Distance from downtown Seattle:
145 miles; 2 hours, 20 minutes

It’s summer, and that means that Yakima is overflowing with crisp whites, rich reds, and farm-fresh fruits and veggies—from apricots to zucchini. So buckle up, head east on I-90 to wine country, and reap the rewards of the season.

Taste the Love of the Land
Plan to arrive downtown in time for appetizers on a summer afternoon at the swanky, organic-modern tasting room of Gilbert Cellars. Taste the Gilbert family’s love of the land in a flight of their terroir-driven wines along with a few dishes from their summer tasting menu. The Gilberts, who have lived in the Yakima Valley for several generations, describe their winery like a journey in itself: “where home meets exploration, where our past meets our future, where our mountains meet our valley.”

Sip, Explore, and More
From Interstate 82 in Yakima, take Highway 12 West toward Naches and White Pass, exit left at Ackley Road and head towards The Tasting Room, Yakima, where you can taste over 25 Washington wines from winemaker-owned boutique wineries Naches Heights Vineyard, Wilridge Winery, and Harlequin Wine Cellars. With over 80 acres of vineyards, orchards and sageland bluffs to explore, you’ll want to spend an entire afternoon here— tasting wine, picnicking, viewing wildlife, relaxing  n the lawn, hiking, biking, and even rock climbing! (Just bring your own gear—and save the wine tasting for later.)

In the afternoon, gardeners and shoppers will love exploring the surprisingly pleasant downtown streets of Yakima. Wander the many charming home and garden boutiques chock full of local artwork, housewares, and wine country gifts, then grab an afternoon pick-me-up from one of several funky local coffee shops.

Savor Haute Cuisine and Warm Sun
Yakima’s longtime favorite Italian restaurant, Gasperetti’s serves up fresh, authentic Italian food with a Northwest flavor, alongside an extensive list of Washington wines. Make the most of this region’s great weather and enjoy your Italian meal on the patio, surrounded by overflowing flower pots. This is where the locals go to wine and dine. On any given night, you’re bound to run into at least a couple of local winemakers here.

Cozy Up in Comfort
The Holiday Inn Yakima is located in the heart of downtown amidst wineries, eateries and quaint shopping making it the perfect home base for your wine country adventure. Stroll down Yakima Avenue to discover all that downtown has to offer then retreat back to your hotel for a host of ammenities including an eco-friendly saline pool, fitness center and cocktail lounge.

Global Remedies in the Heart of Wine Country
Seattle's reknowned Ummelina International Day Spa opened its doors in downtown Yakima over five years ago offering wine country visitors a posh spa retreat with remedies from around the world. Ummelina has now expanded its spa to a second location just down the road in Zillah with it's Ummelina Open Sky Spa Retreat. Nestled in the upper desert hill top at Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast and Barn, this outdoor spa retreat encourages visitors to bring their wine and picnic and take in nature while enjoying the healing rituals of Ummelina Spa. With open air healing water baths and teepees housing massage sanctuaries, this spirit-refreshing concept offers a wine country retreat like no other. Visitors will return home with the memories of a unique journey to relish for years to come.