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Wine & Dine: Touring The Wineries
by Carrie Miner
Washington Winners
While California is still king of American wines, the Pacific Northwest has emerged as the second largest wine region in the country, with more than 350 wineries in Washington alone.
The state's first wine grapes were planted in 1825 at Fort Vancouver and by 1910 wine grapes were being grown throughout the state. Washington's first appellation in Yakima Valley only encompasses 11,000-acres of planted vines, but the wines coming out of this region rate among the finest.
The 80-mile-long valley is home to more than 40 wineries and was established as Washington's first federally recognized American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1983.
Our tour of Yakima Valley starts at the Yakima Air Terminal/McAllister Field [YKM] and a stop at Sagelands Vineyard, located at the western gateway to the Yakima Valley on Interstate 82.
The vineyard's tasting room affords panoramic views of the Yakima Valley, making it a perfect place to try the winery's distinctive Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blends created from vinifera grapes grown in the "Four Corners" -- Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills, Rattlesnake Hills and the Walla Walla Valley.
Just down the road, Windy Point Vineyards offers more stellar scenery and a nice selection of rich reds including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Ten miles south in Zillah, you'll find family-owned and operated wineries including Bonair Winery and Clarr Cellars.
Bonair Winery offers an award-winning selection of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling as well as meads and a cherry sipping wine. This little winery creates its fabulous blends from vinifera grapes grown on 40 acres in the Rattlesnake Hills district. A lovely pond adds to the visual feast and the winery's picnic tables make a perfect place to settle down for a leisurely lunch.
 Just down the way, Claar Cellars features award-winning premium wines including Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah - all of which are grown on the family's 80-acre estate.
Keeping with the country atmosphere, Hillcrest Farm Guest Cottages in Zillah offer rustic relaxation. The cozy cottages are romantic and secluded, allowing you to fully enjoy the quiet countryside.
And if you're tempted to sample more local wines without having to visit more wineries, a visit to the nearby Squeeze Inn Restaurant and Lounge will fit the bill. Before heading back, you may want to visit Silver Lake at Roza Hills where you can enjoy complimentary wine samples and sweeping views of the winery's Whiskey Canyon vineyard.
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