Where would you go if you wanted to go wine tasting in Washington State? Do you head to Woodinville, a tasting hub 30 minutes outside of Seattle but nowhere near vineyards? Or do you drive four hours to Walla Walla, known for its high-end boutique production of Bordeaux and Rhone varieties? Why not head two hours south of Seattle to Yakima Valley, Washington’s oldest AVA. Located in the south-central part of Washington state, Yakima Valley offers the Winetraveler an unpretentious wine experience.

Yakima Valley is a pioneer of winemaking in Washington State. It was established in 1983 as Washington’s first AVA. Many of Washington’s top wineries started here and many source grapes from here because of their versatility. Yakima Valley is home to more than 120 wineries, ranging from boutique family-owned operations to larger estates. A large AVA, Yakima Valley is home to several sub-AVAs, including Red Mountain, Rattlesnake Hills, and Snipes Mountain.

The climate in Yakima Valley is semi-arid with a long growing season of warm days and cool nights. The diurnal temperature swings result in wines that balance ripe fruit with refreshing acidity. The Cascade Mountains to the west create a rain shadow effect, resulting in low annual rainfall. The soils are diverse, consisting mostly of well-drained sandy loam and volcanic ash, with ancient flood deposits from the Missoula floods.

Due to its varied microclimates and soil types, Yakima Valley boasts a wide range of grape varieties. In addition to Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Riesling, there is also Chardonnay, Grenache, Viognier, and more. Yakima Valley is part of Washington’s agricultural heartland so in addition to all the vineyards you will see, you will also see lots of fruit orchards.

Unlike more commercialized wine regions, Yakima Valley offers a more personal and relaxed tasting experience. Driving through the Yakima Valley, surrounded by stunning views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier in the distance, you will drive by apple orchards interspersed with vineyards. Many of the wineries are family-owned and operated and you will be greeted by the winemaker when you visit.

GETTING TO YAKIMA VALLEY

Yakima Valley is an approximately two-hour drive southeast of Seattle. Or fly into the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, Washington, an hour southeast of the city of Yakima.

WINE TASTING IN YAKIMA VALLEY

A visit to Yakima Valley can be explored by key subregions – Yakima, Zillah, Prosser, and Red Mountain, each with its own character and wine styles. Here are 10 wineries to visit between the city of Yakima to the north and Tri-Cities Airport in the south.

Gilbert Cellars

2620 Draper Road, Yakima, WA 98903

A small family-owned winery, Gilbert Cellars started in 2004 and is run by Gloria Gilbert, Charlie Gilbert, and Laura Schlect. Winemaker Dusty Jenkins grew up on a peach farm in Washington and takes a fun approach to his winemaking. In addition to traditional Rhone and Bordeaux varietal wines, he has expanded into varieties like Verdejo and Tempranillo and fun fermentations like skin contact Riesling and Pet Nat Chardonnay. And to top it off, the labels are colorful and playful.  

Located 20 minutes west of downtown Yakima, Gilbert Cellars offers a casual romantic setting with views of Ahtanum Ridge, the Sunrise Vineyard, apple orchards, cattail ponds, and French lavender.

Treveri Cellars

Images courtesy of Treveri Cellars & Allison Levine.

Treveri Cellars is a family-owned sparkling wine house run by father and son Juergen, Christian Grieb and their wives Julie and Katie. Since the day they opened their doors in November 2010, it has been their mission to put Washington sparkling wine on the map. Treveri Cellars produces an array of sparkling wines, from dry to sweet, made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Mueller-Thurgau, Gewurztraminer, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and more. Treveri Wines have been served at White House State Department receptions and the James Beard Foundation in New York.

Located 10 minutes south of Yakima in Wapato, Treveri sits on a hill with scenic views of Mt Adams and the Yakima Valley. Enjoy the sparkling wines indoors or outdoors paired with a range of seasonal dishes.

Fortuity Cellars

160 Lombard Loop Road, Wapato WA 98951

Images courtesy Fortuity Cellars & Allison Levine.

Fortuity Cellars was started in 2017 by Lee and Emily Fergestrom whose initial meeting was fortuitous. Both were living in Seattle, Lee worked in technology and Emily in communications and marketing. Lee went on a blind date and his date never showed up. Instead, Emily sat down next to him and the rest is history. At Fortuity Cellars, they do not own vineyards but work closely with grape growers to select fruit to produce bright, fruit-driven wines from varieties including Grenache Blanc, Cinsault, Malbec, Grenache, and more.  

Located in Wapato, the tasting room is inside the working winery, among the tanks and barrels.

Hyatt Vineyards

2020 Gilbert Rd, Zillah, WA 98953

Image courtesy Hyatt Vineyards & Allison Levine.

Hyatt Vineyards, one of the founding wineries of Yakima Valley, was established in 1983 by Leland and Lynda Hyatt. The winery grew rapidly and enjoyed peak popularity in the 1990s. In 2022, winemaker Caleb Foster joined the team to support a revitalization of the brand. After Leland Hyatt’s passing in 2023, the Hyatt family committed to preserving their legacy, with Foster aiding in the winery’s rebranding efforts.

While well-known for its Merlot and Riesling, Hyatt Vineyards also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Malbec, Black Muscat, and Saperavi, all sourced from its 80-acre estate vineyard.

Located in Zillah, 18 miles south of Yakima, Hyatt Vineyards sits atop the Eastern Cascade Range. The tasting room and winery provide expansive views of the estate vineyard, with the stunning Mt. Adams as a backdrop.

Dineen Vineyards

2980 Gilbert Road, Zillah, WA 98953

Images courtesy Dineen Vineyards.

Pat and Lanie Dineen started Dineen Vineyards in 2001 after purchasing a 12-acre apple orchard and replanting it with vines. A second 80-acre vineyard was purchased in 2002. All the vineyard blocks are named after members of the immediate Dineen family, connecting the family to the land. Farming sustainably, winemaker Samantha Mallery joined in 2023 and works with twelve different grapes, all Bordeaux and Rhone varieties.  

Located in Zillah, the Dineen tasting room and winery are situated alongside the vineyard offering far-reaching views of the valley, and Mount Adams and Mount Rainier in the distance.

Dichotomy Vineyards

1320 Independence Rd., Outlook, WA. 98938

Images courtesy Dichotomy Vineyards.

Dichotomy Vineyards is a collaboration between winemakers Rosie Signer and Jarred Jenner. Originally from Washington State, Rosie traveled to South Australia for a harvest season in 2010, where she met Jarred, a Barossa Valley native, in McLaren Vale. After several years living in Australia and starting a family, the couple decided to expand their winemaking journey by purchasing a property in Yakima Valley—sight unseen—in 2022. This unique property includes 10 acres of vines, planted with nine varietals in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as winemaking facilities and two houses. Relocating to the U.S., they produced their first vintage of Yakima wines that same year.

In addition to their Yakima Valley wines, Dichotomy Wines sources fruit from long-established relationships with Australian vineyards, allowing them to bring a selection of beloved Australian wines to the U.S.

Their estate property features a welcoming tasting room where visitors can enjoy both their Yakima and Australian wines. Alongside classic varietals like Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah, Dichotomy offers unique options, such as Chenin Blanc and Nebbiolo, adding an adventurous twist to the tasting experience.

Wautoma Springs

236 Port Ave, Suite C, Prosser, WA 99350

Wautoma Springs is a collaboration between grape grower Tom Merkle and winemaker Jessica Munnell, founded in 2008. Jessica crafts wines from Tom’s Wautoma Springs vineyard, a 50-acre site dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, Tom oversees several highly regarded vineyards on the Wahluke Slope in Columbia Valley, where Jessica sources Albariño, Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc.

Situated in Vintners Village in Prosser, the Wautoma Springs Tasting Room features a seasonal tapas menu designed to complement their wines, along with an enticing selection of gourmet items like tinned fish, fine cheeses, and artisanal chocolates—perfect for those seeking unique epicurean delights.

Martinez & Martinez

357 Port Avenue, Suite G, Prosser, WA 99350

Images courtesy of Martinez Cellars.

Sergio and Kristy Martinez started in 1981 with a small vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. In 2005, Sergio’s son Andrew and his wife Monica started to produce wine. Martinez Vineyard may be the first Hispanic-owned vineyard in Washington State and Martinez & Martinez Winery is only the second Hispanic-owned winery in the state. Martinez & Martinez Winery is dedicated to the production of high-quality wine from high-quality grapes, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon from the Horse Heaven Hills, as well as the Alder Ridge Vineyard located just a few miles from their estate location.

The Martinez & Martinez winery and tasting room located at the Winemakers Loft in Prosser offers character and ambiance with its décor honoring their Mexican heritage.

Tirriddis Sparking Wines

2140B Wine Country Rd., Prosser, WA 99350

Images courtesy Tirriddis.

The name Tirriddis comes from the words Tirage, Riddle, and Disgorge, the three steps to traditionally produce sparkling wines. Founded in 2021 by Andrew Gerow, Gabriel Crowell, and Matthew Doutney after graduating from Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology program, Tirriddis focuses exclusively on producing traditional method sparkling wines in Washington State. They purchase fruit from growers across Washington State and make traditional sparkling wines with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Riesling,  Albariño, Pinot Blanc, Orange Muscat, and Malbec.

The Tirriddis wines are fun, delicious, and easy to drink and can be tasted at the Tirriddis tasting lounge in Prosser where wine flights or bottles of wine can be enjoyed.

Purple Star Wines

313 E Columbia Drive, Suite 120, Kennewick, WA 99336

Images courtesy Purple Star Winery.

Amy and Kyle Johnson started Purple Star Winery, a family business, in 2008, with the philosophy that wine should be accessible, approachable, and affordable and should bring together family and friends. They source grapes from some of Washington State’s finest appellations including Wahluke Slope, Yakima Valley, and Red Mountain, and work with traditional varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, but also experiment with fun varieties like Picpoul. Purple Star Winery likes to “pay it forward” and donates 15% of Purple Star Wines’ proceeds to Seattle Children’s Hospital to benefit uncompensated care.

A 10-minute drive from the Tri-Cities airport, the Purple Star Wines tasting room is an urban wine bar in historic downtown Kennewick with patio seating overlooking the Columbia River.

WHERE TO EAT

The valley’s agricultural abundance has led to a thriving local food scene. Many wineries offer gourmet food pairings, and there are several excellent restaurants and artisan producers in the region. Wine tourists can enjoy pairing locally made wines with fresh, seasonal foods.

Breakfast

MAK Daddy Coffee Roasters

28 N 1st St, Yakima, WA, US, 98901

Grab a coffee at MAK Daddy Coffee Roasters, where coffee beans are sourced with care by local farmers of micro-lots and community lots in Central and South America, Papua New Guinea, and Africa.

The Mercantile

218 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA, US, 98902

Antique shop for vintage items while enjoying a coffee at The Mercantile, a plant, thrift, and coffee shop.

Essencia Artisan Bakery

4 N 3rd St, Yakima, WA 98901

Grab a sweet or savory treat at Essencia Artisan Bakery where fresh baked breads, pastries, and chocolates are made daily.

Café 11^th Avenue

1003 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA, US, 98902

For a filling breakfast before a day of wine tasting at Caffe’ 11th Avenue, a casual dining restaurant offering classic breakfast fare, including their hand-dipped French toast. Lunch and Dinner are also served.

Lunch and Dinner

Crafted

22 North 1st Street, Yakima, WA, US, 98901

Crafted, a farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Yakima, was opened in 2016 by 2x James Beard-nominated chef Dan Koommoo and his wife Mollie. Committed to foragers and farmers in the Pacific Northwest, the menu changes constantly in alignment with fresh, seasonal food gathered within a 100-mile radius of the restaurant.

Los Hernandez Tamales

6411 W Nob Hill Blvd, Yakima, WA, US, 98908

Los Hernandez Tamales is in a nondescript building on the side of the road, but inside is the Mexican-owned and operated and only James Beard award-winning restaurant in the Yakima Valley. Don’t miss their world-famous Asparagus and Pepperjack Cheese Tamales which are only available seasonally.

HopTown Wood-Fired Pizza

2560 Donald Wapato Rd, Wapato, WA, US, 98951

Images courtesy Allison Levine.

The authentic pizzas at HopTown are crafted with reverence to the old ways of communal cooking. Pizzas are creative and flavorful, celebrating fresh seasonal flavors.

E.Z. Tiger

222 East Chestnut Avenue, Yakima, WA 98901

E.Z. Tiger is a dim sum & noodle house that celebrates the flavors of the Pacific Rim. Wash the flavorful food down with a local wine or a craft cocktail.

Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Ice House Bar

202 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA, US, 98901

Cowiche Canyon Kitchen and the Ice House bar is an upscale American tavern serving American classics for the Pacific Northwest. The menu is prepared fresh every day using seasonal ingredients from local farmers.

WHERE TO STAY IN YAKIMA VALLEY

Yakima Valley offers a variety of accommodation options, including boutique hotels, bed-and-breakfasts in vineyard-adjacent locations, and vacation rentals and guesthouses at or near wineries. These experiences are more private and offer beautiful scenery. But they can be somewhat isolated with restaurants and markets more than 20 minutes away.

To be centrally located to restaurants, stay in a larger hotel in the towns of Yakima or Prosser. If you’re open to driving and exploring the region’s scenery, some great options are included below.

Hotel Maison Yakima, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Located in downtown Yakima, Hotel Maison combines historic charm with modern amenities in a beautifully restored 1911 building. Its central location allows easy access to local restaurants and tasting rooms, ideal for guests exploring Yakima’s vibrant culinary and wine scenes.

Ledgestone Hotel Yakima
As one of Yakima’s newer hotels, Ledgestone offers suites that are approximately 30% larger than typical hotel rooms, featuring separate living and bedroom areas as well as fully equipped kitchens. Located near the Yakima Convention Center, it provides a comfortable and spacious stay for both short and extended visits. Guests have access to amenities like free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and on-site laundry facilities, all within a contemporary design setting.

Cozy Rose Inn
Situated in Grandview, this luxury bed and breakfast offers private suites with a romantic, intimate setting perfect for couples or those looking to relax in the heart of Yakima Valley wine country. The Cozy Rose Inn is ideal for a quiet retreat with personalized service and charm.

Inn at Desert Wind Winery
Set on a scenic bluff in Prosser, the Inn at Desert Wind Winery provides a memorable stay within a working winery. Each room is designed with Santa Fe-inspired decor, including hardwood floors and a gas kiva fireplace. Guests enjoy easy access to the on-site tasting room and restaurant, offering a complete wine country experience.

Sagecliffe Resort & Spa
A bit further afield, Sagecliffe Resort & Spa overlooks the stunning Columbia River Gorge and offers a range of luxurious accommodations, including Cliffehouses with terraces and upscale Desert Yurts. The resort offers fine dining, spa services, and stunning views, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful, nature-focused getaway.