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April in Wine Country = Fun

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April is a great time to visit wine country, with Spring in full swing and the vineyards coming to life with new growth. While wine tasting is certainly a highlight of any trip to wine country, there are plenty of other fun things to do in April besides sipping vino. Easter is April 9th, and Easter Brunch is always fun in wine country. Spring break is here, so bring the kids to wine country.

Many fun things to do in the month of April in wine country

Napa Valley ballooning and other fun stuff
Napa Valley ballooning and other fun stuff

Here are some ideas for a memorable trip to wine country in April:

  • Take a hot air balloon ride: There’s no better way to take in the stunning views of wine country than from above. A hot air balloon ride will give you a bird’s-eye view of the rolling hills and vineyards, and the peaceful ride is a perfect way to start your day.
  • Go on a bike tour: Rent a bike and explore the winding roads of wine country at your own pace. Many wineries offer bike-friendly routes, and you can stop along the way to take in the scenery and taste some of the local food. Wine Country Bike Tour
  • Attend a cooking class: Wine and food go hand-in-hand, and there’s no better way to learn how to pair them than with a cooking class. Many wineries offer cooking classes where you can learn from professional chefs and enjoy a delicious meal. Napa Valley Cooking – Sonoma Cooking
  • Take a hike: Wine country is filled with beautiful hiking trails, and April is the perfect time to explore them. With wildflowers blooming and the weather mild, you can take in the natural beauty of the region while getting some exercise. Wine Country Hiking
  • Visit a farmers’ market: Wine country is known for its fresh, local produce, and visiting a farmers’ market is a great way to taste the flavors of the region. You can stock up on ingredients for a picnic or a dinner back at your lodging.
  • Explore the arts: Wine country is home to many talented artists, and April is a great time to see their work. Visit galleries and studios to see paintings, sculptures, and other artwork that captures the beauty and spirit of wine country. Napa Valley Art and Wine Trail
  • Enjoy a wine country picnic in the vineyards
  • Attend a festival: Wine country is known for its lively festivals, and April is no exception. From the Napa Valley Arts Festival to the Sonoma International Film Festival, there’s always something happening in wine country.
  • Because of the amazing rainfall this winter, wildflowers should be in full bloom through the end of April. There should be many wildflowers growing on the borders of vineyards. Check the list of wine country hiking. Take a hike and view the wildflowers.
Fun April in wine country
Healdsburg Ridge Open Space – moderate hike

In conclusion, wine country offers a wealth of experiences beyond wine tasting, especially in the month of April. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures, culinary experiences, or cultural events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful region. So, plan your trip now and get ready for a memorable time!

Wildflowers in wine country April fun in wine country
Wildflowers in wine country – St. Helena Vineyard

13 Reasons to Visit a Working Winery

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Fermenting stainless steel tanks

Why Visit a Working Winery?

What do we mean by a working winery? A working winery is where all the winemaking actions take place. From bud break to harvest, to fermentation and aging; you can see it all at a working winery.

reasons to visit a winery
Take a vineyard walk

Walking in a winery’s vineyards can be a memorable experience that allows you to connect with the land, the wine, and the people who make it. It can deepen your appreciation for wine and enhance your understanding of where wine begins.

The winery will also have a tasting room where visitors can taste the wine and food-pairing options, and tour the wine cellar.

Today in wine country, especially Napa and Sonoma, many tasting rooms are only for tasting. You cannot see how wine is made, but only taste the wine. Moreover, these tasting rooms are generally in the towns and not on the outskirts, where one can experience the beauty of wine country. These tasting rooms are fun to visit but not as much fun as visiting a working winery.

Here are 13 reasons for you to visit a working winery.

  1. Enjoying the beauty and excitement of a winery
  2. Taking a tour is educational
  3. Walking the vineyards is emotional
  4. Tasting the wine is enjoyable
  5. Meeting the staff is fun – owners, winemakers, and hospitality hosts
  6. Seeing the barrel room
  7. Learning about the fermentation tanks
  8. Picnicking in the vineyards
  9. Exploring the wine caves
  10. Buying wine
  11. Buying wine merchandise – T shirts, hats, etc.
  12. Learning about wine and food pairing; booking a wine and pairing session
  13. Joining a wine club – only if you like the wine, it is a good deal, they have lots of events, and only have certain wine for wine club members

Wine Regions – Where to you want to go in wine country?

Check here to find all the wine regions we cover in California.
Then, check the wine trails and routes in a region. Decide where you want to go and enjoy.

Tracking Down Old Vine Zinfandel

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Gnarly old vine Zinfandel
Lovely Old Vine Zinfandel

Old Vine Zinfandel

For zealots of Zinfandel, there are plenty of vineyards and wineries in California where you can see old vine Zinfandel vines and taste old vine Zinfandel wines. Zinfandel vines in many areas of California date back to over 100 years ago. They are still thriving and producing complex wines.

Old Vine Zinfandel at Forchini
Old-Vine Zinfandel – Forchini in Dry Creek

How old is Old Vine Zinfandel?

There is no legal definition of Old Vine Zinfandel. We have many Zinfandel Vineyards that are over 100 years old. There is a standard agreement among Vintners of Zinfandel that any vines 50 years or older are considered Old Vine Zinfandel. If you see a wine label that states Old Vine Zinfandel, what does it mean? Look at both the back and front labels to see if it specifies the age of the vines. If not, you have no idea of the age of the vines that went into making the wine. Buyer Beware.

Read below to find out Janelle and Joe’s favorite old-vine Zinfandel wineries and vineyards.

In Sonoma wine country Dry Creek Valley

east bench dry creek vineyard of old vine zinfandel
East Bench Dry Creek Valley. These vineyards belong to Ray Teldeschi

Ridge Lytton Springs Vineyard

Lytton Springs vineyard old vine Zinfandel
Ridge Lytton Springs Old Vine Zinfandel

Ridge Lytton Springs makes several Zinfandel wines. Just outside their tasting room in the Dry Creek Valley is the Lytton Springs Vineyard. It was first planted in the late 1800s. The Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandels are known for their depth and complexity.

Pedroncelli

At Pedroncelli, the Mother Clone Zinfandel wine comes from vines replanted in the 1980’s from budwood for old-vine Zinfandel and from a small portion of the original over 100-year-old vines that are on the property. The Mother Clone Vineyard Zinfandel is excellent and sells for around $20 a bottle. Pedroncelli is a fun winery to visit. 

Joe at Pedroncelli's old vine Zinfandel vineyard
Joe in the 100 plus year-old Pedroncelli Zinfandel vineyard

Other Dry Creek Wineries and Old Vine Zinfandel

Amador County

Grandpere Vineyard

Original Grandpère Vineyard was planted in 1869. This Vineyard is home to some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in California, and its grapes are dry farmed. Terri Scott owns the Vineyard and, because of legal issues, the Vineyard is now named Vineyard 1869. Terri currently sells the grapes to three Amador wineries. These wineries are Scott Harvey (Terri’s ex-husband), Vino Noceto, and Andis Winery. Although the Vineyard is not open to the public, you can view the Vineyard from the roadside. The historic Vineyard 1869 is on Steiner Road behind the Rombauer winery. Asks the locals how to find the Vineyard.

Lodi

Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel
Old Vine Zinfandel vineyard in Lodi

Mohr-Fry Ranches

The Zinfandel vineyards at Mohr-Fry are some of the oldest Zinfandel grapes in California. The first planting of Zinfandel at Mohr-Fry dates back to 1901. The Zinfandel vines are head pruned. That means no trellis system. Mohr-Fry doesn’t make any Zinfandel but sells its fruit to many wineries in Lodi and elsewhere. Here is a link to view the winery producing wine from the Mohr Fry Ranch.

Jessie’s Grove Winery

Jessie’s Grove is a historic winery in Lodi that produces several old vine Zinfandel wines, including their Ancient Vine Zinfandel, which is sourced from over 130-year-old vines.

Harney Lane Winery

Harney Lane is a family-owned winery in Lodi that produces several old vine Zinfandel wines, including their Lizzy James Vineyard Zinfandel, which is sourced from over 100-year-old vines.

Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel

Russian River Valley Wine Country

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One of the most exciting wine country regions in the world is the Russian River Valley. The Russian River Valley is the land of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other cool-climate grape varieties. If you like these wines, you must visit the Russian River Valley. You will be in some of the most beautiful wine country in less than an hour’s drive from the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.

About the Russian River Valley AVA

Russian River Valley
View from the Westside of the Russian River Valley

Before we make suggestions for wineries to visit, let us talk about the region’s characteristics. Two bodies of water influence the climate of the region. First, the Pacific Ocean is just a few miles away from the Russian River Valley. The winds from the Pacific Ocean commonly pick up in the afternoons bringing a swift cool-down. The second body of water is the Russian River. The Russian River snakes its way from the north and turns west to empty into the Pacific Ocean. The soils in the region are a mix of sand and clay, which provide the vines with excellent drainage and promote the growth of healthy roots.

In the growing season, the Pacific Ocean and the river waters bring daily fog to the area. Morning fog means cold temperatures. However, by noon much of the fog burns off, and the vines enjoy the warm temperatures.

Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted grape varietals in the Russian River Valley and is known for producing wine with rich, buttery, and tropical fruit flavors. The wines are often fermented in oak barrels, which gives them a signature vanilla and spice flavor. Some of the best Chardonnays from the region are known for their balanced acidity, making them a perfect complement to seafood dishes.

Pinot Noir is another popular varietal in the Russian River Valley, and it is known for producing wine with delicate, nuanced flavors and aromas. The grapes thrive in the cool climate, producing wine with bright cherry and raspberry notes. The Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley are often described as elegant and complex, with a silky texture and soft tannins. These wines are perfect to pair with roasted meats and rich sauces.

what happens to grapes
Pinot Noir grapes to the fermenting tanks – From Russian River Valley

In addition to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the Russian River Valley also produces excellent Zinfandel, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. The region has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the 1800s when Italian immigrants first began planting grape vines. Today, the Russian River Valley is known for its sustainable winemaking practices and its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the region.

Wineries we like in the Russian River Valley

Merry Edwards Winery

Merry Edwards vineyard and winery
Merry Edwards

Merry Edwards is one of California’s great winemakers. She is famous for Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. In 2018, she sold the winery and retired from winemaking to enjoy the beauty of the Russian River Valley. The Merry Edwards winery is now in the hands of the famous French Champagne house, Louis Roederer.

The Merry Edward Pinot Noir wine along with other wineries nearby show beautiful black fruit, especially black cherry. The wines have soft tannins giving the Pinot Noir a beautiful mouthfeel.

The Merry Edwards tasting room near Sebastopol is currently open to visitors and curbside pickup. See more here.

Balletto Vineyards & Winery

The Balletto Family is an enjoyable story. At the ripe old age of 17, John Balletto began farming his parent’s vegetable farm. Later, when the Russian River Valley became a hotbed of Pinot Noir wine, John decided it was time to turn his vegetable farm into vineyards. Today blah sells most of the grapes to other wineries. However, he reserves a small amount, perhaps the best for the Balletto label.

Besides the Balletto Vineyards Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the winery has several other delicious offerings. We love the Pinot Gris, the Pinot Noir Rose, and the Sauvignon Blanc.

For a one-two tasting punch, you can visit both Merry Edwards and Balletto in one day. The wineries are very close. Check the map below to see the locations. Sebastopol has a terrific dining scene and some good choices for lodging. More about Balletto.

Lynmar Estate

Lynmar is also a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay winery. This a beautiful hidden winery nestled on Frei Road. Lynmar Estate is a step above in entertaining visitors and guests. Two full-time chefs and an extensive hospitality staff provide a luxury experience for wine lovers. Reservations are required for any of the tasting and dining options. Lynmar is a fantastic experience. More about Lynmar.

tasting room at Lynmar
The tasting room at Lynmar

Map of Wineries

Check out the wineries in the Green Valley AVA

The Green Valley AVA is a sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley. See the Green Valley Wine Trail

Paso Robles Big Three Wineries

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Big three wineries in Paso Robles
City Park in Downtown Paso Robles – Great wine country

Once a cowboy and cowgirl town, Paso Robles is now a wine country destination for wine lovers and tourists. More than 200 wineries and eleven Wine AVA’s await the traveler. In this article, we focus on what we call the Big Three Wineries in Paso Robles.

Paso Robles Big Three Wineries

If you love visiting the elegant and elaborate wineries of the Napa Valley, the Paso Robles Big Three wineries will certainly be equally as great as an experience in Napa Valley. The Big Three each produce fantastic wines and offer stupendous views and tastings. From downtown Paso Robles, head over 24th Street and go to Adelaida Road. See the map below. Pace yourself and plan your day. Do you want to picnic? Do you want to have food and wine pairings? Do you just want to taste?

Daou Vineyards & Winery

Daou wine
Joe and Janelle enjoying Daou vino
Daou patio
Daou food and wine pairing

Atop Daou Mountain sits the winery and tasting room. The views are spectacular. The outdoor seating is the ideal place to enjoy the amazing views of the Paso Robles wine country. There are a number of outdoor seating options, heat lamps and other amenities for the visitor.

There are two ways to experience Daou. At the time of this article, it was $40 per person to taste a flight of the Daou white and red wines. The tasting can take place at the tasting bar, indoor seating, or outdoors. Wherever you choose, it is luxury.

The second way to enjoy the Daou experience is with one of two wine and food pairings. Wines are presented with an artisan cheese and charcuterie plate. An educated staff member will guide visitors.

In the second wine and food experience, visitors choose from a menu of bites paired with Daou wines. Both of the tastings are popular and, if you choose to participate, it is best to reserve your time spot. Daou is very popular any time of the year. Check the Daou Website for complete visitor experiences.

Halter Ranch Vineyards

Halter Ranch Vineyards

Visitors have many choices for wine tasting fun at Halter Ranch Vineyards: taste wine, take a horseback ride tour, a jeep tour, a cave tour, or have wine and food pairings. If that is not enough, the winery is planning to have a train ride through the Halter Ranch vineyards.

The tasting room is spacious with huge windows that give visitors spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards. Visitors can also choose to sit outside to taste wine. It is also possible to order wine by the glass or bottle. Bring your friends and your picnic delights.

Halter has an Executive Chef who prepares a seasonal food and wine pairing menu, Wednesday through Sunday, from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. On Sundays, pizza is hot out of the outdoor pizza oven.

Justin Vineyards & Winery

Justin Vineyards & Winery has it all. The winery boasts a Michelin-rated restaurant and the Just Inn, a secluded place to lodge, deep in Paso Robles wine country. There are a few options for tasting and touring the winery. Check out the Justin Website for selecting and booking a wine tasting. The surrounding area has some of the best scenery in all of California wine country. One of the options for touring is an e-bike tour. It is a little pricey, but makes for a fantastic experience; something different to do in wine country.

Big Three Wineries Road Mad

Additional Paso Robles wine country essentials

Where to go in California Wine Country 2023

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Maybe Lodi wine country?

Where to go in California Wine Country in 2023

January is the time to plan your 2023 vacation to California wine country. So where should you go in wine country this year? We cover 14 different wine regions, and we are here to help with that decision. Here are things to consider when choosing your wine country region.

What’s your budget?

brecon tasting fee
Look for the smaller wine regions for a $10 tasting

You must figure transportation costs, restaurants, lodging, and wine tasting in your budget. Those are the main expenses, but also calculate expenses for buying some wine and shopping in the boutique stores.

The most expensive wine country is Napa Valley. Sonoma County, which includes the cities of Healdsburg and Sonoma, is next on the expensive scale. The Sierra Foothills, Livermore, and Lodi wine regions are at the low end of the scale.

Try a new wine region

Many wine lovers keep returning to the same wine region yearly. You are missing out on so many other wine experiences. In California, we have many fantastic wine regions. Why not try a different region this year? Don’t get in a rut and make Napa Valley your only wine adventure.

Daou Vineyards, Paso Robles

What wines do you like – Cab, Rhone, Chardonnay?

All the wine regions of California produce several varieties of wine. Yet, within those wine varieties, the climate and soil yield one or two types of grapes that yield outstanding wines.

In the Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the most popular wines. If you are a Zinfandel lover, visit Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley, Paso Robles, or Lodi. If you like Pinot Noir, the Anderson Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains, and Russian River Valley in Sonoma County are excellent choices. Rhone-style wines are found in Paso Robles and Livermore.

Do you like excellent cuisine and upscale lodging?

In Napa Valley, Yountville is tops. In Sonoma County, the towns of Healdsburg and Sonoma have it all. In Paso Robles, you’ll find many choices.

Do you like quaint and laidback?

sutter creek restaurants
The Gold Country town of Sutter Creek

Head to these small wine country towns: Geyserville and Glen Ellen in Sonoma, Boonville and Hopland in Anderson Valley. Sutter Creek in the Sierra Foothills.

Do you like other activities besides wine tasting?

Dig deeper

Fun Things to Do in Wine Country in January 2023

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fun in january in wine country

 

A spa in winter is ideal – in Calistoga

Some very fun Things to do in wine country in January

There are plenty of fun activities to do in January in wine country. Many tourists stay away from wine country in January, so all the better to travel to Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and more. There will be days of inclement weather, but then comes sunshine, clear air, and spectacular views. Even when the weather is not favorable, there are plenty of fun things to keep you happy and excited. Many lodging establishments offer lodging discounts during the off-season in wine country. Try calling your favorite hotel and ask about winter specials.

Covid, fires, and smoke have brought many changes to tasting and touring in wine country in the past couple of years. Traveling the off-season wine country is a big help to the travel industry.

Here are several suggestions for fun things to do in January in wine country.

bare vines and cover crops

Bare vines with cover crops just beginning to grow

Take a hike

Yes, it may be chilly, but hiking in wine country is invigorating. Work up an appetite and take in views most travelers do not see in wine country. Check our “Things to Do” in each of our wine regions and you will find some very nice hiking paths and trails. We like hiking the Napa Vine Trail from Yountville toward Napa. In Healdsburg, we love the Healdsburg Ridge Hike.

Winter is Spa Weather

Spa treatments can be found in any of the wine regions. Napa Valley and Sonoma are particularly known for their many spas. Calistoga in the Napa Valley has made the mud bath and hot springs an inviting activity.

Art Galleries in Healdsburg and Napa Valley

Each wine country town has an excellent collection of boutique shopping and art galleries. Around the Plaza in Healdsburg, the Sonoma Plaza, or Paso Robles City Park, you can shop all day long. Antiquing is also a good choice. The bonus in January is that there are fewer travelers and more time to browse and get great deals. If you want to combine wine tasting and art, follow the Art and Wine Lovers’ Trail in the Napa Valley.  

In Healdsburg, be sure to visit the Paul Mahder art gallery. Not only does the art gallery have spectacular works of art, one can taste wine in the gallery. See the Grapeseed Wine Fund.

Things to do in January in wine country

 

At the Paul Mahder Art Gallery – GrapeSeed provides wine tasting

Head to Mendocino

Mendocino is a very romantic town on the Pacific Coast, but getting there adds to the experience. The Anderson Valley is on the way to Mendocino. It is the land of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian white wine varieties. Highway 128 to the coast is breathtaking. The town of Boonville in the Anderson Valley is a delight. We love what we call the Big Three wineries. Pack a lunch and, even in cold weather, picnicking among the vineyards is rejuvenating.

taste wine in Anderson Valley

Head to romantic Mendocino, and on the way taste wine in the Anderson Valley

Events in January 2023

Because January is the quietest month in wine country, several wine regions schedule planned events. Here is a list:

Napa Valley Restaurant Week January 20 to January 29, 2023
Enjoy lunch and dinner with multi-course, prix-fixe menus. Lunch $20, dinner is $38 or $48. See details at Napa Valley Restaurant Week

Winter Wineland  January 14 and 15 in the Healdsburg Area – this can get crowded and hectic, but folks love this annual event. See details

Calistoga’s Winter in the Wineries Passport

This event runs from December 3, 2022 to February 5, 2023. Purchase passports and enjoy activities at 17 Calistoga wineries. See details at Winter in the Wineries Passport

 

January in wine country what to do

 

Lunch at Costeaux Bakery in Healdsburg – nothing like freshly baked bread

More on Wine Country

Washington Reds

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Washington red wines
Joe and Janelle in the Yakima Valley

Washington Reds and Wine Country

I recently received a sample of the 2019 Trothe Cabernet Sauvignon from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA in the state of Washington. As soon as I tasted the wine, I instantly recalled the times we’d spent exploring the wine regions of Washington State. The Columbia Valley is the main wine appellation in Washington. It is composed of many sub-appellations, including the Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, and Horse Heaven Hills. The Columbia Valley is spectacular in its beauty and as a wine-growing region. It is all about red wines and, in particular, Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes yield wines that are deep and robust in flavors. The wines burst with energy and vibrance. If you are a wine country lover, a trip to this area is well worth your time.

We’ve visited Washington State twice in the last ten years, traveling from our home in Northern California. We love all the AVA’s of Washington. They make compelling wines. Not only do wine grapes thrive in Washington, but so does other delicious produce. Most popular are apples, cherries and hops for brewing beer. On both trips I have concluded that the Columbia Valley is on a par with both the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. Plus, it is much less crowded and tasting fees are reasonable. The vibe and “wine speak” are less hectic, and the atmosphere is much more laid-back.

The main city in Washington wine country is Walla Walla. The city has several good lodging choices, and the downtown area is flush with wine tasting rooms. The Spring, Summer, and Fall are the best times of the year to visit. 

Washington State wine resources

More on the 2019 Trothe Cabernet Sauvignon

Trothe Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2019 Trothe Cabernet is a fully elegant wine with complex flavors that excite with every sip. The wine is full-bodied without being taxing. We paired the Trothe with braised beef ribs, and it was a perfect match. The wine has a velvety touch that meshes well with the reduction sauce on the ribs.

We have tasted many red wines from both Horse Heaven Hills and the Red Mountain wine regions. The Cabs are always deep and complex and a delight to drink. Many are expensive but worth the splurge for a special occasion. Once you taste them, you may never go back to Napa Cabs.

Wine, Food, and other Delights in Seattle

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wine, food, in Seattle
The joy of Lake Union

Seattle and the Olympic National Park

If you like wine, food and nature, you will enjoy the activities of our dazzling six-day excursion in the Pacific Northwest.  

Our Stay in Seattle

For our three-night stay in Seattle, we chose the Seattle Courtyard Marriott at Lake Union. The hotel is 20 minutes from the SeaTac Airport. Beautiful Lake Union is all about seafood, boating, and seaplanes. The paths near the lake are a paradise for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The views are spectacular. The Marriot Courtyard Union Lake is also walking distance to the Seattle Center, where the Space Needle is located. The Marriott is expensive by our standards, but the convenient location, along with their bar and restaurant, is a plus.  

Within walking distance of our hotel were three excellent restaurants, Duke’s Seafood, the White Swan Public House, and Daniel’s Broiler. Daniel’s Broiler is mainly a steakhouse and very pricey. We liked Duke’s the best for its views and seafood menu. All three restaurants provide beautiful lakeside seating.

Seattle Attractions

We have been to Seattle in the past, so we did not join tourists at the Space Needle, Pike’s Fish Market, or Pioneer Square. We decided to explore other options for wine and food.

Woodinville for Wine

Washington State wines are outstanding, especially the reds. Wine country is to the east of Seattle. The majority of the vineyards are in the Columbia Valley AVA and its sub-AVA’s. Traveling to the Columbia Valley is a long trek, but only 25 minutes from Seattle is the amazing wine town of Woodinville. It is home to 150 wineries. This is an astonishing number, considering no vineyards are in Woodinville. All the grapes are shipped from the Columbia Valley during the harvest period. 

Woodinville warehouse district
Woodinville Warehouse District

In the Warehouse District, wineries have tasting rooms and all the equipment to make wine. From tanks and barrels, to portable bottling lines, it is all done at the Warehouse. On the weekends, the Warehouse District becomes a madhouse. Visitors come from all over to enjoy the wines and party hard. I have to wonder how guests choose which wines to taste among 100 wineries!

Ballard Neighborhood

One of the most interesting areas of Seattle is the neighborhood of Ballard. The business area, Ballard Avenue, provides a variety of interesting shops. There are abundant places to drink beer or eat pizza. This street is a happening spot on Friday and Saturday nights. One Ballard Avenue shop peaked our interest, Steele Barber, an upscale men’s barbershop. It is where the cool men of Seattle come to be pampered and get the perfect haircut. I decided to give the place a try and was glad I did. 

Steele barber Seattle
Groomed at Steele Barber in Ballard

Tutti Bella Pizza

We had a great dinner at a fantastic pizza joint in the Wallingford neighborhood. It Is Tutti Bella, serving Neopolitan-style pizzas and other delicious appetizers. The pizza dough is fresh and cooked perfectly. We found the Bruschetta appetizer one of the best we have tasted. It is delicious and almost a meal by itself. If you like pizza, don’t miss Tutti Bella.  

Golden Beach Park

Need a beach outing? The Golden Beach Park sits on Puget Sound. The beach is perfect for relaxing in the sun, playing volleyball, and gazing at the Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound.

Along the Puget Sound - Golden Parks Beach
Along Puget Sound – Golden Beach Park

Chihuly Glass Museum

Chihuly glass museum
One of many exhibits at the Chihuly Glass Museum

At the Seattle Center, not to be missed is the Chihuly Glass Museum. The galleries, the Glasshouse and the Garden showcase the gorgeous glass creations of artist Dale Chihuly. The vibrant colors and intricate designs are a site to behold.

For sale Chihuly glass
Similar items are for sale in the Gift Shop

Olympic National Park 

We spent three days in Olympic National Park. We needed a couple of more days, because the park is vast and some of the main attractions are many miles apart. From Seattle, we headed to Olympia and then to Highway 101 via the city of Aberdeen. (Be aware that Highway 101 runs on the West, North and East sides of the Park). Highway 101 West took us to our first lodging spot, the Kalaloch Lodge.

Kalaloch Lodge

Kalaloch Lodge sits above the Pacific Ocean
Kalaloch Lodge sits above the Pacific Ocean

The Kalaloch Lodge sits on the bluffs of the Pacific Ocean. If you stay at the Kalaloch Lodge, ask for a room with a view of the beach and ocean.  The lodge also has cabins, perfect for families and all with terrific views of the ocean. Guests can find grocery needs at the convenience store on site. The Creekside Restaurant at the Kalaloch Lodge is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The grilled King Salmon – delicious!

Hoh Rainforest

From the lodge we took a long ride to the Hoh Rainforest. Can you believe 120 inches of rain per year?  This might be the most popular spot in the entire Olympic National Park. The Hall of Moss Trail is only .08 miles long and is a fantastic look at a rainforest. If you hike the nearby Hoh River trail, there are fewer people and amazing silence as you walk. You can walk a few miles or just 15 minutes out and back, whatever your preference is. It is quite an experience.  Warning: The Hoh Rainforest is one of the most popular spots in Olympic National Park. We waited 45 minutes to get admitted into the parking area.

Hall of Mosses our Seattle Trip
Hall of Mosses Trail
Lake Quinaut Lodge

After a two-night stay at the Kalaloch Lodge, we headed back on Hwy. 101 to The lodge at Lake Quinault. The lodge is spectacular with a fantastic view of the lake and the Olympic Mountains. There are several short hikes and a few that are longer from spots around the lake. The restaurant at the lodge is packed during the tourist seasons, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt visited the Lodge in 1937, and he was so inspired he created the Olympic National Park.

 

Lake Quinault Lodge on the lake
Lake Quinault Lodge

Before we left Seattle, we’d purchased a Styrofoam ice chest at Fred Meyer for $8. We stocked it with Washington wines and a few cheese wedges. There are various spots in Olympic National Park where you can find a table and enjoy a picnic lunch and a hike. Don’t forget to bring a wine opener!

We were surprised to find that the restaurants in the park do not feature more wines from Washington. Washington makes excellent wines every bit as good as, if not better than, Calilfornia wines.

Other excursions on Wine Country Getaways

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Yorkville Cellars – Heading to the Anderson Valley

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Yorkville Cellars Tasting Room – Highway 128

The new Yorkville Cellars

Our last visit to the Yorkville area had been in 2019. COVID struck and we missed going through this area the past two years. We were quite surprised to learn that one of our favorite hidden wineries has new owners. Yorkville Cellars began in the 1980’s and, apparently, the original owners decided it was time to live the retired life.

Not only did Yorkville Cellars get new owners, but also the tasting room has been completely refreshed. The structure has a new paint job, and the deck is newly decorated with comfortable seating. The tasting room is surrounded by Yorkville estate vineyards and stunning groves of Coastal Redwoods.

Also new in the tasting room are tasting fees. On our previous visit, there had been no fees. The tasting fee is now $20 a person, but the good news is that the fee is waived with a purchase of wine. We very much enjoyed the wines, so buying a few bottles worked for us. The entry level tasting fee includes two white wines and three red wines.

Yorkville Cellars was one of the first wineries in the area to go organic and sustainable. The new owners are intent on continuing this philosophy in their wine production. The wines are all excellent. Although the vineyards are estate, the winemaking is done in Redwood Valley at the Graziano facility. 

Organic and sustainably-farmed vineyards

Our wine tasting was low key and pleasant. The pace was slow and our host was friendly, informative, and mellow. It was a very enjoyable experience.  We enjoyed all the wines, and we purchased the two white wines, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. We also purchased our favorite red of the tasting, the High Roller-Red which is a blend of 53% Zinfandel, 31% Malbec & 16% Petite Sirah. The Zin is not estate, but comes from the Redwood Valley where Zinfandel grapes thrive.

Tasting wine surrounded by organic vineyards and Redwood trees

About ten minutes away to the west is the small town of Boonville, where the Anderson Valley begins. The Anderson Valley is Pinot Noir land, along with fantastic white Alsatian varieties. There are many wineries to visit in the Anderson Valley. But before you head off the Anderson Valley, there are two other wineries to consider in the Yorkville Highlands. We recommend Artevino/Maple Creek Winery and Meyers Family winery.

On our recent trip to this area we stayed in the town of Philo, lodging at The Madrones. We dined at the Wickson restaurant, which is adjacent to The Madrones. Happy travels!

The Madrones in Philo is 25 minutes from Yorkville Cellars

CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY REGIONS:

Carneros • Livermore • Lodi • Mendocino • Monterey • Napa Valley • Paso Robles • Santa Barbara County • Santa Cruz Mts. • Sierra Foothills • Russian River • Sonoma Valley

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