Four Ways to Crush a Visit to Washington Wine Country
With a variety of winemaking communities and experiences ranging from mom and pop-run tasting rooms to world-class wineries and production facilities, the magic of Washington wine country starts in the Tri-Cities region. Define your tasting style or dabble in it all with more than 200 wineries within a one-hour drive. Do we suggest visiting all 200? Of course, just not in one trip. Can you taste and and explore masked up and from a distance? You bet.
Grab your quaranteam. Here are four ways to crush your next wine tasting weekend:
Print or save this handy Wine Trail Map for a snapshot of wine tasting communities, including travel time from the Tri-Cities. When planning make sure to call ahead for current COVID safety protocols, hours and offerings.
Choose your adventure. Whether you have one day or five, chart the plan according to wine tasting goals. Spend the day at Winemakers Village in Prosser for maximum efficiency, it’s home to 12 different wineries. Those looking for the state’s most acclaimed vintages should head to Red Mountain AVA for award-winning and pioneering Washington winemakers, or check out the newest tasting spot, Winemakers Village in Kennewick, a growing hub welcoming a schedule of food trucks ideal for distanced dining.
Explore the scenic Red Mountain AVA by horseback with Red Mountain Trails. Take a guided horseback tour or add on a wine tasting experience. Wagon rides, bicycle tours and Sunset Dinner rides are also offered.
Sip and Dine. Opt for a wine tasting at the outdoor patio at Longship Cellars. Conveniently located right next door is the The Bradley, for delicious small plates, handcrafted cocktails, microbrews, and a list of more than 30 of the best wines from around the world, all while distancing on the outdoor patio.
The Tri-Cities region by car, is three hours from Seattle and Portland, two hours from Spokane, and one hour from Walla Walla and Yakima. Arrive by Amtrak train and then bike or rideshare from Pasco’s Intermodal Station to a hotel or restaurant of choice. Fly into the Tri-Cities Airport, with direct flights to and from 10 major hubs. Discover the details at visittri-cities.com @Tri-CitiesWashington on Facebook @Tri-CitiesWA on Instagram and Twitter.