woodinville winery tour itinerary

The Emerald Palate

Seattle food tours & retreats

PNW Wineries , Things to Do , Travel Guides , Washington · August 3, 2017

A Local’s Guide to the Best Woodinville Wineries

Looking for the best Woodinville wineries? You’ve come to the right place.

I’ve visited just about every wine region in the Pacific Northwest and have written guides to the best Washington and Oregon wineries . Since I have a near reverence for wine, I’m constantly researching places to try and sipping my way through different wine region.

Washington is home to some of the best wine in the world, and people living or exploring Seattle have a great wine tasting area nearby: Woodinville. This wine-loving town is about a 30-minute drive from Seattle and has more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms.

I’ve explored most of the wine districts in Woodinville, so I’ll break down the areas and give you a local’s perspective on the best Woodinville wineries to visit. I’ll also share my private Woodinville wineries map so you can create your own wine tasting itinerary.

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The Woodinville, WA Wine Districts

Most Woodinville wineries do not grow their grapes in Woodinville. That’s because the cooler, wetter Seattle-area climate isn’t ideal for growing. Most grapes are grown in eastern Washington, so a lot of the wineries in Woodinville are outposts of their parent winery out east or buy their grapes from vineyards.

The wineries are organized into technically 4 districts, but the “Downtown District” only has food and no wine so it does not exist in my mind :P. The 3 districts with wineries include the Hollywood, Warehouse, and West Valley districts. Most of the wineries can be found in the Hollywood and Warehouse districts, and some wineries even have outposts in both areas.

The Woodinville Wine Country official site has a great map of Woodinville wineries outlining all the areas. This is handy if you want to get a full lay of the land, but my Woodinville winery map below will outline the best wineries to seek out.

My recommendation is to focus on one area per day so you can hit up more wineries!

Getting to Woodinville

Real talk: getting to Woodinville from Seattle can be a real slog. It’s only 30 minutes away, but it’s a long trip to take using public transit. When you’re drinking, figuring out how to safely get around can be enough to pull your hair out! To avoid this, here are my recommendations if you don’t have a designated driver.

Option 1: Ride share in and out the same day

If you have 1-4 people, just take an Uber or Lyft if you want to do a full day of tastings. It will be about $45 each way during non-peak hours and you can choose one district and walk between wineries. Or, if you want to check out multiple districts and you’re traveling May – Sept, you can hop on Woodinville’s Cellar Hopper bus, which runs regularly in a loop through all the districts.

Option 2: Hire a designated driver

If you have 5-12 people, plus access to enough cars to fit everyone, I highly recommend using Main Street Drivers . Think of them as the Airbnb of designated drivers. For $35/hour ($40/hour on weekends) plus a 20% gratuity, you can hire someone to drive you to Woodinville and between wineries using your car.

This is generally more affordable than renting a party bus because you’re not paying for a company that has to maintain its own vehicles. Especially if you don’t have enough people to fill said party bus, this could be an economical and fun option.

How it works: Simply tell Main Street Drivers when you want to be picked up, how long your trip will be, and if they need to pick up other passengers (which is included in the price!). One of their insured and background checked drivers will meet you at your first pickup location wearing a suit.

During your trip, your driver will drop you off at the winery and park your car. When you’re done, you just text them and they pick you up. They wait with your car the whole time and, if you don’t feel like planning, they’ll recommend the best tasting rooms in Woodinville to visit.

Disclaimer: Main Street Drivers offered me complimentary services to explore Woodinville. However, they didn’t choose the wineries I visit. That’s all me. 🙂 All opinions are my own and only brands I think are worth the investment end up here. Thanks for supporting the brands that make The Emerald Palate possible!

Option 3: Stay overnight and ride share

If you want to make a mini staycation and maximize your visit to the best wineries in Woodinville, consider booking a night at one of the area hotels. You can drop your car off at the hotel in the morning, take a Lyft or Uber a shorter distance to the wineries and back, and not have to worry about finding a designated driver.

If you do this, I recommend checking out the Heathman Hotel in Kirkland . It’s a beautiful hotel in downtown Kirkland about a 15-minute drive from the wineries. You can drop your car off at the valet around 10:30 am and then head to Woodinville for when the tasting rooms open at 11 am.

Book The Heathman Hotel

Then you can make your way back and have dinner right in the lobby at their fabulous Hearth restaurant . The restaurant is beautifully designed and has a year-round outdoor patio. They make a lot of their dishes in a hearth, such as their irresistible flatbreads. Definitely get the cheese and garlic flatbread and trout roasted in a corn husk if they’re on the menu when you go!

Disclaimer: The Heathman Hotel provided me a one night stay and dinner at Hearth in hopes I’d include it in this guide. I enjoyed my stay and meal and so decided to add them, however inclusion wasn’t guaranteed. Thanks for supporting the brands that make The Emerald Palate possible!

Option 4: Take a wine tour

If you don’t want to worry about driving, you can book one of these Seattle wine tours to Woodinville.

Saving Money Wine Tasting in Woodinville

Woodinville Wine Country , the area’s tourism board, offers deals and discounts at area wineries. Check their website before your visit to see whether they’re offering discounts to the best Woodinville wineries listed below.

For example, if you’re visiting on a weekday, definitely get their Woodinville wine passes . It includes wine tastings and discounts at four wineries for $40. This is a steal since a lot of tasting rooms charge $20 per person to taste.

There are different passes to choose from, but I recommend the rosé pass because it gets you each winery’s typical tasting flight plus an extra rosé. 🙂 You also have 30 days to use it, so you can make multiple trips to Woodinville!

Disclaimer: Woodinville Wine Country provided me with a free rosé wine pass. I thought it was a good value and it included a few of wineries that I consider the best in Woodinville, so I’m including it in this guide. Thanks for supporting the brands that make The Emerald Palate possible!

My Woodinville Winery Map

Alright, onto the good stuff: WINE. I constantly update my Woodinville winery map. It includes both what I consider the best Woodinville wineries and restaurants plus places I read about and want to try. Use it to explore more of the tasting rooms in Woodinville.

The Best Woodinville Wineries

Out of all the tastings rooms on my Woodinville winery map, these are what I consider the best Woodinville wineries. Make sure you don’t miss these ones!

Hollywood District | website | tasting fee: $15, waived with $45 purchase | Go for: a beautiful forest oasis

Family-owned JM Cellars is one of my favorite wineries in Woodinville. They’re perfectly located right next to one of the best fine dining restaurants tucked a bit up the street from wine behemoths, Chateau Ste. Michelle and Novelty Hill Januik. It requires scaling a relatively steep driveway that has valets to help you park, but the drive is worth it because it makes for a secluded forest vibe.

You’ll find some of the best Washington state wine here. The main wine tasting building is like a posh log cabin. You walk through wall-to-wall windowed doors to get to the bar where they line up around 5 wines to taste. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

One of my “snob” tests is whether or not they get pissy when my boyfriend and I split tastings. This place didn’t bat an eye when we asked, and actually commended us for safe tasting practices. Talk about grace!

Next door is a barn-like hall for weddings, and the grounds boast a fire pit, stringed lights over a patio, a bocce ball court, and an easy trail down to a small pond and abandoned, shed-like building that’s nestled in a sea of ferns. We always say, “This would be great for our wedding,” when we come here because it has so much ambiance. Spending a sunny day here would be a dream.

What to taste: If it’s available, try the Cinsault Red wine. The 2015 smells smoky, but actually has a nice raspberry jam after taste. It’s like a pinot, but heavier. Cinsault is a grape varietal that’s difficult to find in Washington, so give this one a try!

Adam’s Bench

Hollywood District | website | tasting fee: $20, waived with purchase | Go for: no frills, serious red wine cred

Adam’s Bench is a husband-and-wife owned, small batch winery that literally sits on the couple’s property. They focus on reds only, which means they do them well. And doing reds well means bottles are pricier than some of the other wineries on this list at about $40 – $70. But oh are they worth it.

When you enter there’s a small, modest tasting room that includes some seating and one vintage bench. The owner came over and told us that the bench was from an elementary school in Indiana, where students who were waiting in line to go to the principal’s office had to sit and wait their fate.

It’s quaint stories like this, the fact that the owner is telling his own tales, and the off-the-beaten-path nature of this place that makes it so special. They’re only open Saturdays for tasting, so plan accordingly.

What to taste: If it’s available, try the Stillwater Creek Cabernet Sauvignon. The owner explained how he loves this varietal of cab grapes for their piney flavor. But because their yield isn’t large, many wineries don’t want to grow them.

aMaurice Cellars

Hollywood District | website | tasting fee: $12, waived with purchase | Go for: beautiful, estate-grown wines

Okay, aMaurice is essentially in a strip mall. But it’s a strip mall full of other wineries, so you can go boom, boom, boom through a few all at once.

It has a beautiful and bright white interior with a garage door that lets in a lot of light. And the walls are lined with pictures of their wine labels, which are drawn by the owner or local artists. Basically if aMaurice wanted to decorate my house, I’d let them.

But we’re here to talk about the wine. And the wine is heavenly. All the ones I’ve tasted are really balanced and smooth. There was one, a viognier blend, that smelled like cheese but tasted acidic and bright. Another had that jammy, but not too sweet finish I always love. All in all, aMaurice is the best winery in Woodinville, in my opinion.

aMaurice is also in Walla Walla, so if you head to eastern Washington make sure to check them out where they grow their grapes!

What to taste: Get the estate-grown “Fred” if it’s available. The 2013 vintage I tasted recently had a really awesome jammy finish. It’s also one of their artist labels, so you’ll likely want to save and frame it when the bottle is finished!

Kerloo Cellars

Warehouse District | website | tasting fee: ~$15 | Go for: bold reds

Kerloo used to be located in Seattle’s SODO neighborhood, but moved to Woodinville in February 2022. I’m happy you can still visit their tasting room, as they make some seriously good wines. They describe them as “palate-challenging” because they aspire to bottle wines most people aren’t accustomed to drinking.

What to taste: If available, try the Majestic GSM (~$26). It’s young, light, and bright with a jammy blueberry after taste.

Market Vineyards

Hollywood District | website | tasting fee: $15, waived with purchase | Go for: nice structured reds

Boutique winery Market Vineyards is in a strip mall behind Hollywood Schoolhouse Winery. It’s unassuming, but it’s making beautiful, big red wines in small batches. It was founded by ex-finance professionals, hence their winery and bottles being named after financial terms (Benchmark, Liquidity, etc.).

I asked the tasting room attendant what they’re known for and she said single-variety Bordeauxs, which isn’t common since most other wineries blend. She also gave this wonderful tip for remembering how their wines taste: most of their grapes comes from Red Mountain, which is the smallest AVA in Washington producing the biggest grapes…meaning they have wines with a lot of tannins and structure.

What to taste: If available, their 2015 Liquidity white, a viognier-roussanne blend that has deep, complex flavors, or their 2015 Benchmark red, which starts big but mellows out with currant and caramel notes.

Long Shadows

Hollywood District | website | tasting fee: $20, waived with purchase | Go for: wines made by famous winemakers around the world

Long Shadows is one of the best wineries in Woodinville, hands down. It was created by the CEO of juggernaut Chateau Ste. Michelle who had a dream of creating a winery that showcases the best winemakers in the world. You’ll find wines made by master winemakers out of Chile, Italy, Australia and more who come to the production facility to create limited-production wines. Winemaker Gilles Nicault overseas all production and will work with the other winemakers while they’re overseas throughout the winemaking process to tell them the flavors and chemical makeup of their wines.

You’re definitely getting premium wines at Long Shadows, which shows in the price tags of the bottles. However this Woodinville tasting room is anything but snooty. My favorite thing about them is that they will literally ask if you want to split a tasting. My boyfriend and I do this a lot so we can taste more wines, but most wineries turn their nose up at this. To have a fancy winery offer it blows my mind.

I also love this place because they cater to my geeky side.

The tasting room attendant literally spent about 5 minutes as she poured each wine gushing about the wines and how they were made. I loved the passion and willingness to tell you everything about what you were drinking, so if you’re also nerdy and want to know everything , you’ll love Long Shadows.

What to taste: If it’s available, the 2016 saggi. It’s a sangiovese-dominant blend made by an Italian winemaker from a prestigious wine family out of Tuscany. And it’s heavier than most sangioveses, with a long finish and complex flavors. It’s $55 a bottle. We rarely buy wines this expensive, but we did on our last visit (if that tells you anything about how good it is).

Pondera Winery

Warehouse District | website | tasting fee: $10, waived with purchase | Go for: dry reds enjoyed among art curated by the winemakers mom

Pondera is a small, family-owned boutique winery with serious accolades. It was recommended to me by a waiter at The Herb Farm who used to work in the wine industry. To show what I mean, winemaker Shane Howard once submitted 7 wines to a competition and all 7 got gold.

But you would never know this from walking in, especially if Shane happens to be pouring your wines. He’s a humble, shy guy who will describe what you’re drinking concisely before moving onto the next table. It took one of his regular wine club members coming up to us to explain that Shane isn’t letting on just how good of a winemaker he is.

What to taste: If available, the 2015 cabernet franc. It’s a heavy red with flavors of berries and black pepper that linger long after sipping.

DeLille Cellars

Hollywood District | website | tasting fee: $25, waived with 2 bottle purchase | Go for: Bordeaux-style blends

DeLille Cellars is incredibly popular for their deep red wines. They produce about 30,000 cases a year of wines featuring Washington grapes sourced from the Red Mountain AVA, which they blend using European techniques. I was given a barrel tasting tour here once and honestly, even when the wines “aren’t ready” they are friggin’ phenomenal.

The winery used to be located in a quaint house-turned-tasting room near Novelty Hill Januik and JM Cellars, with another outpost closer to the heart of the Hollywood District called the Carriage House. The Carriage House is still there, but they’ve since moved their operation into a big, beautiful, and modern building on the old Red Hook Brewery lot.

What to taste: If available, try the Métier. It’s bright and fruity, unlike DeLille’s other big, bold reds. If you prefer heavier reds, try their D2 series, like the D2 Estate Red .

Long Cellars

Warehouse District | website | tasting fee: $10, waived with purchase | Go for: Bordeaux-style varietals

Long Cellars is a small winery tucked in the strip of warehouses across the street from all the other wineries. It’s one of the last wineries in the area offering $10 tasting fees (as of the time of writing this), which is a steal considering winemaker John Long’s ability to develop beautiful Bordeaux-style varietals.

Long got into wine by working for Barrage Cellars. He said they paid him in grapes so that he can learn to make his own wine. Now he makes about 3,000 – 4,000 cases a year of mostly red blends using grapes out of Yakima.

What to taste: If available, the Screaming Baby red blend has nice structure and a fun story. It was made for a friend’s baby shower (hence the name) and was so good, he decided to release it to the world.

Tertulia Vineyards

Warehouse District | website | tasting fee: $15, waived with purchase | Go for: estate grown wines with an emphasis on terroir

Tertulia Vineyards, which means “circle of friends” in Spanish and Latin, is technically in the Warehouse District, but it’s not in the cluster of warehouses you’d expect. Rather, you take about a 15-minute walk from that warehouse block to the Hampton Inn & Suites parking lot where there is a mini strip mall with wine tasting rooms.

Now before you say, “A parking lot? Really?” know that that this strip mall is new and quite fancy-looking. It also includes one of my other favorite wine tasting rooms in Woodinville, Tsillian Cellars . The reason Tertulia is in the Hampton Inn & Suites parking lot is because it’s the passion project of the hotel’s owners.

They have 3 vineyards in Walla Walla situated along a rocky mountain that they use to make beautiful estate-grown wines. During your wine tasting, they’ll actually show you samples of the rocks and soils from their vineyard and talk through how the rocky sediments affect their wines. They’ll also share stories behind some of their most interesting wines, such as how they employ a rare process that uses gravity to remove sediments.

What to taste: If it’s available, their carménere. It’s a structured red with a peppery flavor profile.

Obelisco Estates

Hollywood & Warehouse Districts | website | tasting fee: $15, waived with purchase | Go for: art & solid wines

Obelisco is one of the other best Woodinville wineries. Their Hollywood location is cozy, with local artists’ work lining most of the walls. There’s a wrap around deck with seating and you can enjoy 8 wine tastes, which makes this place one of the best values.

I like most of their wines, which range from a 92-point malbec to a riesling white wine that somehow smells like rubber but tastes reminiscent of white grape juice.

What to taste: If it’s available, get their cabernet sauvignon rosé. The 2015 vintage I tasted has a beautiful color. It smells like cheese, but it tastes caramel-y and jammy. And it’s heavy for a rose, which I always appreciate.

Lauren Ashton Cellars

Hollywood & Warehouse District | website | tasting fee: $15, waived with purchase | Go for: friendly, knowledgeable staff

Lauren Ashton is in a quaint, coulda-been-my-dream-house building. The staff is super friendly and will tell you detailed tasting notes to look out for in their wines. I always find their wines to be super solid, and since it’s just around the corner from Obelisco, it’s a great place to stop on your wine tasting tour.

What to taste: If it’s available, their 2014 cabernet sauvignon. It’s a full-bodied wine that has a great jammy after taste. Or splurge to try their Cabernet Franc Private Barrel Auction for a truly memorable experience.

Tasting rooms from my eastern Washington favorites

In my guide to Walla Walla wineries and Lake Chelan winery guide , I outline my favorite wineries in eastern Washington. Luckily, some of my favorites have tasting rooms in Woodinville.

Don’t miss Trust Cellars , Amavi Cellars , and Tsillian Cellars .

Looking to do more tastings?

• Let me plan you a custom itinerary exploring wine country
• Check out my guide to the best wineries in Seattle
• Go on a self-guided Seattle brewery tour if you want to switch to beer
• Seek out the best Seattle cocktails if you want to move onto hard stuff
• Take a self-guided Seattle food tour that also includes stops for drinks
• Visit Eugene, OR wineries to discover the lower Willamette Valley

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Woodinville Wine Tasting Guide: Best Wineries in Woodinville

Woodinville, Washington is a small, emerging, wine region near Seattle. Woodinville is known for estate wineries, tasting rooms, and great restaurants.

This Woodinville wine tasting guide will explain the best wineries is Woodinville and tips for visiting.

Washington wines are beginning to get attention on the international stage, thanks to Woodinville wine country.  Many of the Woodinville vineyards in the nearby Columbia valley which is a budding viticultural area.

Some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe in. Thanks for your support!

Best Wineries in Woodinville to Visit

The hardest part of Woodinville wine tasting is choosing which wineries to visit. Overall, there is a wide variety of tasting options.

Some are small tasting rooms, while others are large estates. To see the best wineries in Woodinville, plan to visit a variety of locations.

I have visited each of the below wineries multiple times and can assure you, they are amazing.

1. Delille Cellars

Delille has my favorite wine out of all the wineries in Woodinville. Their red blend, D2, is one of my favorite wines from anywhere in the world.

The brand-new tasting facility is modern, chic and extremely comfortable. Since this winery is popular, be sure to book reservations a couple weeks ahead of time.

Efeste is known for amazing red wines, especially cabernet sauvignon. Their state-of-the-art wine making facility doubles as a tasting room. Enjoy a wine flight among their large barrels and wine makers.

While most of these wineries are in the Hollywood district of Woodinville, Efeste is actually in the nearby warehouse district.

My favorite wine from Efeste is Big Papa, which makes a great Father’s Day gift.

3. Columbia Winery

This winery is one of the largest in Woodinville. It can be found in many local grocery stores and restaurants. I have even seen Columbia served internationally.

Columbia Winery is a large estate with multiple banquet rooms and patios. Since the tasting area is large, this winery is great for groups and last-minute reservations. All the wines are amazing, but my favorite is the Viognier.

Columbia is one of my favorite Woodinville wineries, and I am even a wine club member.

4. Chateau Ste Michelle

Across the street from Columbia, find the gorgeous Chateau Ste Michelle property. This winery has the best grounds and facilities out of all the wineries in Woodinville. The large Chateau building and tasting room are picturesque and remind me of Tuscany.

In addition to great wines, Chateau Ste Michelle hosts fun events such as concerts and wine blending classes.

5. Matthews Winery

Matthew’s winery is a unique contrast to the above options.  A bit out of town, this winery has a large property and farmhouse feel. Most of the tasting space at Matthews is outdoors, which cannot be beat in the summer.

If the weather is good, plant to get a bottle of Rose and enjoy their relaxing patio.

6. Fidelitas

Fidelitas is a small tasting room in the center of Woodinville. The smaller facility makes for an intimate experience and one-on-one attention from the staff.

Since this winery is in town, it is great to start or end your day next to the great restaurant options.

Other Alcohol Tastings in Woodinville

In addition to the amazing Woodinville wine tasting, I recommend enjoying another beverage tasting as well. While I can drink wine all day, it can be fun to mix it up with a whiskey, beer or cider tasting.

Woodinville Whiskey

Calling all whiskey lovers! Woodinville Whiskey is a craft-whiskey distillery in Woodinville. They create a variety of Whiskeys onsite and offer tastings daily.

For a fun gift or souvenir, purchase on of their personalized Whiskey bottles with your name on it.

Metier Brewing

Metier Brewing is my favorite brewery in Washington. They are the first black-owner breweries in the state and continuously support the community. Additionally, they create fantastic, inventive beers.

When you visit, be sure to chat with the brewers and staff to learn about their amazing company and brewing process.

Locust Cider

I am a huge cider fan. Since Washington is known for apples, our ciders are exceptional as well. Locust cider offers tasting flights of various sizes.

Be sure to try the vanilla bean cider, it is my favorite.

Food for After Your Woodinville Wine Tasting

In addition to amazing Woodinville wine tasting, take advantage of the amazing restaurants as well. The below restaurants are casual but delicious.

They are the perfect way to round out a day of visiting the best wineries in Woodinville.

Vivi Pizzeria

Vivi serves up delicious Italian food, including their famous wood-fired pizza. Since Vivi Pizzeria is on open table, it is easy to create a reservation for your group.

My favorite dishes are the brie pizza, tanina pizza, and penne alla vodka.

The Commons

The Commons is a great restaurant that serves contemporary-American food. It is a great spot for weekend brunch or dinner.

Since the commons does not take reservations, put your name in then walk around Woodinville to kill some time.

Hollywood Tavern

Hollywood Tavern is my favorite restaurant in Woodinville. It has amazing ambiance, service, and delicious food.

My favorite dishes at Hollywood tavern are the fried pickles, the burger and the boozy milkshakes.

One Day Woodinville Wine Tasting Itinerary

• Get brunch at the Commons . I recommend the breakfast sandwich and mimosa flight. Since they do not take reservations, plan to walk around and kill some time.
• Visit Chateau Ste Michelle winery . Drive down the street to the beautiful Chateau Ste Michelle winery. Get in line for their complimentary tour and tasting. Enjoy the grounds and great wine.
• Head to Columbia winery . Cross the street to Columbia for another tasting and lunch. Since Columbia offers food, order a cheese plate or flatbread for a midday snack. Order a flight with your meal and relax.
• Shop “downtown” Woodinville . Between all the wineries are charming local shops to visit and take a break from drinking.
• Go to Delille tasting room . For the final winery of the day, visit the new DeLille tasting room and enjoy their award-winning wines.
• Dinner at Vivi Pizzeria . To wrap up a busy day, enjoy a pizza dinner at Vivi pizzeria then turn in for the night. I recommend the brie pizza for a cheesy, unique take on pizza.

Where to Stay Near Woodinville Washington

As mentioned above, Woodinville is located near Seattle. Since it only a one-hour drive, it is possible to commute from the city. To stay closer, opt to stay in nearby Bellevue.

If you plan to drink, be sure to book a local accommodation or arrange for a rideshare. A small afternoon of wine tasting can turn into a good buzz quickly. (I know from experience 😉)

The W Bellevue

If your trip entails a full tour of Washington state , staying in nearby Bellevue may be better suited. The W by Marriott is a luxury hotel in the center of Bellevue.

Bellevue is the luxury little sister to Seattle with amazing shopping and restaurants.

To get to Woodinville from Bellevue, drive or rideshare for a quick 20 minutes.

Summary of the best tasting rooms in woodinville

Overall, wine tasting in Woodinville is a great activity when visiting Washington. It is also a great day trip from Seattle.

When you visit Woodinville, be sure to reference my list of the best wineries in Woodinville to taste the absolute best wines.

Related Posts:

• Planning A Trip To Washington State: Insider Tips From A Local
• The Best Downtown Seattle Activities & Things To Do
• The Best Seattle Weekend Trip Guide & Itinerary From A Local
• My Absolute Favorite Wineries In Chelan Washington

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Lauren is the creator of The Traveling Moore blog. She's travel obsessed, having been to nearly 50 countries and all 7 continents. She has a full time corporate job, and loves showing others that it's still possible to travel the world with limited PTO hours. Lauren is also travel hacking obsessed, finding every way to travel more often and more luxuriously.

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Woodinville Wine Tastings

Wine Tasting and Self-guided Tour for Two or Four with

Reidel Wine Glasses at Woodinville Wine Tastings

Participants can try up to 4 wines at each winery to

find the one that they like the most.

Elevation Cellars

Patterson Cellars

Pondera Winery

19501 144th Ave NE

Woodinville, WA 98072

425-486-8500

The Fine Print

Woodinville Wine tastings is a self-guided tasting experience to three of Woodinville’s most popular destination wineries, Elevation Cellars, Patterson Cellars and Pondera Winery.  All three of these premium quality, boutique wineries  are located within steps of each other in the Warehouse Winery District.  Each winery will offer a selection of their wines for tasting and you will have the opportunity to purchase wines to take home at a special promotional discount.  This offer also includes custome logo etched Reidel Crystal wine glasses that are yours to keep!

No reservation is required.   You will be moving from one winery to the other at your own pace, but we suggest you arrive early enough to allow at least 20 minutes at each stop to fully enjoy your experience.

Please note, our tasting rooms have limited capacity, so we do not allow any groups larger than 8 guests.

featured wineries:

Pondera Winery: Winemaker Shane Howard utilizes grapes from many of Washington's most highly regarded vineyards, producing a bounty of award winning wines.

Patterson Cellars: Winemaker John Patterson crafts approachable Washington State wines that reflect the new world style with a diverse collection that includes robust red blends, elegant single varietals, sparkling wines and lush dessert wines.

Elevation Cellars: Elevation Cellars produces an array of award winning wines that will be thoroughly enjoyed around your table.

Directions:

• Take WA 522 E from I 405 to the Duvall exit, NE 195th St.

• Turn Right on NE 195th up the hill and turn  • Left on 144th Ave NE.

• Go about one block to the

Woodinville Park North   warehouse complex.

• Turn left.

Best Woodinville Breweries & Wineries ~ Hollywood District

Just 30 minutes from downtown Seattle is the former logging and farming town turned trendy tasting room mecca of Woodinville, Washington . Now before you get visions of rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see I need to point out that you will not find that Tuscany-esque scene in Woodinville. What you will find is a charming town in the midst of a scenic valley and the opportunity to explore the fabulous Woodinville breweries, wineries, distilleries and restaurants. This self-guided tour has all the makings of a delicious day out, a fun weekend with friends or a romantic getaway.

Woodinville, WA is home to so many wineries, breweries, distilleries, eateries and tasting rooms, well over 100 in fact, that it would take weeks to visit every one of them. For this reason, we will be breaking it all down for you into delicious bite-sized pieces.

Keep in mind that our aim here at Discover the Pacific Northwest is to erase the dividing lines between wine lovers, beer drinkers and spirit sippers so that we can all live and taste harmoniously. For this reason, our itineraries will often include a little taste of each. Woodinville just happens to be a perfect place to do that. However, if your tasting party loves beer but not wine or vice versa it’s easy to substitute along the way.

Whichever way you do it we’re sure you’ll agree that wine tasting is a great thing to do in Washington State.

Hollywood District, Woodinville

Our first Woodinville brewery and winery tasting tour will take place in the so-called Hollywood District . Named not for the well-known spot in Cali but for the old Hollywood Farm that used to occupy the land where Chateau Ste Michelle now sits. A building that ironically could easily feel at home in the Hollywood Hills.

Now even though we say we’re breaking it down for you, the Hollywood District alone has more than 40 establishments to tantalize your taste buds so you definitely won’t see them all in one day. But don’t panic, we’ve laid out a two-day plan which will give you a good sampling at a comfortable and enjoyable pace with nights of rest in a charming accommodation in between. Of course, if you are lucky enough to live within a reasonable drive of Woodinville you can opt for 2 single day trips.

Tasting Tour of Woodinville Breweries & Wineries Day 1

For the purposes of this tour, we are going to assume arrival in Woodinville about 11 am which is when most places open. This will give you a chance for a tasting or two before lunch.

11 am: Stop 1, The Woodhouse Wine Estates

The Woodhouse Wine Estates is a family-run boutique winery with a warm and welcoming attitude and lovingly handcrafted wines.

Don’t let the industrial park location fool you, the comfortable and unpretentious tasting room is tucked behind a roll-up garage door and is decorated in a style that I would call industrial country elegance. Ok so I completely made up that term but they really have managed to bring together concrete floors, an eclectic mix of woods and sparkling crystal chandeliers to create a lovely tasting space.

It’s tough to pick a favorite from their many award-winning wines but I am definitely partial to the Kennedy Shah Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Website: http://www.thewoodhousewineestates.com/

11:45 am, Stop 2: Sumerian Brewing

Just down the way from The Woodhouse Wine Estates is Sumerian Brewing. This is one of the best known Woodinville breweries. It’s run by the husband and wife team of Mark and Holly Ihrig who left their careers and prior entrepreneurial pursuits to bring their vision of a quality West Coast craft brewery to life.

As a lover of rich, dark and intense beers Nathan is always a sucker for a Stout or a Porter and Sumerian excels at both. If he had to pick just one it would be the Warrior Stout …he swears he wasn’t biased by the name.

Website: http://sumerianbrewingco.com/

*Disclaimer: Woodhouse Wine Estates and Sumerian Brewing are technically considered to be in the West Valley Winery District but we added them to this itinerary as they are on the edge of the Hollywood District.

12:30 pm: Stop 3, Novelty Hill & Januik Winery

Novelty Hill and Januik are actually two independent wineries that teamed up to share a destination tasting room. And what a tasting room it is! With a sleek award-winning  modern design and lovely terraces and gardens you may be enticed to stay for more than a tasting.

In fact, if you are visiting on a summer weekend you could opt to stay here for lunch and enjoy a delicious brick oven flatbread pizza on the terrace. In this case, you would skip the Hollywood Tavern and go straight to Woodinville Whiskey Co.

Website: http://www.noveltyhilljanuik.com/

1:15 pm: Stop 4, Lunch at the Hollywood Tavern

The Hollywood Tavern has a long and colorful history dating back to 1947 when Mabel Nieman opened the original eatery which became a favorite of the loggers, farmers and mill workers in the valley. In 2013 the tavern was transformed into the inviting and fun roadhouse you see today.

The Tavern makes a perfect stop for lunch on your Hollywood tour as they have a great atmosphere, fabulous food and a good selection of local brews, wines and spirits so you really don’t have to stop tasting. We can personally vouch for the Ancho Chilli Tots and the Tavern Sliders!

2:15 pm: Stop 5, Woodinville Whiskey Co

Right next door to Hollywood Tavern is Woodinville Whiskey Co . If you are a whiskey lover then you are in for a treat at Woodinville Whiskey Co. Their Master Distiller, David Pickerel, was a 14 year veteran of Maker’s Mark Distillery before coming to Woodinville so you know the whiskey is top-notch.

If you want to see behind the scenes you can also take a tour, see the still and even sample the ingredients as well as taste the fine varieties of Whiskey.

Website: http://www.woodinvillewhiskeyco.com/

*Tip: At this point, you should check the time. Logistically it makes a little more sense to visit Columbia Winery next, however, if it is much after 3:00 pm you may want to visit Chateau Ste Michelle and then double back to Columbia (only 5 min down the road) afterward. The reason being that Columbia tends to stay open an hour or more later than Ste Michelle which usually closes at 5:00 pm for tastings.

3:00 pm: Stop 6, Columbia Winery

Across the road is the Columbia Winery. Started in 1962 is was Washington State’s first premium winery and continues to produce innovative and award-winning wines.

The tasting room is bright, open and contemporary with a striking decor of their signature red, black and white color scheme. They have perfected their winemaking over 50 years so all of their wine is noteworthy but take note that many of their top wines are only available in their tasting room…so stock up!

Website: http://www.columbiawinery.com/

4:00 pm: Stop 7, Chateau Ste Michelle

Arguably the Queen of Woodinville, Chateau Ste Michelle is Washington’s oldest winery and is an experience in itself. As you turn onto the impressive driveway and approach the French-style Chateau you will feel as though you’ve been transported to another time and place.

Chateau Ste Michelle is actually one of two state of the art wineries with the other being Canoe Ridge Estate Winery in Eastern Washington. The white wines are produced at the Chateau and the reds at Canoe Ridge. Don’t worry, both are available for tasting and purchase here at Ste Michelle. Although I tend to favor reds I am a big fan of the Indian Wells Chardonnay.

When you are planning your trip to Woodinville be sure to check out Chateau Ste Michelle’s concert schedule. They have some pretty stellar big-name shows on the property such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and The Goo Goo Dolls as well as some fabulous dinners and other fun events.

Website: https://www.ste-michelle.com/

5:30 pm: Hotel for a nap and freshen up

See below for some accommodation suggestions. If you are not staying overnight you can opt to head straight for an early dinner before going home.

7:00 pm: Dinner at The Barking Frog

The Barking Frog is a small, romantic, highly acclaimed restaurant located in the lovely Willows Lodge. They offer a seasonal menu and world-class wine list and the delicious meals are a tribute to the fresh, top-quality ingredients sourced from local farmers, food artisans and foragers by executive chef Bobby Moore.

The dining room is warm and elegant but in the summer months, the beautiful patio is the place to be. This is definitely an upscale restaurant with pricing to match so be prepared to spend between $30-$60 USD per entree. But trust me it is worth it!

Map of Woodinville breweries, wineries and restaurants in the Hollywood District

Tasting Tour of Woodinville, WA Day 2

No need to rush up in the morning as the tasting rooms don’t start opening until 10 or 11 am. You’ll have plenty of time to find a nice spot for a leisurely breakfast at or near your hotel.

11:00 am: Stop 1, Brian Carter Cellars

Brian Carter Cellars was voted Washington’s Winery of the Year in 2015 and their solid wines are a big part of the reason why.

Brian’s passion for winemaking stems from his early love of science where he became fascinated with the fermentation process and production of yeast. (Not everyone’s idea of a good time but we’re glad he stuck with it.) This fascination eventually led him to become a top consulting premium winemaker for a series of wineries before starting his own successful winery in 2006. Brian is a master and lover of the blend and is known for his intoxicating European style blends and you really can’t leave without trying the yummy Port-style Opulento.

The charming, unpretentious, little yellow tasting room makes you feel right at home and the deck with views of the valley and Mount Rainier beckon you to stay awhile so be sure to bring a camera.

Website: http://www.briancartercellars.com/

12:00 pm: Stop 2, DeLille Cellars Carriage House

The romantic and charming DeLille Cellars Carriage House is the tasting room for the actual Delille Cellars Chateau Winery 1/4 mile away. As well as the lovely indoor area there are three terraces with lots of seating to enjoy a glass of your favorite wine after the tasting.

DeLille Cellars is an acclaimed and award-winning winery that has the distinction of being the only winery in the world chosen for both the Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines of the World lists for two consecutive years.

Honestly, all of their wines are fabulous but the Cabernet Sauvignon seems to be winning awards time after time.

Website: http://www.delillecellars.com/

1:00 pm: Stop 3, Lunch at the Commons Kitchen & Bar or Purple Cafe & Wine Bar

The Commons and the Purple Cafe are located very close to each other and they both offer good food and a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. My favorite choice for lunch at The Commons would be the curried prawn frites and Nathan would go for the pizza at Purple Cafe .

2:30 pm: Stop 4, Grapeworks Distilling

Grapeworks is a state of the art distillery that aims to create great “unconventional spirits” . Here you will find single varietal vodka and brandy made from Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris grapes. Plus

something called Grape Spirits which is described as “neither a vodka or a brandy. It is not aged in oak and yet it has too much flavor to be considered a vodka.”

Intrigued? Well so are we! Unfortunately, we didn’t know about Grapeworks the last time we did a Woodinville tour but we wanted to add it into this itinerary because…well, who doesn’t want to try some grape spirits? We hope to get there soon and will update this itinerary with our personal experience.

Website: http://www.grapeworksdistilling.com/

3:30 pm: Stop 5, Patterson Cellars

Patterson Cellars have two tasting rooms in Woodinville, one in the Hollywood District and the other at the actual winery in the Warehouse District. We really like the Hollywood location for it’s cozy tasting room complete with a fireplace and patio ready for any time of year.

Their tasting flights are made up of 5 or 6 of their consistently good wines from their wonderfully diverse selection of varietals and blends. They offer everything from Chardonnay and Cab Sav to dessert wines and port so there’s something for everyone.

Website: http://www.pattersoncellars.com

Evening things to do in Woodinville

If you’re still ready for more fun there are some other great cafes, restaurants and bars that are open well into the evening for food and libations.

Some we’ve already mentioned are within the Hollywood District such as the Purple Cafe & Wine Bar, The Hollywood Tavern and The Commons.

Another choice within the area is Village Wines and then some others outside of the Hollywood District are the Twisted Cuban Cafe & Bar and the Tandem Dinner & Wine Bar.

Also, be sure to check online or in the local publications for events listings as many of the local establishments offer evening entertainment.

The Herbfarm

If you’re looking for something really special then The Herbfarm is the place . Here you will be wined and dined in a beautiful eclectically decorated restaurant surrounded by artwork and objects from all over the world.

There is only one seating per night and the experience consists of a nine-course meal paired with 5-6 wines. Menus are changed frequently and are themed based on the freshest available ingredients and the delicious imagination of the Culinary Director, Ron Zimmerman.

Sadly we cannot yet tell you of our own Herbfarm experience but just reading some of the sample menus make my mouth water and taste buds dance. We aim to make it there soon though and will come back to tell you all about it.

Where to Stay near the Hollywood District of Woodinville

Deluxe: willows lodge.

Right in the center of the Hollywood District Willows Lodge offers Northwest style luxury and comfort within walking distance to many of the wineries and tasting rooms on this itinerary.

Mid range: Cottage Lake Tree house Bed & Breakfast

There are only two rooms at the Cottage Lake Tree House here, one is a bedroom in the main house and the other is an actual private treehouse perched over the lake. “The Nest” tree house is private, romantic and very comfortable with its very own deck for stargazing.

Tasting Transportation in Woodinville

Walking: If you are up for a little exercise you could actually walk these itineraries by having a taxi drop you at the first stop and pick up at the end. It is a little over 1 mile from the first stop to the last. However, this would add time to the itinerary and would include walking along some busy roads so just keep that in mind.

Driving: Of course driving is the fastest and easiest way to get around but you will need a designated driver.

Tour: There are plenty of tour companies that do package tasting tours but unless you have a large group and can arrange a custom tour you will be tied to their choice of establishments.

Final Thoughts on a Woodinville Breweries & Wineries Tour

This two-day itinerary is just a mere taste of what the Hollywood District has to offer, let alone the entire Woodinville area. Check out our extensive listings to see all of the wineries, breweries and distilleries in this part of Washington and come back for more itinerary suggestions, stories and reviews for all over the Pacific Northwest.

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A long-time resident of Bristish Columbia, Sarah is a writer, traveler, wine & food lover and co-owner of Discover the Pacific Northwest and Live Dream Discover.

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Seattle Met

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Complete Guide to Visiting Woodinville

By Allison Williams October 8, 2020 Published in the Fall 2020 issue of Seattle Met

A savory spread from the PicNic Table. Photograph by Brandon Hill

Eat / Play / Stay

Takeout gone tasteful.

Wine and vacation both beg for an outdoor meal, and Italian-born Danilo Amato delivers at The PicNic Table , stocking “baskets” full of Mediterranean eats (BYO actual wicker hamper). The smallest has nine different bites, from chicken pate to smoked salmon deviled eggs; larger versions include a charcuterie and cheese plate, flavors that pair well with just about any Washington wine you purchased in the heat of tastings. The city has a few parks that make for DIY alfresco eateries—Amato also likes Saint Edward State Park just west of town—but Woodinville’s best picnic spot is the lawn at Matthews Winery, where red chairs and big umbrellas sit on lush green grass. 

The Herbfarm: Like a fairy tale, but with less cursed produce.

Image: Courtesy The Herbfarm

Feast for the Ages

Lights, camera, dinner: Every meal is a production at the longtime fine-dining staple The Herbfarm , a cozy cottage that looks like an extension of the garden and farm that fuel its themed meals. Expect a salute to Copper River salmon or a meditation on Northwest mushrooms. Born an actual herb stand that grew into nine-course single-seating banquets (with at least five paired wines), the restaurant includes a tour and intro to house pigs Basil and Borage with each reservation. Pageantry aside, the meals themselves are worth the ovation that usually concludes each night’s presentation. 

Tour de Sammamish.

Image: Courtesy King County Parks

Pour by Pedal

Despite the broad, paved Sammamish River Trail that bisects the valley, Woodinville is a bit short on bike rental shops (unless you want to group pedal on Party Cycle NW’s big rigs). But the next town over is home to Redmond Cycle , which does rentals, and after 50 years can claim to be the premier two-wheel outfit east of Lake Washington. Redmond’s Edge and Spoke , much newer, includes e-bikes in its fleet. Point your handlebars toward the excellent Sammamish River route for easy pedaling and a wide-open view of the region’s agrarian calm. Wilmot Gateway Park, in the center of Woodinville, makes for a good break spot. 

Nature Nurture

As a counterbalance to Woodinville’s busy, urban verve, Paradise Valley Conservation Area is an aptly named oasis, with nearly 800 acres of nature-trail calm. The property was a homestead dating back to the 1800s before the parcel became public land in the 2000s. The Bear Creek wetlands are now protected, and the area’s trails offer wildlife viewing, especially of the bird variety. Don’t be surprised to see local horseback riders out for an equine spin. 

My Own Private Hidey-Hole

Just as the Herbfarm takes dining to ridiculous heights next door, the Willows Lodge turns the relaxation dial to 11. The whole hotel feels like a fancy spa, from the manicured landscaping to the wood and stone lobby, though technically only part of the grounds are dedicated to luxe Lomi Lomi massages and an outdoor soaking pool. Rooms open to private patios or balconies, with giant tubs and sliding doors that allow for a mid-soak view of a fireplace. The hotel sits between a busy road, several restaurants, and a couple wineries, but you’d never know it until you snag a free loaner bicycle and head beyond its boundaries. 

Couch envy at Holly Creek Bed and Breakfast.

Image: Courtesy Holly Creek Bed and Breakfast

The wine-tasting catch-22: The more you like to drink, the less able you are to drive to new wineries, what with that whole alcohol thing. The dilemma is near-solved at the Holly Creek Bed and Breakfast , an easy stroll from several tasting rooms and a brisk walk from the biggies like Chateau Ste. Michelle and Novelty Hill-Januik. The newest iteration of a 1930s farmhouse that once presided over a mink farm—how’s that for industries of yore—the recently renovated four-room home skips the usual B&B chintz. Rent the whole house for a truly distanced experience. 

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Welcome to Woodinville

Where washington pours, why woodinville.

Intimate, unhurried, and accessible. Woodinville is where wine lovers from around the globe gather to taste Washington’s legends and discover new favorites.

Explore Woodinville

Let’s discover together.

Woodinville’s wineries, restaurants, hotels, breweries, shops, and more are arrayed across 4 distinct districts in the beautiful Sammamish River Valley. To give you the lay of the land, we built this dynamic map to help you plan your trip. Let’s start exploring!

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Districts of distinction.

Woodinville’s 130+ wineries are arrayed across four winemaking districts, each with their own personality and style. Where will you go first?

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Hyatt regency bellevue, shop & stay package, the woodmark hotel & still spa, the perfect blend, chateau lill featuring lill family wines, live music on select sundays, hops & seed brewing, thursdays: $2 off pints, seattle marriott redmond, summer concert package.

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Woodinville tasting passes are the best way to experience all Woodinville has to offer. From the wildly popular Passport to Taste to an array of specialty passes, there’s something for every palette.

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The Woodinville Visitor Center is the perfect place to begin your exploration of Woodinville. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are eager to help you find just what you’re looking for (and to show you the secrets only the locals know). If you’re looking for personalized recommendations on your day of tasting, this is your first stop.

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Woodinville Wine Tasting Passport

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• Start See departure details
• 1 Apple Farm Village Stop: 4 hours See details
• 2 Ambassador Wines of Washington Stop: 4 hours See details
• 3 Ancestry Cellars Manson Stop: 4 hours See details
• 4 Auclair Winery Stop: 4 hours See details
• 5 Brian Carter Cellars Stop: 4 hours See details
• 6 The Bunnell Family Cellar Stop: 4 hours See details
• 7 Callan Cellars Stop: 4 hours See details
• 8 Cascade Cliffs Vineyard and Winery - Woodinville Tasting Room Stop: 4 hours See details
• 9 Category 5 Cellars Stop: 4 hours See details
• 10 Cave B Estate Winery-Woodinville tasting room Stop: 4 hours See details

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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INSPIRATION TO BOOK A DREAM GETAWAY

• Tours & Tastings

The Ultimate Woodinville Wine Country Weekend Getaway

• Oct 11, 2019
• By Rebekah Stoltz Weeman

Woodinville, Washington makes a perfect day trip and even better weekend getaway. Only 30 miles from Seattle, this wine-loving town is not to be missed.

It’s not every day that I can drive just 30 miles outside of a major metropolitan area and discover a colorful outlier town, filled with wineries, restaurants, breweries, outdoor activities and comfortable paces to spend the night (or two). Woodinville is unlike any town I’ve ever visited. It’s almost like all the cool people from Seattle decided to set up a new revival camp and we are all invited! In this beautiful River Valley, the small town vibe welcomes wanderers of all type to bask in her radiant glow.

The town sparkles and so do the people. Beaming with smiles, every human (and furry animal) I met seemed to be waiting for me and made me feel right at home. After a pleasant Uber ride from Seattle, I stopped in at the Woodinville Visitor’s Center t o get my bearings (and a map). The volunteer staff was helpful and very patient with all of my questions.

It was right after I studied the map of Woodinville Wineries that I knew my day trip was about to morph into a glorious and spontaneous weekend getaway! Although I didn’t have enough cute outfits or a swimsuit, I figured I could buy anything I needed at the various shops sprinkled all over town. After all, some of the best experiences I’ve had in life have been unplanned. Woodinville was calling me and I intended to listen!

First things first, I needed to find a comfortable, centrally located and affordable place to stay. Being somewhat eager to find a place to drop my daypack and set up shop, I decided to make my choice from a list of 30 or so hotels and B&B’s) as quickly as possible. Here are the three places I considered. Lets see if you can guess which one I chose.

The Willows Lodge came highly recommended by the Woodinville Visitors Center . Located near the famous Chateau Ste. Michele and listed at the top of most lists, this comfortable spot is a local favorite. Adjacent to the sprawling grounds is a top-notch restaurant called the Barking Frog. Willows Lodge opened in 2000, when there were only about 8 wineries in the area. This mainstay to Woodinville has seen it all and knows exactly what their guests need. Rates range from $269 - $679 depending on the season.

Auberge de Seattle, French Country Inn is a slightly more affordable option in a luscious country setting. The lovely French Provençal décor instantly transports guests to the French countryside. With only four rooms to let out, you will be fortunate to secure one, any day of the week. Most attractive are the hands-on French cooking classes and French cuisine offered to guests of the Inn. Breakfast is to die for. Rates start at $219/night.

Matthew’s Winery Bed & Breakfast   is the perfect place to stay if you want easy access to wine tasting. Not many people know that you can rent a room at the winery and stay on site. A friend of a friend gave me the tip and I was quick to give them a call and check availability. Lady Luck was definitely on my side (they only have two rooms) and my new home for the weekend was at the hip and clean Matthews Winery . My room was light and airy with modern décor. The house is beautiful and sits atop a hill with stunning views of the area. The rooms come with a commercial grade kitchen and fully stocked refrigerator for breakfast in the morning. I loved this refuge from city life and will go back again and again. Rates may vary depending on the season and if you are wine club members or industry.

The wineries are organized into technically 4 districts, but the Downtown District only has food and no wine, so it does not exist in my mind. The three districts with wineries include the Hollywood , Warehouse , and West Valley districts. Most of the wineries can be found in the Hollywood and Warehouse districts, and some wineries even have outposts in both areas. You can get a handy map of the wineries at the Woodinville Visitor’s Center (which I highly recommend).

Per the Woodinville Visitors Center , The Woodinville Wine Express is offering transportation to and from Woodinville with pickup and drop-off stations including downtown Seattle and cruise ship piers 66 and 91. The shuttle runs from Friday through Sunday through Sept. 29.

The Cellar Hopper is the shuttle you’ll want to catch as your designated driver to experience tasting rooms and points of interest throughout the winery districts. This hop-on, hop-off service shuttle runs on a continuous loop with 20 locations and also will operate from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday through Sunday through Sept. 29 (as stated on the Woodinville Visitor Center Website). While you are there getting a winery map, be sure to ask for details!

First on my must-taste list was  Novelty Hill Januik Winery . I’ve been obsessed with Mike Januik’s beautiful wines for a very long time. At long last, my time had come to visit the mother ship. The contemporary design of the winery and tasting room are clean and precise…just like his wines. I’m in love with the award winning single vineyard  Januik Merlot . Yes, I said Merlot. It’s high time that we all started paying more attention to this powerful underdog. Merlot is beautiful. However, there is a lot to choose from at  Novelty Hill Januik Winery  and its all spectacular.

Having recently read an article in The Seattle Times by Andy Perdue, I was determined to go to DeLille Cellars and pick up a bottle of 2014 Harrison Hill. This fine bottle of wine was going to make the perfect gift for my friend who turns 50 next year. I hung out and had small bites in the Maison DeLille Wine Lounge. The space is fun and there is often live music to boot. Sip on some of the best boutique wines in Woodinville at DeLille Celars . Happy Hour daily!

On the recommendation of a friend, I decided to pop in at Patterson Cellars (Warehouse District). I definitely arrived on the right day, as there was great music with Brian James and the Great Unknown Band, and fantastic food from Russell's on the back patio. The wines are fabulous and complex. The crowd hanging out was hip, young and full of life. An added bonus was when Love That Red Winery, Warr-King Wines and Eye of the Needle Winery opened their back doors and gave us full access to wine! The Warehouse District rocks.

Eat and Be Merry . In such a bountiful area, it’s no surprise that there are great places to eat in Woodinville .

Having had a taste of what Russell’s has to offer at Patterson Cellars, I decided to check it out. I am so glad that I did! Serving the neighborhood and Woodinville wine visitors with breakfast, lunch and dinner; Russell’s has become the defacto late night hangout for winemakers and people in the wine industry. At the end of the day, you never know who you might find at Russell’s Restaurant & Loft , just socializing or sharing a glass of wine.

The Commons is my favorite spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch (they serve dinner too). I love the French toast; it’s possibly the best I have ever had. As you walk in to the open space, you feel a sense of community. The Commons buzzes like a beehive and is a wonderful concept. I wish more towns in California had spaces like The Commons. Stop by and you will surely see what I’m talking about. Full bar. Casual. Open 7 days a week.  

I hear that Teatro Zinzanni Dinner Circus offers quite the entertainment in Woodinville. Located at the former home of Redhook Brewery, they have been open since November 2018. I was very fortunate to participate in the show in San Francisco. I had a great time with my family and we went back twice. The show is professional, hilarious and engaging. The food is more than you would expect for a dinner show. James Beard Award-winning Chef Jason Wilson knows how to delight the senses. Reservations required. 

For a longer list of food options, check out my blog Locals’ Top Restaurants in Woodinville

Woodinville Wine Country is a great place to go for the day, the weekend, or longer! I’m planning to return next month and check out the breweries, concerts, and the outdoor activities. Look for more on that soon.  

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5k Beer Run x Black Raven Brewing | 2024 Washington Brewery Running Series | Black Raven Brewing - Woodinville

Experience the thrill of the 5k Beer Run event at Black Raven Brewing as part of the 2024 Washington Brewery Running Series. Taking place on June 22 in Woodinville, the course starts and ends at Black Raven Brewing, located at 15902 Redmond - Woodinville Road Northeast, Woodinville, WA 98072. Participants can run, walk, or jog through scenic routes before enjoying a craft beer at the finish line. This untimed, fun-run welcomes all levels of fitness and ages. After crossing the finish line, attendees can savor a well-deserved pint of local craft beer. The event aims to promote an active lifestyle while giving back to the community, with a portion of proceeds supporting local organizations like Veterans of the Arts. Registration is limited, so secure your spot today for $35-$50. Remember to bring a valid ID, as only participants aged 21 and above can enjoy the beer. Rain or shine, this event promises a day of fitness, fun, and giving back. Cheers to beers at Black Raven Brewing on June 22!

Provided by Everette | Published Apr 30, 2024

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