Yakima

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Wine Country of the Yakima Valley

A June 2001 trip to Yakima by datnurse

Washington Hills wineryMore Photos

A road trip from Seattle to the Tri City area of Washington and back again with so many stops along the way to "sample the fruit of the vine".

  • 6 reviews
  • 4 photos

Wine Country of the Yakima ValleyBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Any time of year, the experience of visiting the many wineries of the Yakima Valley and tasting the many varieties of outstanding wines, is an adventure. From the Horse Heaven Hills of Kiona to the foothills of the Cascades, vineyards and wineries dot the map and every few miles. Visit theis sun-drenched wine country for another view of that beautiful Washington state - "the Evergreen State" - and see how irrigation water projects, orchards and vineyards have turned the desert into a garden of Eden.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Several guided "wine tasting tours" are operated in this area but probably the best way to travel is by car, stopping whenever and wherever you like. Greyhound bus serves the area and though you can take Amtrak from Seattle to the area the train runs at night and you would miss most of the desert magic.

Hampton Inn RichlandBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "The Hampton Inn"

The Hampton Inn
Large, comfortable rooms and a breakfast bar that goes on and on that is included in the room price. Friendly, courteous staff. It is located on the magestic Columbia River so you can relax on one of the comfortable benches or chairs outside and watch the river activity - ski boats zipping by - sailboats that seem caught in time as they leisurely sail upriver - or the occasional large cruising boat full of vacationers viewing the river, from the river. A bike/walking trail passes behind the hotel making an early morning walk, to enjoy the sights and sounds of the river, an easy thing to enjoy and the nearby Columbia Point Golf course makes it easy to catch a quick game of golf before beginning your wine tasting tour!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by datnurse on August 27, 2001

Hampton Inn Richland
486 Bradley Blvd Richland, Washington 99352
(509) 943-4400

Washington Hills CellarsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Washington Hills winery
Since the late 1980's this winery has been making wines that have won awards in local, regional and even national competitions. Visit the tasting room between 9-5 daily, then enjoy a picnic on the beautifully grounds completed with the wine and cheese purchases in the girt shop. Very friendly, knowledgable staff are happy to assit you with your wine tasting experience. Enjoy the sun!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by datnurse on August 27, 2001

Washington Hills Cellars
111 East Lincoln Yakima, Washington

Barnard Griffin Winery and Gift ShopBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Barnard Griffin
In 1983 Rob Griffin and his wife Debra founded the Barnard Griffin winery. Their wines are dry table wines featuring barrel fermentation and oak aging. The friendly staff go out of their way to make your visit a pleasant one and are happy to lead you through the steps of wine making from 10AM to 6PM daily. I am no wine connoisseur, but I personally found their Merlot to be outstanding. This winery is just around the corner from the Bookwater winery, so it's easy to simply walk from one to the other on your own "wine tasting adventure".
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by datnurse on August 27, 2001

Barnard Griffin Winery and Gift Shop
878 Tulip Lane Yakima, Washington

Bookwater WineryBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This winery has been producing small quantities of distinctiove Northwest wine since 1983. Located in the heart of the Columbia Valley, it has a beautiful setting surrounded by acres and acres of vineyards. The tasting room and gift shop is open from 10AM to 5PM daily. Stop here and try the delicate Chenin Blanc or Johannesberg Reisling, then take home several bottles as gifts for your friends. They are happy to package your purchases for travel including "carry-on" luggage wine carriers.

This winery is within walking distance to the Barnard Griffin winery - another spot not to miss!

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by datnurse on August 27, 2001

Bookwater Winery
894 Tulip Lane Yakima, Washington

Chinook Wine FarmBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Bordered by vineyards on one side, an apple and cherry orchard on the other, Chinook Winery is a picturesque setting. The original farm buildings now house the barrel storage and winery and the tasting room is located in the original white farm house, giving a casual but distinctive atmosphere to your wine tasting experience. The owners, Kay and Clay, will delight you with not only their wealth of knowledge about wine, but their friendly, causal approach. So, pack a picnic and top it off with the lovely Chardonnay, Merlot or Cabernet from the gift shop and enjoy a long, lazy summers day in the shade at the Chinook Wine Farm.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by datnurse on August 27, 2001

Chinook Wine Farm
Witt kopt and Wine Country Road Yakima, Washington

About the Writer

datnurse
datnurse
Wever, Iowa

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