Wine in Yakima Valley Washington
Living in the Seattle area has many perks, one of them is being just two hours away from a totally different climate and setting. The Yakima Valley is so close but feels like a totally different state! Visiting the Yakima wineries for wine tastings has become one of our favorite weekend getaways. The scenery is gorgeous, the weather is great, the wineries are so cute, the winemakers are knowledgeable and friendly, and the wine is amazing!
We especially love going in the winter and spring months for some much needed sunshine when the rain here is starting to get a little old!
The Yakima valley has a lot of wonderful wineries, but with so many to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. So we’ve done the hard work (of tasting all the wine) for you (you’re welcome!) and compiled a list of 6 amazing Yakima Wineries that you simply CANNOT miss. These are the Yakima wineries that we HAVE to visit every time. From beautifully landscaped venues to the truly remarkable wines; you will not be disappointed!
To make your trip planning even easier, we’ve included our recommendations on where to stay and where to eat when visiting the area.
Treveri Cellars
Known for their amazing selection of 100% sparkling wines.
71 Gangl Rd, Wapato, WA 98951
Treveri Sparkling Wine House is located in Parker Heights, Wapato, Washington, just off Interstate 82 Exit #40. Beautiful views of the lower valley and Mount Adams can be found from our premium tasting room. In the spring, summer, and fall, the grounds are expertly groomed, with patio and porch seating. Small bites and wine tasting are available in the tasting room, as well as signature sparkling wine cocktails and sparkling by the glass. Sparkling Winemaker Juergen Grieb owns Treveri Cellars. Juergen earned a degree in Winemaking and Sparkling Winemaking in Trier, Germany, before moving to the United States in 1983 to work for a German-owned winery on the Wahluke Slope. He most recently spent over 20 years working for a large wine producer before launching Treveri in 2010.
Tasting Fee: Complimentary (for groups of 10 or less)
Average bottle cost: $15-$20
Why we like it: Gorgeous setting for sipping sparkling wine and a great food menu to pair with the bubbly. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. We loved learning about the history of this family-owned winery. Sip on a refreshing sparkling wine cocktail (can we recommend the Trevijito??) as you take in all the gorgeous scenery.
Silver Lake Winery
1500 Vintage Rd. Zillah, WA 98953
Silver Lake Winery, founded in 1987, is Washington’s largest consumer-owned winery. They offer award-winning premium, super-premium, and ultra-premium wines that you can enjoy now or cellar for the future at Silver Lake.
Silver Lake is passionate about wine and the wine lifestyle. Visit one of our tasting rooms to get a taste of both. We have offices in Woodinville, Washington, and Zillah, Washington.
Tasting Fee: $5 for 5 wines (free w/ rattlesnake hills passport)
Average bottle cost: $16
Why we like it: Beautiful views and patio for sitting back and relaxing with a glass of wine. Be sure to try their award winning Riesling.
Hyatt Vineyards
2020 Gilbert Rd, Zillah, WA 98953
Leland and Lynda Hyatt founded Hyatt Vineyards in 1983. Hyatt Vineyards has grown from a modest Estate vineyard surrounding the Winery to 180 acres in four separate locations, all within three miles of the original plantings. Cherry Hill, Three Rocks, Roza Ridge, and the original Estate Vineyard all have significantly different soils, elevations, and exposures. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling, Black Muscat, and Zinfandel are among the varietals. Since the Winery’s first release in 1987, awards, medals, and very favorable press have consistently followed.
Tasting Fee: $5 for 6 wines (free w/ rattlesnake hills passport)
Average bottle cost: $10-$20
Why we like it: Great wine and a very well stocked tasting room with specials on cases of wine. The grounds are our favorite spot for a picnic lunch with plenty of space for a picnic blanket as well as several tables and a covered area. You can pick up a bottle of pre-chilled wine and enjoy it with your lunch as you look out at the beautiful views of vineyards with Mt. Adams in the background!
Bonair Winery
500 S Bonair Rd, Zillah, WA 98953
If you plan a trip to Washington wine country, you will notice that it is very different from wine country in California. The majority of Washington wineries are housed in industrial parks, strip malls, downtown storefronts, and decommissioned airports. Even if a winery is classified as estate, the tasting room may be located miles away from the vineyards. If you’re driving from Seattle to Red Mountain, Tri-Cities, or Walla Walla wineries, you’ll pass right by our winery on I-82, which is only 2 1/2 hours away. Come in and see us. To get to our tasting room, you must walk through our vineyards. The wines you drink are made from the grapes you see.
Tasting Fee: $5 for 5 wines (free w/rattlesnake hills passport)
Average bottle cost: $13-$24
Why we like it: Another scenic estate winery where “the grapes you see are the grapes you taste”. The owners Shirley & Gail have been growing the grapes and making the wine here since the 80’s and have so much knowledge and great stories to share as you sip.
Masset Winery
620 E Parker Heights Rd, Wapato, WA 98951
The Masset Winery Tasting Room is housed in an original structure from the historic Angel Farmstead, which was built in 1905. The rustic country French inspired area invites you to unwind and taste the wines, chat for a while, and have a good time. Thursday through Monday, there is no charge for tasting.
Masset winery is open for visitors from Valentine’s Day through Thanksgiving, and winemaker would be delighted to discuss the wines with you whenever he is available. Masset Winery is passionate about what they do and are always willing to take the time to talk about winemaking with their customers.
Tasting Fee: $5 for 5 wines (waived w/wine purchase)
Average bottle cost: $20-$30
Why we like it: This family run winery is known for their rich red wines. The winemaker is a chef, so the wines are made with food in mind– just as they should be. They also have some incredible ice wine and dessert wines that are perfect for sipping on after dinner. One of the highlights is Debbie (who usually runs the tasting room). She is so fun to chat with and makes wine tasting an even more pleasant experience (as if that was possible). She’s also the person behind the amazing pretzels they serve here. We have to buy a couple bags of these perfectly seasoned, homemade pretzels every time!
Tanjuli Winery
209 N Bonair Rd, Zillah, WA 98953
Many people assumed that after 35 years of winemaking, Washington wine pioneer Tom Campbell would be retiring. Not at all! Tom adores the grapes from the Yakima Valley’s Rattlesnake Hills, which he discovered in 1981 thanks to UC Davis classmate Stan Clarke. In 1982, Stan asked Tom to start the white wine production for Quail Run Winery in Zillah, and in 1984, Tom and his wife Hema moved to the Rattlesnake Hills of the Yakima Valley to start Horizon’s Edge Winery, which he sold to the Padgetts in 1999 to focus on other ventures in Woodinville and his home state of Montana.
Tasting Fee: $5 for 5 wines (waived w/ bottle purchase)
Average bottle cost: $18-$30 (receive 10% off with rattlesnake hill passport)
Why we like it: Unique varietals that aren’t easily found elsewhere for the wine connoisseur. The winemaker has been producing wine for over 35 years and is truly passionate about making unique and exceptional wines. Make sure you taste some of their delicious dessert wines while you’re here!
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn or Holiday Inn Express
Average cost per night: $100-$160
Why we liked it: Central location in downtown Yakima, walking distance to restaurants, coffee shops, parks, etc. Clean and comfortable with a large indoor swimming pool. Free breakfast included.
Where to Eat: Cowiche Canyon
Average cost per entree: $15-$30
Why we like it: EVERYTHING we had on the menu was absolutely delicious. It’s hard to come across a place that knows how to do so many things well: salads, burgers, steaks, ribs, chicken wings, fish, and even the kid’s meals. Weeks later, I am still daydreaming about their Hong Kong Chicken Chop salad (pictured below) and counting down days till I am back in town to order it! You won’t be disappointed with anything on their extensive menu. PLUS- service was outstanding and it’s a very family friendly place.
Yakima Valley Wineries
The Yakima Area, which is home to a pleasant and diverse mix of urban and rural wineries, should be your first stop on your Yakima Valley wine tasting excursion. Taste your way through the lovely Downtown Yakima tasting rooms, then travel up to the Naches Heights AVA to enjoy live music and scenic views of Cowiche Canyon.
As Yakima Valley viticulture has progressed and winemaking has flourished over the last three decades, many Yakima Valley wineries have sprung up to rapid acclaim. The Washington State wine industry is expanding, and it is essential to visit the Yakima Valley on a regular basis not only to taste your favorites, but also to see which new wines and wineries have joined the delightful Yakima Valley wine country. Yakima Valley Tourism has by far the most winery members of any trade association in the Yakima Valley and the fourth largest in Washington state, with over 50 member wineries.