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
Ledgestone Hotel is one of the newest hotels in Yakima. With its contemporary design, spacious two-room suites that feel more like an apartment than a hotel room, and lots of small luxuries including plush bedding, flat-screen televisions, and a fully equipped kitchen, this is the perfect home base for a tour of wine country.

Bring Home the Bounty
As you descend into Yakima Valley, watch for roadside produce stands where you can get Washington’s best seasonal produce including bushels of crunchy-sweet apples—plus local wines, delicacies, and more. Whether it’s a crisp Cameo or a tart Granny Smith, Washington apples add the finishing touch on everything from crunchy salads to smooth soups, savory meats to
classic desserts. Savor the flavors of Washington Wine Country at home with a cheese plate of fresh apple slices and sharp cheddar paired with Gilbert Cellars’ unoaked Chardonnay. And for the perfect end to any meal, try a slice of this buttery apple tart and a glass of Naches Heights Vineyard’s just-sweet-enough Riesling. Delicious.