Covey Run Winery, Zillah

      Washington has the fastest growing wine region in the country; the effects of its geography, climate, and soil create a classic combination for growing premium grapes to produce wines achieving world class status. Wine lovers can sample the newest releases from twenty-two wineries in the Yakima Valley Appellation at their annual "Spring Barrel Tasting" in late April. As the fruit begins to ripen in mid-September, wineries throughout the state celebrate the harvest season with open houses and special events. In late September and early November the Columbia Valley Appellation in the Tri-Cities area hosts wine tastings, tours, grape stomps, and other fun activities. This is a good time to learn all about the wine making process.

H/M Gilbert homeplace, Yakima
      I-82 between Yakima and East Richland runs through the middle of the most prolific wine region in the state so its many wineries are easily accessible by driving along this route. Watch for signs along the road directing you to vineyards situated amidst the farm communities of Zillah, Granger, Sunnyside, Grandview, and Prosser. For a slower-paced tour take the Yakima Valley Hwy. (old US 12), which meanders through this scenic wine country. But, first explore the town of Yakima - it has many special attractions you won't want to miss. The rich volcanic soil of this prime agricultural region also produces some of the world's best fruits and vegetables. Be sure to stop by local produce stands and farmer's markets while traveling around the Valley. Plan a side trip to Toppenish, the heart of the Yakima Indian Nation and home to both the American Hop Museum (75% of the nation's hops are grown in this region) and the Yakima's Cultural Center.
      Once in the Tri-Cities area cross the Columbia River via I-182/US 12 to Pasco. A few premium wineries are located north on US 395 and along the Snake River; stop at the Ice Harbor Lock and Dam - its Visitor's Center has historic exhibits and a fish-ladder viewing room. From here travelers can continue on US 12 to discover the special qualities of the wines produced in the Walla Walla Valley, and to visit the historic town of Walla Walla. Or, take US 395 south through Kennewick to I-82 and follow this highway to SR 14. The McNary Dam Fish Ladder is just to the east on the Columbia. In the fall watch the returning salmon making their way back to their ancient spawning grounds.

Columbia River

      Travel west on SR 14 along the Washington side of the Columbia River. This is a two-lane country road that follows the contour of the land through open country and past towering basalt outcroppings; the first 80 miles offer no roadside amenities so be sure to gas up in advance. Along the route you'll find wineries that feature distinctive varietals and picturesque surroundings, and any number of hatcheries and dam fishways for viewing the fall salmon runs. Take a side trip into Goldendale to visit the nation's largest public telescope, and don't miss the Maryhill Art Museum, perched high above the river. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, which offers some of the country's most impressive scenery, cuts through the Cascade Range and extends from Wishram to Washougal. Along the way visit the scenic river towns of White Salmon, Stevenson, and Skamania. Be sure to stop at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center in Stevenson. It's a brand new facility that houses extensive collections of Indian artifacts and pioneer relics as well as exhibits about the natural history of the area and transportation on the Columbia.

Bonneville Dam, Columbia River

      Before heading into Vancouver and to I-5, take the time to climb Beacon Rock; at 848' it is the second highest monolith in the world, and offers a spectacular view of the river and gorge. For more information on our wine regions and their annual celebrations refer to the section on Washington's Wineries located in Distinctly Washington.