Wondering Where to Try the Best Wines from Washington State?
Washington is known for its wineries, vineyards, and wine culture.
The state has more than 1,000 wineries, 400 grape growers, and 20 distinct American Viticultural Areas, including Yakima Valley, Walla Walla Valley, and Lake Chelan. A trip to Washington's wine country is a worthy pilgrimage for any enthusiast.
Start your trip in Seattle Southside, the area surrounding SEA Airport, sampling Washington wines at local wineries and restaurants. Then, head east to explore the vineyards.
Below are just a few places near Seattle to try wines from Washington State, including both restaurants and tasting rooms. Be sure to check the individual business websites for seasonal updates on special winemaker dinners, tastings, and events.
Bacovino Winery
Discover one of Seattle Southside’s hidden gems at Bacovino, a boutique winery and tasting room in Tukwila, crafting award-winning wines from premium Washington-grown grapes. With its warm, contemporary atmosphere and approachable tasting experiences, Bacovino invites guests to sip bold reds, crisp whites, and seasonal releases while learning the stories behind each bottle. Whether you're a dedicated wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon, Bacovino offers a welcoming place to gather, unwind, and enjoy the flavors of Washington wine country close to home.
Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar
Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar, located inside Cedarbrook Lodge, a luxury resort in SeaTac, is known for its locally-sourced, seasonally-inspired Northwest cuisine, which you can pair with a great selection of Washington wine. Because the menu changes with the seasons, the wine list is frequently refreshed as well. The staff is highly knowledgeable about the best pairing for every dish, so don't be afraid to ask. If it's chilly out, warm up in the cozy dining area, which has a crackling fireplace and a refined yet rustic feel. When the sun is shining, enjoy a glass of wine on the patio and admire the verdant grounds surrounding the lodge.
Keep this luxurious resort in mind for vacations (or staycations!), special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, and private events or business meetings (learn more about meetings and events at the hotel).
Quarterdeck
Enjoy your wine with a side of sunshine at Quarterdeck, located right on Puget Sound at the Des Moines Marina. This laid-back, family-friendly spot has a large outdoor area where you can kick back and sip on local Washington wine while enjoying the fresh air and salty sea breezes. It's a great place to stop after visiting the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market, which operates on Saturdays throughout the summer, and even offers a mimosa flight. There's also a heated tent, making it a cozy place to hang out through the fall and winter. As a bonus, it regularly hosts events such as trivia, game nights, and live music from local bands. Check the business website and our Event Calendar for details.
Spencer's for Steak and Chops
Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops, located inside Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center, across from SEA Airport, offers a thoughtfully curated wine experience designed to complement every meal. From bold reds that pair perfectly with premium cuts of beef to elegant whites that enhance fresh Pacific Northwest seafood, the restaurant’s wine selection elevates every dining occasion. Combined with attentive service and a classic steakhouse atmosphere, Spencer’s is an ideal place to uncork something special and savor the moment. Of course, it's a convenient choice if you're staying at the hotel. But it's also a popular spot for locals and travelers who are on their way in and out of the airport or looking for an elevated dining experience on a long layover.
Oppegaard Meadery
Not all wine comes from grapes! Oppegaard Meadery crafts delicious wine from local honey. Not sure what kind of mead you might like? Get a tasting flight to sample several different flavors, then pick up some bottles to take home. The cozy, Nordic-inspired tasting room is located near Westfield Southcenter, so you can tack your visit onto a shopping trip. There are plenty of large tables and board games, plus kids are allowed, so it's a great, family-friendly place to spend an afternoon or evening.
Pairing Advice from an Expert
Not sure how to pair Washington wine with food? We asked David Bechtel, a local wine connoisseur and veteran of the beverage industry, for some quick recommendations for those new to pairing wine:
- Back to basics. You may already be familiar with matching your wine to the color of your meat - red wines for red meat, white wines for white meat, for example. This is a good guideline, but don't be afraid to play around a bit according to your tastes. David says, "Sometimes a soft, gentle red can be just what you need for a rich, hearty chicken dish. And sometimes an especially bold, spicy white can stand up to a protein like a porkchop, which you'd normally pair with a red. Don't feel like you're breaking a rule just by going outside these guidelines a little."
- Find neighbors. The vocabulary word of the day? Terroir (pronounced "ter-war"), a French word which refers to a wholistic look at the environment that wine grapes are grown in, including weather, soil, and more. If you are eating local produce or proteins, try finding a wine that is produced in the same area that your produce comes from. The produce and your wine will have the same terroir, and so will have some similar flavor qualities.
- Bigger isn't always better. A larger price tag doesn't always mean a better wine or a better fit for your meal. David points out that, "Finding the right wine for the occasion is far more important than finding the 'best' wine - best is subjective, and pairing is everything with wine."
- Don't be afraid of sweet stuff! Many beginners may think that sweet wines are only for dessert, but they're a great counterbalance to savory and spicy dishes, too. "If you're having, for example, a spicy curry, a sweet white wine will cut through that perfectly and be a great counterpoint to your dish."
- Never be afraid to ask for guidance. The number one faux pas by those new to wine, according to David? Being scared to ask for help finding the right match. "The person helping you at a bottle shop or restaurant you visit should be trained in their selection, and if they aren't, there's almost certainly someone on their staff that is," David says. Even the experts know that someone with daily knowledge with the wine they serve is going to have more applicable knowledge to their specific products, so don't worry about looking foolish. It's perfectly normal, even expected when a sommelier is available, to ask staff for their suggestions.
Washington Wine FAQs
Q: What wine is Washington state known for?
A: Out of 70 wine varietals, five make up over 80% of this region's production: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, and Syrah.
Q: Where is the best wine region in Washington State?
A: 99% of the grapes grown in Washington state for wine are from the Columbia Valley east of the Cascade mountain range.
Q: What are the wine regions in Washington state?
A: Washington state has 20 different AVAs (American Viticultural Area). 95% of all the vineyard acreage is found in Horse Heaven Hills, Lake Chelan, Naches Heights, Rattlesnake Hills, Red Mountain, Snipes Mountain, Wahluke Slope, Walla Walla Valley, and Yakima Valley.
Q: How many Washington wineries are there?
A: There are over 1,000 wineries, 400+ grape growers, and 60,000+ acres of wine grapes, which makes Washington State is the 2nd largest wine producing state in the United States of America.
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