Fall brings harvest season to Washington Wine Country, when vineyards and wineries celebrate with new releases, crush events, and special tastings. From the Yakima Valley and the Tri-Cities to Walla Walla and Columbia River Gorge, autumn is an ideal time to sip local wines, enjoy cooler weather, and experience the winemaking process firsthand.
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 nearly 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 dozens of tasting rooms plus restaurants and inviting boutiques.
Turn your tasting trip into an overnight escape at The Inn at Abeja, a restored farmstead with guest cottages and suites, gardens, vineyards, winery tastings, and seasonal dining.
In early November, check out the 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 new vintages and pick up a few favorite bottles to take home.
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
Just east of the Cascade Mountains, 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 wines, or Freehand Cellars for panoramic views.
Looking for an event to plan your trip around? Yakima’s Sip & Stroll in late October or early November showcases wine, beer, cider, and spirits from local producers at downtown businesses. 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, when wineries throughout the Yakima Valley celebrate harvest with special tastings and events. Depending on the winery, you might stomp grapes, tour a vineyard, enjoy live music, sample seasonal menus, and more.
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. On nearby Red Mountain, Frichette Winery pairs bold reds with welcoming, educational tasting experiences.
In mid-November, visitors to Tri-Cities can attend the Tri-Cities Wine Festival, which brings together fellow wine lovers for an evening of bites, live entertainment, and glasses of Washington wine. Base yourself at The Lodge at Columbia Point to enjoy sipping local wines with a waterfront view.
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.
Ultimately, fall is a fantastic time to explore Washington Wine Country and immerse yourself in wine culture, local charm, and endless grapes.
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.