This fall, explore Washington vineyards and tasting rooms during a visit to Wine Country. Sample delicious varietals amidst autumnal colors, enjoy comfortable temperatures, and explore lots of special events. Get a taste of the region and its offerings — from Yakima Valley and Tri-Cities to Walla Walla. You’re sure to leave eager to return year after year.
Fall in Washington Wine Country
Walla Walla Valley
Named the best wine region by USA Today for the third year in a row, this southeast staple is known for small-town charm and bold, robust flavors. The area is home to nearly 3,000 acres of grapes and over 100 wineries, so you have no lack of options when touring here. Walla Walla Vintners, Pepper Bridge Winery, and L’Ecole No 41 are just some of the fantastic options. In quaint downtown Walla Walla, you can also make a stop at Grammercy Cellars for tasting flights of regional offerings.
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.
Related: Walla Walla City Guide
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, perhaps grabbing some cheese pairings at TruthTeller Winery, enjoying live Latin jazz at Gard Vintners, and sampling the best wine of the season at a few other locations along the way. Some wineries and events require reservations, so check out the details for your favorites as soon as you can.
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Yakima Valley
Located northwest of Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities, Yakima Valley rounds out Washington’s main Wine County region. The Yakima Valley attracts wine-lovers in droves, in large part because of its massive acreage, gorgeous scenery, and of course the delicious wines it produces. There are a few towns in this area, with Yakima being the largest and a great base for a fall escape. Try Terra Blanca for upscale food and wine pairings, Treveri Cellars for sparkling varietals, or Kiona Vineyards if you’re able to make your way to the Red Mountain AVA.
Looking for an event to plan your trip around? The Annual Sip and Stroll festival in downtown Yakima happens every year in 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.
For those who want to visit earlier in the fall, 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, have fun with the family, and pick up local eats to pair with brand new wine releases.
Those looking to stay where they sip have no shortage of options to choose from. For those who want to skip the driving and stay onsite at a vineyard, The Inn at Desert Wind is one highlight. Located near Prosser, this luxe resort offers desert décor and panoramic views, plus romantic wine tastings.
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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 November, visitors to Tri-Cities can attend the Three Rivers 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.
And no trip is complete without a classy night out. Check out the live music at Wine Social, a Richland destination bustling with great wine and great tunes. They offer events multiple nights a week, most often live music from jazz groups, singer-songwriters, and local bands. Listen in while you try one of their many wine options, plus a charcuterie pairing if you’re in the mood for a snack.
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.
About Annie Burdick
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.