Discover Wine Tasting In Wenatchee, WA
Fun fact: Wenatchee produces 99% of Washington's wine grapes (yes, really — 99%!). In our humble opinion, that's more than enough reason to plan a getaway, but if you need more convincing, Wenatchee is also an outdoor lover's paradise, with a postcard-worthy location on the Columbia River and surrounded by mountains. There's truly no limit to the outdoor recreation you can enjoy here, from hiking and biking to fishing and boating. And if you just want to take in the scenery or enjoy local artisan shopping and markets, Wenatchee has plenty of that, too.
What Makes Wenatchee Such a Great Wine Tasting Destination?
Wenatchee, located smack-dab in the center of Washington state along the banks of the spectacular Columbia River, has a long, rich history rooted in agriculture. Originally dedicated almost entirely to apples, it turns out that the Wenatchee Valley's unique combination of abundant sunshine and water, plus its elevation and riverside location, create exceptionally fertile wine-growing conditions.
To take advantage of those optimal conditions, a massive 11 million acres in and around Wenatchee are devoted to growing wine grapes. In order to preserve and protect its small-town charm, though, Wenatchee has strict limits on the number of actual wineries and tasting rooms permitted within city limits, as well as neighboring towns Malaga and Rock Island: there are just 12. This is a clear-cut case of quality over quantity, however, as Wenatchee's wineries are renowned. Most are family-owned (and in many cases, third- and fourth-generation family-owned) and enjoy sweeping views of the upper Columbia River.
Wenatchee is easily accessible from just about anywhere. Just 2.5 hours from Seattle, a scenic drive over Snoqualmie Pass and Blewett Pass immerses you in this lush, gorgeous wine region. It's close enough for quick weekend getaways or even day trips, yet feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of the big city. For travellers coming in through Canada, Highway 97 connects at the Oroville-Osoyoos Border Crossing, allowing visitors to pass through from Osoyoos, BC to Oroville, WA, only 2.5 hours north of Wenatchee.
Best Wenatchee Wineries to Visit
1 Vineyard Way, Wenatchee, WA 98801
"Faire le Pont" is a French expression that translates literally to "bridging the gap" and refers specifically to taking extended long weekend holidays. This concept is at the very core of Château Faire le Pont, the result of a longtime dream of husband-and-wife owners Doug and Debé Brazil.
As put perfectly in its own words, the Wenatchee winery is truly "the perfect place to relax and enjoy life along with the finest wine Washington has to offer." Traveling to the winery, you'll first pass through a long entrance lined with picture-perfect vineyards. Once you arrive, order a glass of your favorite varietal or try them all. Tastings are just $10 for five wines of your choice and if you buy a bottle, the tasting fee is waived (if you've ever been wine-tasting in Napa, that price might shock you!).
Enjoy your wine in the main tasting room, on one of the large outdoor decks, or under the gazebo. A variety of wine tours are also offered daily, including some that include a picnic lunch, dinner for two at the award-winning Chateau Grill, or exploring the downstairs barrel room, where you might be lucky enough to sample private reserve barrels. Serious oenophiles may also wish to join the Wenatchee winery's exclusive wine club.
Finally, the unique "Adopt-a-Vine" program is reason enough to visit Château Faire le Pont. The year-round program allows wine enthusiasts to experience a hands-on approach to winemaking, learning every step of the process from pruning to bottling. Four sessions are included in the program, each with complimentary glasses of wine and appetizers.
4210 10th St. SE, East Wenatchee, WA 98802
This family-owned, boutique Wenatchee winery is known to have some of the best views in the entire valley. Head out to the patio and cozy up with a throw blanket, then enjoy your wine with panoramic views of the vineyards, Cascades and Columbia River.
The tasting room is open year-round and focuses on producing top-quality Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé, and both red and white blends. Throughout the summer and fall, there's also frequent live music and other special events such as Yoga + Wine.
Bianchi also offers its own versions of membership-based clubs, including its Wine Club and Vineyard Club. The Wine Club is customizable and offers exclusive access to limited-release wines, private invitation-only events, and special wine tastings, while the Vineyard Club allows you to become a lifetime "vine parent," becoming intimately involved in the winemaking process and receiving several exclusive discounts and event invitations.
110 N. Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee, WA 98801
Fourth-generation family farmers, the Mathisons have been growing exceptional fruit trees in the Wenatchee Valley since an ancestor homesteaded here in 1893. The vineyards are planted on steep northwest-facing slopes at an elevation of 1,600 feet, which takes full advantage of both sunshine and regular afternoon breezes, both important to the grapes' ripening. Vines are intentionally planted in a minimalist fashion to produce low-yield, one of the family's "secret ingredients" in producing their distinctly fruit-forward yet earthy wines.
Stemilt Creek specializes in red wines, medium to full-bodied. The Wenatchee winery is especially well-known for its Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cab Franc, but truly, there are no bad choices here. You'll want to try them all and thankfully, the downtown Wenatchee tasting room is open year-round, although with limited hours in the off-season. There's also a wine club, which is one of the most straightforward "no-fuss" memberships in the area. Simply sign up to receive two shipments per year (spring and fall) of six bottles each and also enjoy free wine tastings, invitations to exclusive events, and more.
Where to Stay: Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel
With so many incredible wineries to enjoy in the Wenatchee area, not to mention the endless outdoor activities, amazing restaurants, and cultural attractions, you're going to want to stick around Wenatchee for at least a little while. Located in the heart of downtown Wenatchee, the Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel makes the perfect jumping-off point, with convenient access to the Columbia River and many of the best wineries.
Book your stay today and enjoy a long list of amenities including:
- Pet-friendly rooms
- Indoor/outdoor pool and whirlpool
- 24-hour fitness center
- Free airport shuttle and courtesy area shuttle within seven miles of the hotel