Autumn is harvest season in Wine Country and beyond, making it the perfect season for a visit. Sample delicious varietals, enjoy comfortable temperatures, and experience special events during fall in Washington Wine Country. You’re sure to leave eager to return year after year.
Fall in Washington Wine Country
Walla Walla Valley
This established wine destination is known for its small-town charm and bold, robust flavors. The area is home to 3,000 acres of grapes and 130+ wineries, so you’ll have plenty of options when touring here. Walla Walla Vintners, Pepper Bridge Winery, and L’Ecole No 41 are just some of the fantastic wineries you can discover. In walkable downtown Walla Walla, you’ll find 45+ tasting rooms to choose from as well as inviting boutiques.
And nothing pairs better with a wine country visit than a farmstead stay. Plan your getaway around a weekend at Abeja Inn and Winery where guests can sample wines among 38 acres of vineyards and gardens.
In early November, check out Fall Release Weekend — the perfect excuse to make a trip to Wine Country. All weekend, wineries throughout the area host special events to debut new wines and let you talk with the winemakers themselves about their work. Sample fresh new batches and pick up your favorite bottles.
Dozens of individual events happen throughout the area, so you could always plan to hit a few in a day. Some wineries and events require reservations, so check out the details for your favorites as soon as you can.
Yakima Valley
Located west of Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities, the Yakima Valley is home to stunning vineyards, stellar craft beer, and multiple small towns to explore. Base yourself in Yakima for a fall escape in Washington Wine Country. Try Terra Blanca for upscale food and wine pairings, Treveri Cellars for sparkling varietals, or Freehand Cellars for panoramic views.
Looking for an event to plan your trip around? The annual Sip and Stroll in downtown Yakima happens every year in late October or early November. This event is for wine lovers, but also for those partial to beer and cider as well. Sip and Stroll brings together all the key players of the Yakima area craft beverage world, for locals and visitors to taste everything from brand-new wine releases to seasonal beers, all while getting to explore the local businesses playing host to the tastings.
Time your visit for early October to enjoy Catch the Crush. This two-day Yakima event celebrates all things wine and includes opportunities to stomp grapes, enjoy winemaker tours, attend harvest experiences, listen to live music, and sample fall flavors from food trucks and vendors.
Tri-Cities
Visitors can find 200-plus wineries within a 50-mile radius of this outdoorsy destination. Topping many lists are hot spots like Barnard Griffin Winery and Goose Ridge Estate. Hamilton Cellars, a unique solar-powered locale, offers plenty of events to check out year-round.
In mid-November, visitors to Tri-Cities can attend the Tri-Cities Wine Festival, a one-night-only annual event that brings together fellow wine lovers for an evening of bites, live entertainment, and plenty of delicious glasses of Washington wine. Base yourself at The Lodge at Columbia Point, which boasts a waterfront location for those who enjoy a scenic view or even a boat ride on the local waterways, plus lots of heated outdoor spaces to lounge and sip a glass of wine, and an emphasis on celebrating local vineyards.
Ultimately, fall is a fantastic time to explore Washington Wine Country and immerse yourself in wine culture, local charm, and endless grapes. There’s no wrong way to explore the region and all it has to offer — start exploring today.
Also See: 3-Day Tri-Cities Itinerary
East Columbia River Gorge
In the eastern Columbia River Gorge, take in the changing fall foliage along scenic Highway 14. You’ll find a handful of standout wineries offering tasting experiences. Don’t miss Maryhill in Goldendale for sweeping views of the Columbia River, Cor Cellars near Lyle for a design-forward tasting room, or Jacob Williams Winery for wines made by a third-generation winemaker. White Salmon and Bingen make an excellent base thanks to plenty of dining options. Stay at the Society Hotel and take advantage of their spa and bathhouse after exploring hikes and wineries on a crisp fall day.
Also See: Gorge to Coast Road Trip
About the Author
Annie Burdick is a Midwest-raised writer now based in the Pacific Northwest. She previously worked in book publishing before spending several years as a freelance writer and editor. Annie has also written five nonfiction books.