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. Get a taste of the region and its offerings — from the Yakima Valley to Tri-Cities and Walla Walla. 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, 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 west of Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities, the Yakima Valley rounds out Washington’s main Wine County region. 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.
Also See: 3-Day Tri-Cities Itinerary
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.