Washington Wine Tasting in the New Normal
As counties around Washington reopen for Phases 1.5, 2 and 3, several Red Mountain AVA Alliance member wineries are ready to welcome Red Mountain fans to taste in person with new social distancing policies, menu options and sanitation measures.
Tasting rooms on Bainbridge Island, Woodinville and in Walla Walla have reopened to reunite with wine lovers and share Red Mountain wines. Most tasting rooms prefer customers call ahead to check on capacity before travel.
Eagle Harbor Winery | Bainbridge Island
Eager to welcome customers back to enjoy big, bold red wines from Red Mountain, Eagle Harbor's number one priority is the safety and wellness of its customers and staff. Tables are set six feet apart with divider panels to ensure social distancing, staff will be wearing masks and the menu is available via QR code.
Winery tasting room open from 12-5pm every day (except Tues and Weds). Downtown Bainbridge Island Tasting Room open weekend 12-5:30pm. Eagle Harbor recommends calling ahead to check on capacity and for reservations. The winery also ships all over the country (in 33 states) and offers local delivery. eagleharbor.wine
Woodinville tasting rooms open for reservations and some for patio and indoor distanced tasting:
Fidelitas | Hosting groups of 5 or less; Staggering reservations to meet social distancing requirements; Open 11am-5pm daily by appointment only.
Ambassador | No more than 10 guests in the tasting room; Open Friday 1-5pm, Saturday and Sunday 12-5pm.
Mark Ryan | Open for glass bottle service daily from 12-5pm; Reservations required; Walla Walla tasting rooms also open.
Market Vineyards | Open Wednesday-Sunday 12-7pm, Monday-Tuesday 12-5pm.
Obelisco | Open daily 1-5pm; Limited capacity.
JM Cellars | Maltby (Snohomish) Family-owned winery JM Cellars recently opened up its contemporary winemaking facility and tasting room. Tasting room open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5pm; Reservations only. jmcellars.com
Côtes de Ciel | Walla Walla
Ciel du Cheval’s own winery, Cotes de Ciel is known for red wines that reflect the vineyard. From rich and dense Syrah to elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, the aroma, taste and feel of the place is expressed in every glass. Côtes de Ciel is excited to welcome wine lovers back to the tasting room. Fridays and Saturdays from 1-5pm or by appointment. Reservations recommended. cotesdeciel.com
Canvasback | Walla Walla Sip Canvasback wines in a safe, socially distanced outdoor setting. Juicy Cabernet Sauvignons and intriguing Washington Syrah are some staff favorites this summer. Tasting room open Monday-Thursday from 10am-4pm (by appointment only). Reservations preferred. canvasbackwine.com
For more information on the AVA and member tasting rooms around the state of Washington, visit redmountainava.com/tasting-rooms.
Photo Credit Clockwise L-R: Courtesy Eagle Harbor Facebook; Fidelitas Facebook; Upchurch Vineyard Facebook; Justin Oba