In many respects, Woodinville wine tasting opportunities reflect the incredible growth of the Pacific Northwest’s wine industry. This otherwise suburban setting, about 20 miles northeast of Seattle, is home to multiple mini wine-tasting districts in different parts of town. Overall, Woodinville has more than 100 wineries and tasting room.
Dozens of Eastern Washington wineries have opened tasting rooms in the walkable Hollywood district, home to the granddaddy of Washington’s wine industry, Chateau Ste. Michelle, aka CSM. (The Hollywood district takes its name from the holly trees planted in the early 1900s on the estate that later became CSM).
In the aptly named Warehouse district, about 3 miles away, dozens of artisan producers are making wine with grapes shipped in from Eastern Washington. Most Warehouse district wineries offer on-site tastings on weekends only, or by appointment. However, a few have opened Hollywood district tasting rooms that are open throughout the week.
Beyond wine
A wide range of restaurants are located among and near the tasting rooms. These include an array of easy-to-get-to options in the Hollywood district. And a growing number of craft beer, cider and spirit producers are adding to the fun.
Also in the Hollywood district, the country-chic Willows Lodge offers an ideal wine-country escape. In nearby Bothell, the McMenamins group tranformed a shuttered middle school into a hotel and entertainment center. The McMenamins Anderson School grounds comprise a 72-room hotel, multiple bars and restaurants, a movie theater and an indoor swimming pool. After these two properties, lodging in the immediate area gets tricky. But the tasting rooms are pretty easy to reach from Kirkland, Bellevue and Seattle. (Be smart: Designate a driver or hire a ride service.) And a growing number of tour companies offer pickup and drop-off at Puget Sound–area hotels.
No, they don’t grow wine grapes in Woodinville. But the wineries have tapped into elements from the area’s agricultural past. This includes setting up shop in repurposed farm houses, cottages and other buildings, such as the historic Hollywood Schoolhouse (pictured above). By doing so, they are keeping the “country” in this truly unique wine country destination. Map it.
Photo: By Rob Bhatt.