Washington Wine Country's 5 Most Charming Destinations, According To Local Tourism Boards

Washington State boasts diverse landscapes filled with towering mountains, rolling plains, and breathtakingly beautiful beaches. With such diverse geography, one can also expect diverse wines. While you may not have heard of the state's exemplary grapes, they've quietly built a strong reputation, with Washington currently sitting as the second largest growing region in the U.S.

Popular varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, and over 17 million cases of wine are produced each year, which means that this burgeoning wine region has plenty of delectable varietals for wine connoisseurs. Most grapes are grown on the eastern side of Washington due to its high elevation and nearly 300 days of sun.

But you don't have to stick to one portion of the state to enjoy world-class tasting rooms in the Pacific Northwest. There are 21 American viticultural areas spread across the state, making it the perfect region for a wine and waterfall-filled road trip through Washington or a single bucket-list stop. Want to focus on the best of the best? Here are the top five wine country destinations in the Evergreen State, according to vetted tourism boards and local sources like the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance and Yakima Valley Tourism. 

If your goal is to try as many wines as possible, Walla Walla, a destination with one of America's most charming main streets, is the right spot, since it has the highest concentration of wineries in the state. The region is located in the southern part of Washington, just under four hours from Portland, Oregon. According to the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance, this pocket of Washington became an AVA in 1984, spanning both Washington and Oregon. Most vines grow Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot closely trailing as a third favorite.

Walla Walla is comprised of six districts, so be prepared to do a bit of driving, or enjoy a wine-themed bike tour or a private driving tour. If you'd rather wine-hop on foot, Walla Walla's charming downtown has over 40 tasting rooms to explore. Seven Hills Winery is one of the founding estates in the valley and sits in a historic winemaking facility, perfect for those curious to learn about the region's roots in winemaking. For a modern, innovative option, visitors can head to Dossier Wine Collective, recently founded in 2021.

Walla Walla is more than a wine destination; it also serves as a cultural hotspot for visitors of all ages. The Gesa Power House Theatre has a regular rotation of live performances, and history buffs should check out the Fort Walla Walla Museum. Shoppers can stick to boutiques in downtown Walla Walla's main street. When you're hungry, take a moment to enjoy dinner at establishments like The Mark Restaurant and TMACS, both offering New American food, well-balanced cocktails, and local wines.

Yakima Valley holds the title of the oldest wine-growing region in the Pacific Northwest, and the valley produces about 70% of the nation's hop crops, according to Visit Yakima. Even with all the acclaim that beer brings to the town, Yakima wines are still the main draw, popularized by their award-winning bottles and claim to a few of the first sustainable-certified vineyards. There are more than 90 wineries in the valley, with top varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Riesling.

Yakima Valley's wine country is spread across several towns, and its tourism board makes destinations easy to navigate with its craft beverage map. Wapato is home to Owen Roe, a popular decades-old winery that opened its first tasting room in 2014. For those who prefer bubbles, opt for Treveri Cellars, a beloved spot with a tasting room that features views of Mt. Adams. The region is well outfitted for helping visitors safely make their way to various wineries, and companies like Little Hopper Tours can arrange all the logistics as you enjoy views of the endless grape fields.

Yakima Valley is an active cultural area in addition to a wine destination. Its many towns offer regular programming, including Salsa Night, pop-up dinners, chocolate tastings, and craft nights. The Yakima Valley Museum has two floors full of local artifacts and a historic Art Deco soda fountain, perfect for taking families back in time. Nature lovers can enjoy time outdoors with over 300 miles of hiking trails and 109 lakes and ponds ready to be explored.

Woodinville is a wine country situated in a walkable suburb of Seattle and is by far the closest tasting room destination for those living in or visiting Seattle, just a half-hour drive from downtown. Wineries are divided between four districts: the Hollywood, Warehouse, West Valley, and downtown regions. Guests can dabble in each one, experiencing their unique characteristics. Otherwise, many stick with one area, such as downtown, for a concentrated, walkable experience.

The internationally known Chateau Ste. Michelle is situated in the Hollywood district, known as Washington's founding winery, according to Visit Woodinville, which now sits as the state's largest fine-wine producer. But there are deeper cuts worth visiting, such as Darby Winery, a spot that regularly receives positive reviews. A recent Reddit visitor shared that they "really enjoyed Darby, it's a small hole in the wall, but the staff was so pleasant, and the wines were pretty good, try their Aunt Lee Syrah."

A highlight of the region is its collection of digital wine passes, curated lists of discounted tasting rooms for wine lovers to visit. Each tour has a unique angle, such as featuring a specific district or a handful of women winemakers. Since Woodinville is so close to a major metropolitan area, it has more urban infrastructure than other destinations on this list and therefore offers more attractions than traditional A.V.A.s. The city's event calendar has various options, from hot air balloon rides to shows at the Woodinville Repertory Theatre, to choose from.

Lake Chelan is America's third-deepest lake, drawing people from across the country with over 50 miles of sparkling blue water nestled within the Cascade Mountains. It sits in Chelan County, a region home to over 40 wineries and tasting rooms, according to the Lake Chelan Wine Alliance.

You can visit different pockets of the Lake Chelan Wine Valley to find one that best suits your tastes. Downtown Chelan is perfect for walkability and family-friendly activities like mini-golf and bowling. For those visiting for lake views, the South Shore region is best. The North Shore caters to outdoor enthusiasts, with bike trails and scenic viewpoints paralleling its many tasting rooms. Those looking to escape from the beaten path prefer downtown Manson, a closely knit strip of tasting rooms and wineries meant to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace.

While Lake Chelan is located in the Columbia Valley AVA, it's unique in that it has a higher elevation, sitting at 1,120 feet above sea level. This high altitude is ideal for growing grapes like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, making it the perfect destination for wine connoisseurs looking for those varietals in the Pacific Northwest. Lake Chelan is also known for its apple production, which means visitors can also sample cider from several makers, tucked along the lake.

The Columbia Gorge wine region is unique in that it spans two states. The northern portion sits in South-Central Washington, while its southern side is in North-Central Oregon. The drive from downtown Portland can take as little as half an hour, while the commute from Seattle takes about three hours. The Columbia Gorge Recreational Alliance boasts endless options, like birdwatching, boating, shopping, and hiking in its boundaries.

The region's convenience is even more impressive when you consider its roaring waterfalls, unmatched valley views, and charming side detours like the famed Hood River Fruit Loop, a 35-mile scenic drive that boasts 14,500 acres of apples, cherries, and pears in high-growing season. However, wine steals the show, and the Columbia Gorge holds the perfect conditions for growing grapes like Pinot Gris, Syrah, Riesling, and Pinot Noir.

While the gorge is an easy day trip by car, you can also get around via tours, with outfitters like Martin's Gorge Tours available to customize your trip to the tasting rooms of your choice. Spending the night at a historic destination like Timberline Lodge (the same property from "The Shining") perches you on top of Mount Hood, the perfect place to enjoy views or ski along the mountain's slopes between leisurely days at the region's wineries. If you prefer to say Oregon-side, Lightwell Hotel & Spa features a long list of post-wine-tasting wellness amenities and a rooftop bar with picture-perfect views of Hood River. 

For the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, we fully reviewed various official tourism sources, including wine country, city, and state websites. State-level tourism resources like Washington State Tourism were thoroughly researched, as well as regional boards such as Visit Chelan County. Additionally, wine alliances provided specific information about vintners and local wine-related tourism.

These organizations allowed our team to verify who produced the most wine, and who had been planting in the regions the longest. We also reviewed the opinions, critiques, and suggestions of several reputable sommeliers and bloggers like WA Wine and In Good Taste for additional expert-led insights.

For a true sense of each Washington wine country region, we additionally read several online reviews from Google, TripAdvisor, and Reddit for both overall sentiment and specific recommendations. Wineries and local attractions that were most commonly praised were noted and included within this guide. Our team has also spent time in several regions on this list, adding personal experience that guided overall recommendations.