Located just 30 minutes outside of Seattle, Woodinville is one of Washington’s most popular wine destinations, particularly for visitors who are enjoying the sights of Seattle. Woodinville hosts tasting rooms to some of the state’s most famous wineries, such as Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Winery, but also has some unique upstarts. The city has fantastic lodging options if you want to stay the night. As we have previously explored, Walla Walla is quickly becoming Washington’s answer to Napa Valley. With plenty of room for growth in the surrounding hills in the southeastern corner of the state, the city has no signs of slowing down wine production, nor tourism. The city has a plethora of tasting rooms and chic restaurants lining downtown main street, but be sure to explore some of the city’s quirky and unique wine venues, such as the barracks-turn-wineries by the airport. Or, just find a quiet vineyard terrace south of town and enjoy a sampling of libations in the state’s sunniest region.

The Columbia River Gorge is what separates Washington state from Oregon for about 1,200 miles. It is home to Multnomah Falls (often said to be one of the most photographed spots in Oregon), but the Gorge itself is home to a very unique wine growing region. best cheese for wineHere, it is not about which state you’re in, but where in the gorge you are – the weather patterns change every few miles, which means a vast variety of different wine flavors. box of wine canadaOne of the most well-known wineries, Maryhill, also has the best view from a picturesque spot on the Washington side of the gorge. best wine to get in parisIf you’re starting your Washington wine tour from Portland, this geographic area is a can’t-miss.best red wine red meat

One area of Washington state that does a lot of the wine industry’s heavy living is the Yakima Valley, home to miles and miles of vineyards. If you’re needing a break from the wine, Yakima also has several brewing companies, as well a few lavender farms that impress. best wine novelsThe area also host an array of fun events coordinated among all the wineries in the area – these include everything from a red wine and chocolate weekend to live music nights.where to buy flip flop wine While Seattle normally tops traveler’s lists for coffee or beer, the city actually has a growing urban wine scene which now has 14 wineries. Having lived there, I’ve always said the best parts of Seattle are tucked away in the neighborhoods, and taking a tour of some of the city’s urban wineries is the perfect way to do that – venues stretch from south of town towards the airport, to West Seattle, to the north edge of the University District.

For more information about Washington wine, I encourage you to visit the official Washington Wine Commission website. Andy Hayes is a creative web producer based in sunny Portland, Oregon. He is also the founder of Plum Deluxe, a community of friends and family that enjoy life’s everyday luxuries.Charity at Total Wine & MoreSince we first opened our doors in 1991, Total Wine & More has been committed to supporting the communities in which we work and live. We strive to be a responsible corporate citizen and make a difference in each of the communities we serve.Four Seasons Hotel Seattle brings three tastemakers together for one night where the wine, food and people of Seattle come to life in this unique Seattle experience. On Friday, January 27, 2017, the culinary party takes place at Charles Smith Wines Jet City with hosts Charles Smith, Ethan Stowell and Joe Ritchie. Located in the Georgetown neighbourhood of Seattle, the two-story winery occupies the space that was formerly a Dr. Pepper bottling plant.

The evening begins with a tour lead by Charles Smith, walking through the rustic Northwest space, while enjoying a barrel tasting and an oyster shucking station. Then head upstairs to the expansive tasting room with views of the main runways of Boeing Field and the striking profile of Washington's Mount Rainier. There Chefs Ethan Stowell and Joe Ritchie will prepare a five-course Pacific Northwest dinner for guests, thoughtfully paired with magnum, reserve and library wines from Charles Smith. With an open kitchen, warm space and Seattle’s best food and wine visionaries as the evening’s hosts, it’s a culinary night to remember. Continue the festivities with a night at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. Reserve a "Taste of Place" special rate from Friday, January 27 to Sunday, January 29, 2017 by calling Reservations at 206 749 7000. Rates start at USD 249 per night for a Seattle View guest room. A self-taught winemaker, Charles Smith is a true artisan and a pioneer in the wine world.

In 2008, K Vintners was recognised by Wine & Spirits magazine as one of the “Best New Wineries of the Last Ten Years,” and as “Winery of the Year” in their annual buying guide. In 2009, Food & Wine awarded Charles “Winemaker of the Year” and in 2010 Seattle Magazine recognised Charles as their “Winemaker of the Year.” Ethan Stowell, whose 13 Seattle restaurants define what Pacific Northwest food is all about, was named one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs in America in 2008 and was nominated several times as “Best Chef Northwest” by the James Beard Foundation. Chef Joe Ritchie opened Goldfinch Tavern with much acclaim. Born and raised in Washington, Ritchie was a 2015 StarChefs Seattle Rising Star and named Seattle Met’s “Next Hot Chef.” The Best of Washington experience is part of Four Seasons Taste of Place offerings. Taste of Place is a global initiative that features a curated collection of immersive culinary and beverage experiences, available only through Four Seasons, that invites guests and local gourmands to take a look at diverse local culinary practices, traditions and experiences.