8 Best Wine-Country Towns In Washington

Washington is a wine enjoyer’s paradise, with more than 1,000 wineries spread across 21 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and 8 distinct touring regions. From the volcanic soils of the Columbia River Gorge to the glacially carved shores of Lake Chelan, the state’s terroir nurtures everything from bold cabernet sauvignon and syrah to crisp riesling and chardonnay. These small towns, each with its own character, offer intimate gateways into the vineyards, landscapes, and culture of Washington wine country.

Langley

Langley, the Village by the Sea, is located on the southern end of Whidbey Island in the heart of Puget Sound. Though visitors can take the Deception Pass Bridge to reach the northern tip, most arrive via the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry. This maritime microclimate favors crisp whites from Comforts of Whidbey Winery, but also elegant pinot noirs from Spoiled Dog Winery. After tasting, stroll Seawall Park for views of Saratoga Passage and the Cascade Range to hopefully spot bald eagles, orcas, and even gray whales. Langley distills everything people come to expect of the Pacific Northwest.

Woodinville

With over 110 tasting rooms in and around the town sourcing varietals from across Washington, Woodinville is a playground for wine lovers. Chateau Ste. Michelle, tracing its roots to 1933, is the state’s oldest winery and remains popular for tours and summer concerts at its French chateau-style estate. Woodinville’s wine scene unfolds into four districts: the Hollywood District, alive with restaurants and tasting rooms; the Warehouse District, a no-frills look at production; the West Valley District, relaxed and spread out; and the Downtown District, compact and walkable with shops and cafés. Together, they deliver the full spectrum of Washington wine in one destination.

Chelan

Chelan blends recreation and viticulture at the southeast end of its namesake lake, 50.5 miles of pristine blue surrounded by more than 30 wineries. Glacial soil, higher elevation, and the moderating lake effect create warm summer nights and cool days ideal for Syrah, chardonnay, pinot gris, and merlot. Downtown, Vin Du Lac Winery welcomes visitors, while Siren Song Wines and Karma Vineyards line the south shore with sweeping views. After a day of wine, cap it with a film at the 1914 Ruby Theatre with its original horseshoe balcony, tin ceiling, and plaster proscenium arch.

White Salmon

Nestled in the Columbia Gorge AVA, White Salmon features eight downtown tasting rooms along with 10 wineries within 10 miles featuring grapes harnessing volcanic soil and diverse microclimates from gewürztraminer to pinot gris to Mourvèdre. Kiteboarding is world-class due to the strong, reliable winds blowing over the Columbia River, while Coyote Wall has trails to hike, run or mountain-bike. For those looking to stay put, the White Salmon Valley Community Library is available for Mount Hood views, art, and exhibits. End the day at Ridge of Wonders Tasting Room for handcrafted, small-batch wines in a cozy setting among gardens.

Zillah

Zillah, despite lying in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA, promises no snakes, only great wine split nearly 50:50 red and white. Riesling is the most planted grape, giving flavors and aromas of lime, lemon, and green apple from cooler sites, and stone fruit such as peaches from warmer ones. The Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail is centered on Zillah, with 11 mostly estate wineries basking in over 300 days of sun annually and views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier’s snowy peaks. Along the way, stop by the Teapot Dome Service Station, a historic roadside attraction.

Benton City

Benton City serves as the gateway to the Red Mountain AVA, with Airbnbs aplenty such as The Glass House, with unobstructed views of Red Mountain and the Horse Heaven Hills, and Laliik Iniit North, overlooking vineyards. This continental climate with desert-like conditions experiences little rainfall, reducing mold and mildew ideal for ripe reds like cabernet sauvignon, malbec, and cabernet franc. Kiona Vineyards and Winery, open year-round with a farm-to-table vista, remains home to the most esteemed Lemberger planting in the Western Hemisphere. For the astronomically inclined, the Uranus Orbit Marker represents where the planet would orbit given the REACH Museum in Richland constitutes the sun.

Walla Walla

Walla Walla is regarded as one of the nation’s finest wine regions. With over 130 wineries across 2,900 acres, even the airport hosts tasting rooms, including Dunham Cellars in a remodeled airplane hangar. From there, head to the Downtown Walla Walla Wine District, where Seven Hills Winery and Spring Valley Vineyard Tasting Room sit alongside boutique hotels, award-winning restaurants, and shopping. Beyond town, the Westside blends history and innovation at L’Ecole No 41, the Eastside climbs toward the Blue Mountains with estates like Abeja, while the Southside offers a country-wine escape at Amavi Cellars.

Pullman

Set among the wheat fields of the Palouse region of Eastern Washington, Pullman is more than the academic center of Washington wine. The drive into town is perhaps the best part, as the Palouse is a geographical anomaly featuring loess hills with jutting buttes networked by Native American trails, wagon roads, and railroads. Once in Pullman, Merry Cellars pours award-winning merlot, syrah, and Sangiovese. Washington State University (WSU) is a must-visit, where the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art houses more than 4,000 works, while the Palouse Discovery Science Center invites kids of all ages to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

Washington Towns Reveal Breadth of Wine-Country Regions

Whether you’re sipping syrah beneath Red Mountain’s arid sun, tasting riesling in Zillah’s Rattlesnake Hills, or strolling Chelan’s lakeside vineyards, Washington’s wine towns reveal the diversity and depth of the state’s terroir. Each destination blends wine with culture, history, and scenery, creating experiences as memorable as the vintages themselves. For travelers seeking both discovery and delight, these towns prove why Washington stands among North America’s most compelling wine destinations.