Woodinville Wine Tasting Guide: Best Wineries in Woodinville
Woodinville, Washington is a small, emerging, wine region near Seattle. Woodinville is known for estate wineries, tasting rooms, and great restaurants.
This Woodinville wine tasting guide will explain the best wineries is Woodinville and tips for visiting.
Washington wines are beginning to get attention on the international stage, thanks to Woodinville wine country. Many of the Woodinville vineyards in the nearby Columbia valley which is a budding viticultural area.
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Best Wineries in Woodinville to Visit
The hardest part of Woodinville wine tasting is choosing which wineries to visit. Overall, there is a wide variety of tasting options.
Some are small tasting rooms, while others are large estates. To see the best wineries in Woodinville, plan to visit a variety of locations.
I have visited each of the below wineries multiple times and can assure you, they are amazing.
1. Delille Cellars
Delille has my favorite wine out of all the wineries in Woodinville. Their red blend, D2, is one of my favorite wines from anywhere in the world.
The brand-new tasting facility is modern, chic and extremely comfortable. Since this winery is popular, be sure to book reservations a couple weeks ahead of time.
2. Efeste
Efeste is known for amazing red wines, especially cabernet sauvignon. Their state-of-the-art wine making facility doubles as a tasting room. Enjoy a wine flight among their large barrels and wine makers.
While most of these wineries are in the Hollywood district of Woodinville, Efeste is actually in the nearby warehouse district.
My favorite wine from Efeste is Big Papa, which makes a great Father’s Day gift.
3. Columbia Winery
This winery is one of the largest in Woodinville. It can be found in many local grocery stores and restaurants. I have even seen Columbia served internationally.
Columbia Winery is a large estate with multiple banquet rooms and patios. Since the tasting area is large, this winery is great for groups and last-minute reservations. All the wines are amazing, but my favorite is the Viognier.
Columbia is one of my favorite Woodinville wineries, and I am even a wine club member.
4. Chateau Ste Michelle
Across the street from Columbia, find the gorgeous Chateau Ste Michelle property. This winery has the best grounds and facilities out of all the wineries in Woodinville. The large Chateau building and tasting room are picturesque and remind me of Tuscany.
In addition to great wines, Chateau Ste Michelle hosts fun events such as concerts and wine blending classes.
5. Matthews Winery
Matthew’s winery is a unique contrast to the above options. A bit out of town, this winery has a large property and farmhouse feel. Most of the tasting space at Matthews is outdoors, which cannot be beat in the summer.
If the weather is good, plant to get a bottle of Rose and enjoy their relaxing patio.
6. Fidelitas
Fidelitas is a small tasting room in the center of Woodinville. The smaller facility makes for an intimate experience and one-on-one attention from the staff.
Since this winery is in town, it is great to start or end your day next to the great restaurant options.
Other Alcohol Tastings in Woodinville
In addition to the amazing Woodinville wine tasting, I recommend enjoying another beverage tasting as well. While I can drink wine all day, it can be fun to mix it up with a whiskey, beer or cider tasting.
Woodinville Whiskey
Calling all whiskey lovers! Woodinville Whiskey is a craft-whiskey distillery in Woodinville. They create a variety of Whiskeys onsite and offer tastings daily.
For a fun gift or souvenir, purchase on of their personalized Whiskey bottles with your name on it.
Metier Brewing
Metier Brewing is my favorite brewery in Washington. They are the first black-owner breweries in the state and continuously support the community. Additionally, they create fantastic, inventive beers.
When you visit, be sure to chat with the brewers and staff to learn about their amazing company and brewing process.
Locust Cider
I am a huge cider fan. Since Washington is known for apples, our ciders are exceptional as well. Locust cider offers tasting flights of various sizes.
Be sure to try the vanilla bean cider, it is my favorite.
Food for After Your Woodinville Wine Tasting
In addition to amazing Woodinville wine tasting, take advantage of the amazing restaurants as well. The below restaurants are casual but delicious.
They are the perfect way to round out a day of visiting the best wineries in Woodinville.
Vivi Pizzeria
Vivi serves up delicious Italian food, including their famous wood-fired pizza. Since Vivi Pizzeria is on open table, it is easy to create a reservation for your group.
My favorite dishes are the brie pizza, tanina pizza, and penne alla vodka.
The Commons
The Commons is a great restaurant that serves contemporary-American food. It is a great spot for weekend brunch or dinner.
Since the commons does not take reservations, put your name in then walk around Woodinville to kill some time.
Hollywood Tavern
Hollywood Tavern is my favorite restaurant in Woodinville. It has amazing ambiance, service, and delicious food.
My favorite dishes at Hollywood tavern are the fried pickles, the burger and the boozy milkshakes.
One Day Woodinville Wine Tasting Itinerary
- Get brunch at the Commons. I recommend the breakfast sandwich and mimosa flight. Since they do not take reservations, plan to walk around and kill some time.
- Visit Chateau Ste Michelle winery. Drive down the street to the beautiful Chateau Ste Michelle winery. Get in line for their complimentary tour and tasting. Enjoy the grounds and great wine.
- Head to Columbia winery. Cross the street to Columbia for another tasting and lunch. Since Columbia offers food, order a cheese plate or flatbread for a midday snack. Order a flight with your meal and relax.
- Shop “downtown” Woodinville. Between all the wineries are charming local shops to visit and take a break from drinking.
- Go to Delille tasting room. For the final winery of the day, visit the new DeLille tasting room and enjoy their award-winning wines.
- Dinner at Vivi Pizzeria. To wrap up a busy day, enjoy a pizza dinner at Vivi pizzeria then turn in for the night. I recommend the brie pizza for a cheesy, unique take on pizza.
Where to Stay Near Woodinville Washington
As mentioned above, Woodinville is located near Seattle. Since it only a one-hour drive, it is possible to commute from the city. To stay closer, opt to stay in nearby Bellevue.
If you plan to drink, be sure to book a local accommodation or arrange for a rideshare. A small afternoon of wine tasting can turn into a good buzz quickly. (I know from experience 😉)
The W Bellevue
If your trip entails a full tour of Washington state, staying in nearby Bellevue may be better suited. The W by Marriott is a luxury hotel in the center of Bellevue.
Bellevue is the luxury little sister to Seattle with amazing shopping and restaurants.
To get to Woodinville from Bellevue, drive or rideshare for a quick 20 minutes.
Summary of the best tasting rooms in woodinville
Overall, wine tasting in Woodinville is a great activity when visiting Washington. It is also a great day trip from Seattle.
When you visit Woodinville, be sure to reference my list of the best wineries in Woodinville to taste the absolute best wines.
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