Plan Your Next Wine Bar Tasting Adventure in Bellevue, Washington
On your next trip to the Pacific Northwest and Seattle-area, try something different and consider spending some time across Lake Washington in the city of Bellevue, Washington.
For travelers who may feel that the streets of Seattle are a bit too much, take a 20-minute drive east, and you might find that Bellevue is just the perfect spot. A clean, modern, mid-sized city surrounded by two lakes and with over 100 parks ranging from beachfront to forest allows Bellevue the unique opportunity to not only offer the amenities that come with a thriving downtown full of technology hubs and commerce, but also the tranquility attained when living close to and amongst nature.
Luckily for #Winetravelers, Bellevue also offers some trendy accommodations, shopping, restaurants, and wine bars that should be on your list of dining and entertainment destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
Winetraveler Tip: Plan a family-friendly trip to Bellevue during the wintertime to catch the nightly holiday parade on Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection! Each night at 7 PM from November 29th through December 24th, the streets of downtown Bellevue come alive with a magical winter parade complete with more than 200 live toy soldier drummers, falling snow, and glimmering lights. It’s a winter wonderland for children of all ages and adults, too!
The Best Wine Bars in Bellevue
Cépaé Tasting Room
258 106th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA
If building your own wine flight sounds intriguing, then you must visit the Cépaé Tasting Room where you can try some of the over 150 wines on site. Cépaé allows you to choose which wines you want to taste and build the flight of your dreams. From there, you can either have a glass or bottle while you dine on authentic French bites or take a bottle home with you from the retail shop. What is truly unique about Cépaé is that it is connected to the importer that has direct relationships with the producers of the wines available for purchase, allowing for unmatched access to these winemakers and brands in the Seattle-area.
Cépaé also offers wine classes and various events throughout the year, including viewing parties for important soccer matches that are showcased in the modern eatery. A French bakery café by day turns into a French wine bar by night, but don’t be shy about ordering a glass or flight at 7 AM. The bakery, L’Experience Paris, offers Parisienne specialties like tartines, truffles, cheeses, and Croque Monsieurs, that are perfect accompaniments to your wine experience. Stop by to try a taste of something exclusively available at Cépaé Tasting Room.
Browne Family Vineyards Tasting Room
10245 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98004
The Browne Family Vineyards Tasting Room in Bellevue, Washington is a beautifully designed space that offers an inviting and relaxed atmosphere for wine lovers to come and taste some of the finest wines in the region. As soon as you step inside, you’ll notice the warm and welcoming ambiance, which is created by the combination of the elegant decor, soft lighting, and comfortable seating.
One of the standout features of the tasting room is the impressive wine bar, which is made from reclaimed wood and steel. The bar is a focal point of the room, and it’s where guests can sample some of the winery’s most popular wines, including their signature Cabernet Sauvignon.
The tasting room also features a cozy lounge area with plush couches and armchairs, perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine and some good company. And if you’re looking to enjoy your wine with some delicious bites, the tasting room also offers a menu of small plates and charcuterie boards featuring local cheeses and cured meats.
Throughout the space, you’ll find beautiful artwork and photography, all of which pays homage to the winery’s Pacific Northwest roots. And if you’re looking to take some of the wine home with you, the tasting room also features a retail shop where you can purchase bottles of your favorite wines and other wine-related merchandise.
Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar
600 Bellevue Way NE Bellevue, Washington 98004
Located at the Westin in downtown Bellevue is the Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar, a cozy chic dining experience in the heart of town. When you stop in to visit Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar, you are embraced by a modern and comfortable atmosphere and a warm fireplace, which is the perfect spot for a glass of Washington wine. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, happy hour and dinner, making it a welcoming and versatile dining option.
Winetraveler Tip: Several of the hotels in downtown Bellevue, including the Westin and the W are connected by elevated walkways, making it easy to move around from building to building without crossing the street below! The hotels are also connected to nearby shopping and restaurants like the Bellevue Square Mall and the Lincoln South Food Hall.
Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi
10400 NE 4th Street, Suite 3100 Bellevue, WA 98004
It would be hard to find a backdrop more beautiful than the 31st floor panoramic views from Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi. On a clear day, you can see Mount Rainier from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the bar and the Seattle skyline from the dining room. Truly a stunning dining location, Ascend is the perfect spot to impress a date or colleague with a drink or fine dining experience.
The wine list offers options that may be harder to find at other restaurants but at competitive prices. In addition to wine, Ascend has an assortment of extremely creative cocktails with names like “1921,” “The Washingtonian,” and “Shiso Fire.” Come for happy hour and sit by the quiet bar and fireplace while you gaze out over the Northwest landscape of mountains, lakes, emerald trees and city skyline.
Black Bottle Bellevue – Gastro Tavern
919 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Black Bottle Bellevue – Gastro Tavern in Bellevue, Washington is a contemporary restaurant and bar that offers a unique and eclectic dining experience. As soon as you enter, you’ll notice the stylish and modern decor, with exposed brick walls, industrial lighting fixtures, and sleek furnishings.
One of the standout features of Black Bottle is their small plate menu, which is designed for sharing and encourages guests to try a variety of dishes. The menu features a mix of globally inspired dishes, such as Korean-style tacos, lamb meatballs with harissa yogurt, and crispy brussels sprouts with bacon and sherry vinegar.
In addition to the small plates, Black Bottle also offers a selection of entrees, including grilled steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes. And if you’re looking for something to accompany your meal, the restaurant has an impressive wine list, as well as a rotating selection of craft beers on tap.
One of the unique aspects of Black Bottle is their “Dare to Share” program, which encourages guests to be adventurous with their dining choices. Each day, the restaurant features a special dish that is not listed on the menu, and guests can order it blind, not knowing exactly what they will receive. It’s a fun and exciting way to try something new and experience the chef’s creativity.
The restaurant also has a spacious bar area, perfect for enjoying a craft cocktail or a glass of wine before or after your meal. The bar features a rotating selection of seasonal cocktails, as well as a variety of classic drinks with a modern twist.
Top Bellevue Hotels to Stay At
In the vibrant city of Bellevue, luxury and comfort blend seamlessly with the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. For travelers seeking opulence and top-notch hospitality, two upscale hotels stand out among the rest – The Bellevue Collection’s Hyatt Regency and the sophisticated Westin Bellevue. Both establishments offer an unparalleled experience, catering to the discerning tastes of visitors while providing a perfect base for exploring the city’s vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment scene.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bellevue’s Wine & Food Scene
Come and Visit
Bellevue is truly a city that has it all. From trendy and chic wine bars to fine dining, shopping, and plenty of outdoor space, it’s a great destination for Winetravelers and their families visiting the Pacific Northwest.
Featured image of the view from Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi courtesy Suzi Pratt.
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