Washington Wine Tasting at Its Finest!
Washington State is one of the top producers of wine in the country, and more and more Washington wines are being recognized all over the world. Currently, there are officially 14 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) where wine grapes are being grown. Since the majority of wine grapes are grown in Eastern Washington, tastings rooms have been popping up around Seattle, and specifically Woodinville, WA to bridge the gap between wineries and vineyards. Woodinville has since become the wine capitol of Western Washington. Here, tasting rooms from producers large and small can be easily found, opening a wide range of varietals and styles of wine to be tasted by the curious. If that sounds like you, then read on for our picks to taste Washington!
Seattle:
Wines of Washington Tasting Room – Seattle
Find this hidden gem in North Post Alley in Pike Place Market. PC: The Tasting Room-Instagram
The Wines of Washington Tasting Room is a hidden gem in Pike Place Market, located at the north end of Post Alley. The tasting room itself is spacious and inviting, with its farm door tables and copper topped bar blending rustic and modern design. Featuring only winemaker owned wineries, wine lovers can experience over 60 wines from eight different wineries, including Treveri Cellars, Wilridge Winery, and Lost River Winery to name a few. The Tasting Room hosts a Happy Hour 5PM – 7PM Monday – Thursday, and live musical performances most Friday nights.
NW Tastings Wine Bar
This wine bar is the perfect place for a last minute date night!
A recent addition to the 5th floor of the Pike Place Market, The Northwest Tastings Wine Bar features three different businesses in one, beautifully decorated space. White Heron Cellars provides wine tastings, including a 7-pour tasting for only $5. Soulever Chocolates offers gourmet chocolate bites, making this tasting room a one-stop-shop for everything you need to make a romantic night out. If you do decide to visit, make sure to pull up a seat to the window view of Elliot Bay and the Seattle waterfront. At sunset (and a few glasses of wine), this might be the best viewpoint in the Market, and a perfect place for date night.
La Buona Tavola
La Buona Tavola is a must-stop destination in Pike Place Market!
La Buona Tavola, a charming “truffle café” located directly in the middle of Pike Place Market, is known for its curated selection of imported Italian wines. However, in light of Washington Wine Month, owner Rei has brought in an exclusive list of Washington State wines for guests to savor and enjoy. $10 tastings include wine pours and truffled bites to pair.
Visit La Buona Tavola on Savor Seattle Food Tours afternoon Signature Food and Cultural Tour of Pike Place Market. Book Here.
SODO Urbanworks – Structure Cellars, Kerloo Cellars, Sleight of Hand Cellars
Kerloo Cellars knows how to show people a good time. PC: Kerloo Cellars
This multi-tenant property, located in the SODO district just south of the stadiums, is home to 9 winery tasting rooms, and a brewery. This one-stop destination is perfect for those wanting to explore Washington wines but short on time. Just a 15-min Lyft ride from downtown Seattle, it is even on the way to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport! Fall in love with Granache at Kerloo Cellars, or be “Enchanted” by the Chardonnay at Sleight of Hand Cellars. Don’t be afraid to swirl a glass of Malbac or Syrah at Structure Cellars, either. These three wineries are sure to impress.
Charles Smith Wines Jet City
This urban winery and tasting room is not to miss in South Seattle. PC: Charles Smith Wines
Winemaker Charles Smith is arguably the best Rose winemaker in the country. His Charles & Charles Rose was the number one domestic rose sold in the United States. This tasting room and production facility is located right next to Boeing Field, with perfect views of the Mt. Rainier and airplanes as they approach from above, descending to land. The facility is the largest urban winery in the West Coast, and second largest in North America. With two tasting rooms, one could spend hours enjoying great tasting wine. Tasting room hours are 10AM – 6PM, daily.
Woodinville:
Chateau Ste. Michelle
Check out this unique wine experience where you can blend your own wine! Credit: Youtube
By far one of the most well-known wineries in Western Washington, Chateau Ste. Michelle is a destination for those exploring Woodinville wine country. The beautiful estate Chateau, with its marble interior and French accents, is home to a wonderful collection of wines, most all available to purchase or taste. Sourcing their grapes from vineyards in eastern Washington, both their Red and White wines have won numerous awards and recognition. The 2013 Canoe Ridge Estate Merlot was rated 92 points by Wine Spectator. The tasting room is open daily 10AM – 5PM. The winery offers a complimentary tour & tasting, as well other premium and educational tasting experiences.
Cougar Crest
The Cougar Crest tasting room is humble and inviting. PC: Cougar Crest-Instagram
Based out of Walla Walla, Washington, this award winning estate winery is available at the winery’s Woodinville tasting room to those of us on the westside of the Cascade Mountains. This winery’s superior quality of wines goes back to its first vintage, in 2001. In fact, their 2001 Merlot and 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon won gold medals and Best of Class at the Lost Angeles Fair, one of the largest wine competitions in the United States at the time.
Novelty Hill – Januik Winery
The tasting room is just minutes from the freeway! PC: Novelty Hill – Januik winery
The Novelty Hill -Januik tasting room in Woodinville gives guests a two-for-one experience: Highlighting two independent wineries, Novelty Hill estate wines and Januik Wines, respectively, both under the direction of acclaimed winemaker Mike Januik. Find beautiful views and enjoy a glass of wine on the stylish patio or tasting room. For those interested in wine making, guests can sit above and watch the process happen in the state-of-the-art production facility. The tasting room is open 11am-5pm daily.
Basel Cellars
Barrel-aging wine takes the most time in the wine-making process. PC: Basel Cellars
Basel Cellars is another estate winery based out of Walla Walla, Washington, and has become a destination winery in eastern Washington wine tourism. The tasting room in Woodinville gives westside wine drinkers a taste of the eastside. The 2013 Estate Syrah will be perfect for picnics and day drinking in the Seattle Summer.
Sparkman Cellars
Sparkman Cellars has many award winning wines on hand. PC: Sparkman Cellars
Sparkman Cellars is a family owned and operated winery based out of Woodinville, WA. Launched in 2004, Chris & Kelly Sparkman have helped make waves for the Washington Wine community, for example their Birdie Riesling was rated #7 on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 in 2013, with a score of 94 Points. With two tasting rooms in the Hollywood district and Warehouse district, respectively, wine lovers will not have a hard time finding their delicious blends. The wines are fantastic, just like their winery philosophy: “Family. Good Livin’. Damn Fine Wine.”
Warr-King Wines
Find this tasting room in the Warehouse District in Woodinville! PC: Warr-King Wines
Warr-King Wines is one of the many wineries one can find in the Warehouse district of Woodinville. This woman-led winery is not one to be passed up, as you just might be served by the owner/winemaker Lisa Warr-King Packer herself. Their newest release is the 2016 Marie Noelle Rose, a One Hundred percent first-pressed Syrah from Gamache Vineyards, grown in the Columbia Valley AVA. The tasting room is open Saturdays from noon to 5PM, and Sundays from 1PM – 5PM.
Tsillan Cellars
This video highlights the wonderful vineyards of the Chelan Valley. Credit: Youtube
The Word “Tsillan” (pronounced SHE-LAN) comes from the indigenous name of the lake that this winery and estate vineyard overlooks, today popularly known as “Lake Chelan”. One of the 14 official Washington State appellations, Tsillan has become sort of a crown jewel in the Chelan Valley. With 135 acres, multiple varietals of grapes are grown here, including Gewurztraminer, Viognier, and Chardonnay varietals. Find Tsillan Cellars wine tasting room in Woodinville, in the Gateway Wine Tasting District!
Alexandria-Nicole Cellars
Alexandria-Nicole Cellars has a wonderful origin story, watch above to learn more. Credit: Youtube
A Boutique winery out of Prosser, WA, Alexandria-Nicole Cellars is named after “Ali” Boyle, wife and co-owner alongside her husband and winemaker Jarrod Boyle. Together, they have produced estate wines after their brand and even for restaurants, such as the house wine for the popular El Goucho restaurants in Seattle. Today, wine enthusiasts can enjoy these delicious wines at their Woodinville tasting room. Wine Club members have access to a private tasting area, where the door is hidden and tucked away. The exclusivity alone may just be worth joining the club!
