna
250.979.1222 | waterfrontrestaurant.ca
MYRA CANYON ADVENTURE PARK
Soak in the beauty of B.C. while testing your bravery. This adventure park offers nine different treetop challenge courses, so this activity is not for those who dislike heights.
4429 June Springs Rd., Kelowna
587.926.1176 | myracanyonadventure.com
LAKE BREEZE WINERY PATIO RESTAURANT
Grab lunch in the garden of Lake Breeze Winery. Sip on some wine and eat a hearty meal that’s local, ethically sourced, organic, and sustainable.
930 Sammet Rd., Naramata
250.496.5659 | lakebreeze.ca
SUMMERLAND ORNAMENTAL GARDENS
Established in 1916, these 15 acres are the perfect place for leisurely strolls or longer outings. Pack a picnic and spend the day among the flowers.
4200 BC-97, Summerland
250.494.6385 | summerlandgardens.org
DAVISON ORCHARDS COUNTRY VILLAGE
If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering the streets of the Old West, dream no more. At Davison Orchards Country Village, shop produce, treats, and other handmade goodies. You can also take a tractor tour of the orchards.
3111 Davison Rd. , Vernon
250.549.3266 | davisonorchards.ca
Wined and Dined in Walla Walla
It’s no secret that Walla Walla is a great place for wine. In fact, just last year, Sunset magazine named it America’s best wine town. Since becoming the state’s second AVA in 1984, the Walla Walla Valley has quickly developed into a first-class wine region home to more than 100 wineries.
What makes Walla Walla such a haven for winegrowers? The answer is in the land. The region spans a variety of climates, topographies, and soil types and is situated along the same line of latitude that runs between France’s Burgundy and Bordeaux regions. Compared to other major wine regions, it also boasts an extraordinarily high winery-to-acreage ratio.
“We have 120 wineries, but we only have about 3,000 acres of grapes,” explains Caleb Agee, marketing and communications manager for Visit Walla Walla. For reference, Napa has around 400 wineries from a whopping 45,000 acres of planted vineyards. “We have wineries producing world-class wine, but it can sometimes be hard to find in the store. The easiest way to experience Walla Walla wine is to visit.”
Another thing to love about Walla Walla is the vibe, which one might define as casually luxurious. “For the variety and quality of wine we have, you can’t find a more laid back and enjoyable experience,” Agee says.
While the present is looking good, residents also anticipate the wine town’s bright future. “We see our trajectory and know that, long term, we’re going to be a world-class wine destination,”Agee says. “We know it’s going to happen.”
To get the official scoop on the darling of Washington’s wine scene, I spent a harrowing weekend in Walla Walla, tasting wines, touring vineyards, and settling into an overnight winery of my own. Sounds terrible, I know. Follow me as I walk you through my experience of being literally wined and dined in Walla Walla.
Johnson Ridge
8 A.M. HIT THE ROAD
The quickest way to Walla Walla from Bellingham is via I-90, which takes roughly six hours. To shake things up, my boyfriend and I decided to take Highway 20 on the way there and I 90 on the way back. If you have the time, I highly recommend making this loop, as it lets you see a greater swathe of the state’s eastern side. Although Highway 20 adds about two hours of travel time, you avoid Seattle and get a bonus drive through North Cascades National Park. Fun fact, you also pass by two of the other wine areas covered in this feature: Lake Chelan Valley and Prosser.
4 P.M. ARRIVE AT JOHNSON RIDGE INN & VINEYARD
Johnson Ridge Inn is situated northeast of downtown Walla Walla, where development gives way to stunning hills quilted with green and gold. The Inn is perched atop one of these hills, with four private suites tucked into the estate’s spectacular vineyard setting. At the center of it all is a heated outdoor saltwater pool. When we arrived, another guest was floating on a giant inflatable swan, looking extremely blissed out.
As soon as we walked into the Guest House, we looked at each other and said, at the same time, “Wow.” The stunning open-concept house is spacious and bright, with multiple windows facing the vineyard and rolling fields beyond. Sliding doors open onto your very own patio with outdoor seating, a gas grill, and—wait for it— a private hot tub.
The modern house has everything you need, plus the extra touches that make you feel at home: a fireplace, a full-sized refrigerator (stocked with juice and two Coronas), and a flat-screen TV mounted furtively into the bar. Waiting for us on the counter was the trip’s raison d’etre: a bottle of the winery’s 2014 Estate Syrah.
My boyfriend’s immediate impulse was to put on one of the cushiony bathrobes hanging in the closet and flop down on the extra-comfy king bed. We then headed for the saltwater pool, whose water was crystal clear and exactly the right temperature.
For dinner, we grilled on the patio and then, as night fell, headed to the hot tub, glasses of Syrah in hand.
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a winery, this might be your chance. To fulfill their dream of travelling internationally, the Johnsons have put the beloved business up for sale.
254 Wheat Ridge Ln. , Walla Walla
509.818.0200 | johnsonridgeinn.com
10:30 A.M. TOUR & TASTING AT ARMSTRONG FAMILY WINERY
Refreshed from a pot of in-room coffee and a night of sound sleep, we headed north of town to Armstrong Vineyards, home of Tim and Jen Armstrong.
The Armstrongs met, in of all places, the beer-city of Milwaukee. As self-declared wine geeks, they started learning the trade through remote winemaking classes. “The more we learned, the more we [knew] this is what we wanted to do,” Jen explains. “We love the idea of creating something beautiful out of a natural product and preserving time in a bottle.” After establishing themselves in Kirkland, the Armstrongs moved to Walla Walla in 2017.
Guests stay at the Vineyard Cottage, which sits a stone’s throw from the Armstrong’s home and boasts spectacular views of the Blue Mountains. The warm and homey two-bedroom house features a full kitchen, adorable wood stove, Jack and Jill bathroom, washer and dryer, and a patio with a grill, making it the perfect place for a weekend getaway or a more substantial stay. According to Jen, one couple
stayed for three weeks, just relaxing, going for bike rides, and touring wineries.
The property is a nature-lover’s paradise, with frequent visitations from deer, hawks, owls, coyotes, and songbirds. Guests are free to roam around, exploring the creek, irrigation pond, and a modest cliff where numerous birds have built nests into the soil.
After touring the vineyards and learning a ton about wine grapes from Tim (if you’re curious about viticulture science, this is your go-to winery), we followed Jen to the winery’s tasting room downtown. Although the Armstrongs plan to open a winery and tasting room on-site within the next few years, for now the tasting magic happens on Main Street.
We sampled a 2016 North Avenue Riesling, a 2016 Merlot, and a 2015 Scotsman Syrah. My favorite was the 2016 Bogie’s blend, a delicious mix of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon named for the family’s dog.
292 Van Ausdle Ln. , Walla Walla
509.520.8975 | armstrongwinery.com
12:30 P.M. TAPAS & TASTING AT VALDEMAR ESTATES
After saying goodbye to the Armstrongs, we headed south of town, to Valdemar Estates, the area’s first non-American winery. The Estate is the newest venture of the Valdemar family, who have been making wine in Spain’s Rioja region for more than a century.
Driving up to Valdemar, you get an idea you’re in for something special. The brand-new location is large and imposing, with a second-story tasting room patio overlooking the fields below. When you walk in, you’re greeted with a 150-year old barrel press that speaks to the family’s wine legacy.
“[My family] started in the wine business the same year Washington became a state,” says CEO Jesús Martínez Bujanda Mora, who first came to the Pacific Northwest to study business at the University of Washington. “Maybe it was destiny we came here.”
We tasted many great wines during our weekend, but I have to say the wines at Valdemar were my favorite. The highlight was La Gargantilla, a 2016 Garnacha from the family’s Rioja winery. I also enjoyed the 2017 Component Trial, a Syrah from Walla Walla.
From the tapas menu, my favorite dish was the Bonito Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, whose peppers are shipped in from Spain. Also excellent was the Tortilla de Patatas, a dish I ate daily when I hiked part of the Camino de Santiago in 2013 and which lived up to its memory. Mora told us, with a look of pride, that the tortilla is his wife’s recipe.
Since opening this past April, Valdemar has been greeted with great success. While one might credit this success to five generations of winemaking, Mora kept returning to a central theme: his gratitude for the Walla Walla community.
“The rest of the wineries are promoting us all the time,” Mora says. “We are so grateful for that. Honestly, we are here today because of the support we’ve gotten from the rest of the industry.”
3808 Rolling Hill Ln. , Walla Walla
509.956.4926 | valdemarestates.com
6:00 P.M. TOUR & DINNER AT ERITAGE RESORT
Nestled on 300 acres of rolling fields and vineyards, Eritage Resort offers 10 lakeside bungalows—each with two rooms—and 10 King suites. Each accommodation comes with a private patio or deck, a fireplace, and an elegant spa-inspired bathroom with soaking tub.
At the heart of the new resort is a lovely irrigation lake where guests are invited to stand up paddle board or kayak. The bungalows are also situated along this lake, so that when you step onto the patio, you have the sensation of floating on water.
Guests who don’t feel like recreating among the resident ducks can instead take a dip in the saltwater pool or participate in one of the resort’s regular activities. Every Monday, guests enjoy Rosé and Croquet on the lakeside lawn. The resort has also invited yoga instructors to hold classes on the lawn and CrossFit trainers to guide runs through the vineyard.
Even if you don’t stay at the resort, do yourself a favor and visit Eritage Restaurant & Bar, which has become a must-try dining experiences for guests and non-guests alike. Chef Brian Price centers every dish around locally raised meat and fish, relying on strong ties to area farmers.
In addition to a glass of the Eritage Rosé, which was crisp, juicy, and sweet, I started dinner with an Eritage Manhattan, the bar’s signature cocktail. Because when in Walla Walla you must do as the Walla Wallans do, we also ordered a bottle of Saviah Cellar’s 2015 Malbec.
Our meal began with Wild Mushroom Toast and Spice Roasted Carrots—both excellent. I then moved on to the Smothered Buttermilk Fried Organic Half-Chicken, which was thinly coated in spiced batter and served with flavorful kale apple-bacon slaw and pureed potatoes. For dessert we indulged in a sumptuous Bourbon Soaked Bread Pudding.
1319 Bergevin Springs Rd. , Walla Walla
509.394.9200 | eritageresort.com
9:00 A.M. BREAKFAST & TASTING AT ABEJA WINERY & INN
Just east of downtown, Abeja sits on 38 acres of historic farmland. The farmstead’s original buildings have been meticulously restored into attractive cottages, suites, and rooms, many of which are named for their original purpose, e.g. the Chicken Coop Cottage and Hayloft Suite. Large parties can also rent the stunning five-bedroom farmhouse.
All guests of the Inn enjoy a wine tasting and gourmet breakfast. To experience these amenities first-hand, we sat down to enjoy breakfast on the charming outdoor patio. Our table overlooked a meticulously tended garden lush with colorful flowers and fat, happy bumblebees. Right away, we were given a glorious carafe of piping hot coffee.
Our first dish was a baked egg. Reader, I could write a whole feature on this egg. When the chef kindly shared the recipe with me, I was startled to find it contained nothing out of the ordinary—no secret oils or rare spices. The magic was a simple mixture of cream, truffle salt, and fresh herbs picked on-site.
After the egg came two generous slices of bacon and Meyer Lemon Ricotta Pancakes topped with local strawberries. Although these were also tasty, I would happily return to Walla Walla just for Abeja’s baked egg.
After breakfast we sat down at the tasting bar, where we sampled the winery’s 2017 Chardonnay, 2016 Merlot, and 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. My favorite was the 2017 Beekeeper’s Blend, a mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot with notes of vanilla bean and plum. It’s also the only wine on the menu you can’t get anywhere else.
2014 Mill Creek Rd. , Walla Walla
509.522.1234 | abeja.net
Making an Entrance
The logistics of traveling to wineries can be difficult, especially if everyone in your party wants to join the fun. While walking is a great way to avoid designating a driver, some wineries are too far apart. Besides, why not make your wine staycation an experience to remember? Here are a few ways to really make an entrance.
STRETCH IT OUT
What’s classier than a limousine? If you’re planning a trip to Walla Walla, grab some friends and let Walla Walla Wine Limo chauffeur you from one winery to the next. If you’re heading to the Lake Chelan area, Lakeside Limousine Tours will be your guide.
509.470.0333 | chelanlimo.com
509.520.5064 | wallawallawinelimo.com
WINE DIVE
If you’re planning to do some tastings in Chelan, why not literally drop in on your favorite winery? Skydive Chelan offers the country’s only tandem winery skydiving experience. They’ll pick you up at a winery of your choice and then, after a training, fly you into the clouds. Once you’re back on land, toast your flight with a bottle of wine.
201 Airport Way, Chelan
509.881.0687 | skydivechelan.com
GET IN THE CHOPPER
For the ultimate arrival, book a three-hour Lake Chelan Wine Valley Tour with Lake Chelan Helicopters. You’ll stop at two wineries of your choice; whenever you’re ready to leave, just jump in the helicopter and let the pilot whisk you away.
509.860.9058 | lakechelanhelicopters.com
Prosser in the Yakima Valley
Situated along the Yakima River, the little town of Prosser rests in the heart of the Washington wine scene and is part of Washington’s oldest AVA, the Yakima Valley. With fewer than 7,000 residents, Prosser is home to more than 30 wineries known primarily for their red blends and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Just north of town, you’ll find Vinter’s Village: a collective of more than 12 wineries all within walking distance of one another, making Prosser the perfect place to visit for a weekend of touring and tasting. For those who prefer to sleep among the vines, these overnight locations are tucked right into the action.
INN AT DESERT WIND
If you’re a fan of the southwest, the Inn at Desert Wind will spark daydreams of Santa Fe. Guests can stay in one of four southwest-inspired rooms located just upstairs from the winery.
Desert Wind Vineyards boasts more than 400 planted acres of Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition to a complimentary bottle of wine, guests also receive a breakfast delivered straight to their room each morning.
To relax even deeper, book an on-call masseuse whose services include hot stone, deep tissue, or Swedish massage, or add a romantic package featuring sparkling wine, flowers, and a private dining experience.
2258 Wine Country Rd., Prosser
509.786.7277 | desertwindwinery.com
ALEXANDRIA NICOLE CELLARS DESTINY RIDGE TINY HOUSES
If you’ve ever wanted to explore a tiny home, here’s your chance. Located among the grapes of Alexandria Nicole Cellar’s Destiny Ridge vineyard, these tiny houses are just a short walk away from the tasting room, where you’ll find several wines on-tap.
Previously reserved for wine-club members, these four tiny homes—some of which appeared on HGTV’s “Tiny House, Big Living”—are now open to the general public. Each unique home comfortably fits at least two people and offers phenomenal views of the surrounding vineyards.
Enjoy a fireside glass of wine on the deck or watch for shooting stars from a second-story patio. These homes may be tiny, but they pack a big punch.
158422 Sonova Rd., Prosser
509.832.3877 | alexandrianicolecellars.com
COZY ROSE INN BED AND BREAKFAST
The name says it all. Located on family-owned orchards and vineyards, this inn will leave you feeling cozy and refreshed. Enjoy a romantic getaway in one of four luxury suites or bring the family and book the Irish House, a cottage-style house with a living room, dining room, and outdoor hot tub.
Each suite boasts a Jacuzzi, private entrance, and a private deck from which to admire the surrounding vineyards. After your in-room candlelight breakfast, explore the dozens of wineries within a 30-minute radius. Two world-class wineries are only a 10-minute drive away.
1220 Forsell Rd. , Grandview
509.882.4669 | cozyroseinn.com
EAT, DRINK, DO, & SHOP
HORSE HEAVEN SALOON
This western-style gastropub serves up rustic dishes with a modern twist. Order a beer at the bar or enjoy a glass of wine from a rotating list of local offerings.
615 6th St., Prosser
509.781.6228 | horseheavensaloonprosser.com
BILL’S BERRY FARM
Visit this family-owned-and-operated farm just north of Grandview for u-pick apples, peaches, and raspberries. In October, come for pumpkins, gourds, and squash. You can also press your own cider or pop into the farm store.
3674 N. County Line Rd. , Grandview
509.882.3200 | billsberryfarm.com
THE GREAT PROSSER BALLOON RALLY
Watch the sky come alive with color as hot air balloon pilots from across the region gather for this event. Weather permitting, take-off starts at 6:15 a.m. on September 27 at the Prosser Washington Airport.
111 Nunn Rd., Prosser
509.786.3177 | tourprosser.com
JADE’S BRITISH GIRLS TREATS
Craving something sweet to pair with your wine? Head to this combined confection shop, bakery, and deli located inside Desert Wind Winery.
2258 Wine Country Rd., Prosser
509.643.9450 | britishgirltreats.com
SIXTH STREET ART AND GIFT GALLERY
Tasting is hard work. If you need a break, check out this cute store in downtown Prosser, offering refurbished furniture, eclectic vintage items, home decor, and local art.
702 6th St., Prosser
509.781.6220
Lake Chelan Valley
Lake Chelan Valley is Washington’s 11th AVA, with most of its acreage dedicated to Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Riesling. While technically part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA, the area is unique in that it boasts a higher elevation and more temperate climate than other areas within the Columbia Valley. The region’s lake effect produces favorable temperatures that lead to fewer instances of frost and longer growing seasons.
Since the first production vineyard opened in 1998, the area has become home to more than 30 wineries and tasting rooms, many of which offer stunning views of Lake Chelan. Here are a few that also offer overnight accommodations.
THE GUEST HOUSE AT NEFARIOUS CELLARS
Just steps away from the scenic vineyard, this two-story guest house comes with everything you need for a relaxing wine get-away. Formerly the home of Nefarious Cellars’winemakers, this spacious, industrial-style loft offers two bedrooms, an outdoor grill, and full kitchen. Share the outdoor patio and tasting room with visitors during the day, but have it all to yourself at night. With epic views of Lake Chelan, you can’t go wrong.
495 S. Lakeshore Rd., Chelan
509.682.9505 | nefariouscellars.com
THE VILLA AT SIREN SONG WINES
This cute villa boasts two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and enough space to sleep six people. The best part? It’s located in the heart of the winery. Just steps away from the villa’s private entrance, you’ll find Siren Song’s tasting room, restaurant, and an outdoor veranda where you can sit back and relax with a glass of wine or a tasty pizza, all while admiring unparalleled views of Lake Chelan and the mountains beyond. Want to make your stay educational? Sign up for a two-hour private cooking class that includes a meal and wine pairing.
635 S. Lakeshore Rd., Chelan
509.888.4657 | sirensongwines.com
THE STONE HOUSE AT TUNNEL HILL WINERY
The Stone House at Tunnel Hill Winery features three bedrooms and enough sleeping space for eight guests, making it the perfect getaway for a large group or family. With its own private golf practice area and sweeping views of surrounding mountains, lakes, and vineyards, this large, newly renovated house has it all.
Guests receive a complimentary tasting at Tunnel Hill Winery, which started in 2001 with three flagship wines: Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Since then, it has also put out Malbec and Viognier and, in 2018, released a Cabernet Sauvignon.
Another bonus: location, location, location. The house is within walking distance of four other wineries, a convenience store, and a gourmet restaurant, making it easy to leave the car behind.
37 Hwy. 97A, Chelan
509.682.3242 | tunnelhillwinery.com
EAT, DRINK, DO, & SHOP
ANDANTE
Enjoy exquisite Italian food paired with fine wines from around the globe. Dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily with occasional live piano performances.
113 S. Emerson St. , Chelan
509.888.4855 | andantechelan.com
THE VOGUE COFFEE & WINE LOUNGE
Stop in for coffee and breakfast or swing by in the evening to enjoy a cheese plate and wine with friends. Live music happens every weekend from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
117 Woodin Ave. , Chelan
509.888.5282 | chelanvogue.com
THE LADY OF THE LAKE
Travel the waters of Lake Chelan by boat, soaking in views of the Cascade mountains. Day trips include a layover in the remote town of Stehekin.
1418 W. Woodin Ave. , Chelan
509.682.4584 | ladyofthelake.com
SUNSHINE FARM MARKET
Put some sunshine in your day with local fruits and veggies as well as gifts, specialty food items, and coffee. Press your own cider throughout September and October.
179 Hwy. 97A, Chelan
509.682.1350 | sunshinefarmmarket.com
CULINARY APPLE KITCHEN NECESSITIES & GIFTS
Apple fans will be in heaven at this gourmet kitchen store. Browse apple-inspired goods, homemade fudge, unique kitchen appliances, and, of course, local wines.
109 E. Woodin Ave. , Chelan
509.682.3618 | culinaryapple.com
As you pop bottles throughout your weekend, don’t let the corks go to waste! Here are some crafty ideas—some decorative, some practical—to reuse your corks. Pro tip: For more supplies and more fun, open a bottle of wine while you craft.
EARRINGS
Cut the end of a cork so that you have two coin-sized pendants. Sand down the sides, add some hardware, and decorate with paint or rubber stamps.
WINE CORK DIARY
When you’re finished sharing a bottle with friends, mark the cork with the date, who you were with, and something else to remember the bottle by, such as a joke or topic you discussed while drinking. Store in a large clear jar or vase.
CORK BOARD
Fair warning: This project requires some serious drinking, so start saving up. For a cute, DIY bulletin board, glue corks side-by-side inside a funky picture frame. For a quirkier look, arrange the corks in a pattern, such as chevrons or diamonds.
FIRE STARTER
You can’t spend every weekend at a luxurious winery. For nights spent tent-side, keep a cork fire starter handy for a quick and easy campfire. All you have to do is soak a cork in alcohol for at least a day. To avoid a smoky mess, make sure the cork is real and not plastic.
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