Exploring Woodinville’s Wine Country

Not every major city boasts its own wine country, but Seattle is fortunate to have Woodinville. Situated just a half hour from downtown, this charming town is abundant with wineries and tasting rooms. Unlike many wine regions worldwide, Woodinville is relatively compact, with most wineries located along a loop road. This makes it easy to bike or drive (with a responsible driver) between the vineyards. The Warehouse District, located just over two miles away, offers even more tasting rooms, many of which are within walking distance of each other.

Moreover, Woodinville serves as a gateway to Washington’s overall wine scene, which is now the second-largest wine producer in the U.S. With more than 100 wineries represented, it’s a wine destination you can enjoy every weekend. However, if you’re eager to experience all that Woodinville has to offer, the tasting costs can accumulate quickly, as most wineries do charge for tastings.

Fortunately, there is a solution for wine enthusiasts. The Passport to Woodinville program is an exceptional opportunity. It allows wine lovers to taste more while spending less. Most importantly, it allows you to spread your wine experiences over an entire year, which is essential unless you truly enjoy the consequences of overindulging.

Overview

The Passport to Woodinville is an annual program, meaning you purchase it early in the year and can utilize your passport until the year’s end. Typically, passports go on sale toward the end of the previous year or at the very beginning of the current year.

How It Works

Your passport entitles you to one complimentary tasting from each participating winery, with approximately 60 wineries involved. You can choose to taste all 60 in a single week (although this is highly discouraged) or spread them out over several weekends throughout the year. The choice is yours! Passport holders enjoy both complimentary tastings and exclusive selections from local wineries. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to purchase wines that are exclusively available at winery tasting rooms.

Remember to bring your Passport and a map with you. While the wineries are close together, some are farther apart than they initially appear. You’ll collect a stamp from each winery you visit. Once you receive a stamp, returns to that particular winery for another complimentary tasting are not permitted.

Cost

The cost of the passport may vary yearly; however, it has typically been around $75 in recent years. Occasionally, Costco offers deals, such as two passports for approximately $100. It’s advisable to check the website for current pricing and availability.

If discounts are available at Costco, you can purchase your Passports there or buy them online in advance. Act quickly, as Passports are limited in quantity and tend to sell out fast.

Participating Wineries

While the list of participating wineries may change each year, you can generally expect many of Woodinville’s most popular wineries to take part, along with several lesser-known options. Regular participants include notable names such as Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia, Covington Cellars, Efeste, J. Bookwalter Tasting Studio, and Patterson Cellars, among others.

Lodging Options

If you wish to extend your Woodinville experience into a weekend getaway, numerous nearby accommodations are available. The best and closest option is the Willows Lodge, conveniently located within walking distance of several wineries, although it comes with a high price tag. For more budget-friendly lodging, there are also various hotels and B&Bs in the vicinity.