13 Best Washington State Wineries to Visit

Learn about where to find the best Riesling, Syrah, Merlot, and more in Washington.

Washington State’s reputation as a source of high-quality wine has been growing for years.In just the past decade or so, Washington wine’s reputation has skyrocketed, and from everyday-priced reds and whites to bottles that will benefit from years in the cellar, this is very much a state on the rise.

Whether you’re a fan of inexpensive yet delicious Riesling or spicy, savory Syrah, Washington seems to excel. Producers from the state even shine when it comes to Merlot, which isn’t a grape that has had the easiest time gaining a foothold in the more rarefied world of fine wine in this country.

Alongside the growth of the state’s wine reputation, the options for serious wine tourists and casual visitors alike have expanded, too. The ten below all offer excellent hospitality and terrific wine. All you have to do is reserve a time (in some cases) and show up thirsty.

Charles Smith/K Vintners

Former rock band manager and current wine expert Charles Smith produces a range of labels, from luxury priced to everyday drinking (like Kung Fu Girl and Red Devil, both of which are now owned by Constellation, alongside three others). His multiple tasting rooms include an industrial chic space converted from an old Doctor Pepper bottling plant in the Georgetown area of Seattle, a former auto repair shop in downtown Walla Walla, and the K Vintners outpost near Walla Walla on a 19th century farmstead.

Cave B Estate

Cave B Estate has a lovely Woodinville tasting room, but to get the real experience —   the panoramic views off of a 900-foot cliff, as well as the Gorge natural amphitheater music venue — you have to make the considerable drive to Quincy, which is around two and a half hours away. Fortunately, it’s worth the trip, and if you’re there for a concert, wandering wine pourers and a pizza truck will keep you hydrated and happily full. Plus, if your group is six people or less, you don’t need a reservation.

Barnard Griffin

This is possibly the only winery you'll ever visit with an art-glass school attached. Rob Griffin's pioneering efforts in eastern Washington have resulted in some of the state's finest wine bargains — the entry level Cabernet Sauvignon is a steal — available for sampling at the winery's three tasting room locations across Richland, Vancouver, and Woodinville. Rob’s wife Deborah Barnard, a fused-glass artist, extends the learning experience with her db Studio and Gallery.

Chateau Ste. Michelle

The Washington titan is one of the world’s most reliable large producers, and has notable bottles to look for up and down the lineup. The hospitality center in Seattle's suburban Woodinville is ground zero for Washington wine tourism, with a slate of tour and tasting options, including Winemaker for a Day, a summer concert series, private cabanas, and more.

Col Solare

This joint venture between Chateau Ste. Michelle and Tuscany's iconic Marchesi Antinori is in a design magazine-worthy winery, dramatically situated in a sprawling Wild West landscape on a slope of Red Mountain. The winery’s flagship is an age-worthy Cab-based red, but their Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc should also not be missed.

Columbia Crest

Ste. Michelle's sister winery is well-known for fine bargains in Bordeaux-style reds and Chardonnays, but its Reserve tier wines, produced in the Petit Chai "winery within the winery" can be impressive too. The winery in Paterson, overlooking the Columbia River, offers self-guided tours daily, and free, guided tours on the weekend by reservation. Call ahead to reserve a wine and food pairing experience ($25). columbiacrest.com

DeLille Cellars

Among the state's most recognized wineries, this suburban Woodinville producer makes age-worthy Bordeaux- and Rhone-style wines under the DeLille label, single vineyard wines from Red Mountain under Grand Ciel, and Metier, which showcases the generosity of fruit from Columbia Valley. Their Woodinville tasting room offers a wide range of options — library tastings, blending sessions, tastings on the patio, and more — no matter how involved an experience you’re looking for.

Gramercy Cellars

Master sommelier Greg Harrington pursued his dream of leaving Manhattan behind to explore the vineyards of Walla Walla. He has developed a dedicated following along the way for his deft, balanced wines…though only 8,000 cases are produced annually! The cozy tasting room is a must-stop for lovers of world-class red wine — appointments are strongly recommended, and can be made from Tuesday through Saturday.

Hedges Family Estate

Hedges was a Red Mountain pioneer, and their dense, lush reds were a gateway through which many passionate Washington winelovers initially passed. Their Red Mountain vineyards are CCOF and Demeter certified, which places them among the upper echelon of environmentally responsible producers, and their wines are terrific evocations of what makes Red Mountain such a special place to grow grapes. Hedges also crafts Columbia Valley wines under the CMS label, including a Chardonnay, a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a red blend, none of which costs more than $20. Walk-ins are available as space allows, but your best bet is to make an appointment for the Benton City tasting room Wednesday through Sunday 11am to 5pm.

Hogue Cellars

One of the state's larger producers, and one of the few to retain Riesling—one of Washington wine's first hits—as a major calling card. Hogue produces very well-priced wines in three pricing tiers for the general market, but a fourth tier, the tiny production "Terroir" wines, are available only to club members and visitors to the tasting room in Prosser. hoguecellars.com

L'Ecole No. 41

One of Walla Walla's first wineries, this family-owned venture situated in a 1915 schoolhouse remains one of the state’s standard bearers. L'Ecole has had successes across its line, but is probably best known for Bordeaux-style reds and a standout Semillon, among others. The tasting room and winery in Lowden is a popular destination, as are their Walla Walla outpost, L’Ecole Heritage Wine Bar, and L’Ecole Woodinville. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended.

Mullan Road

Founded a little more than a decade ago by Dennis Cakebread, Mullan Road is focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and a Bordeaux-style red blend. Private tastings are by appointment only in their Walla Walla location, though a new tasting room is set to open this summer. Keep an eye on their website for more details.

DeLile Cellars

Among the state's most recognized wineries, this suburban Woodinville producer makes age-worthy Bordeaux- and Rhone-style wines under the DeLille label, single vineyard wines from Red Mountain under Grand Ciel, and Metier, which showcases the generosity of fruit from Columbia Valley. Their Woodinville tasting room offers a wide range of options — library tastings, blending sessions, tastings on the patio, and more — no matter how involved an experience you’re looking for.

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