Distance from downtown Seattle:
190 miles; 3 hours

Take I-90 across the Cascades, turn southeast on I-82, and you’ll find yourself in Prosser, a Washington wine hub just three hours from Seattle. Prosser Vintner’s Village and Prosser Wine and Food Park are home to more than 20 exceptional wineries with meandering trails and beautiful landscaping. They’re right off the freeway and clustered for your convenience.

Visit the Winery that Topped the Top 100
Number one Wine in the World. Yes, you read that correctly. Wine Spectator named the Columbia Crest 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as the #1 Wine in the World for 2009, selected from more than 17,000 wines. Equally noteworthy is that it’s the first wine  produced in Washington State to occupy that illustrious top spot. Though this legendary wine has long since sold out, you’ll experience firsthand the quality and attention to detail that Columbia Crest pours into each and every one of their extraordinary wines when you visit the winery in Paterson, on the Columbia River. Just head south and cross over the Horse Heaven Hills for about 25 minutes.

Experience 25 Years in the Making
One of the newest wineries in Prosser is Mercer Estates, a partnership of the Mercer and Hogue families, who are pioneers in winemaking and viticulture in the Columbia Valley. With more than 25 years of grape growing and winemaking experience, these two families have helped shape the past and present of Washington State winemaking. Nearly 125 years after their families settled in southeastern Washington, their farmland continues to be their home and their livelihood. And their wine tastes really, really good.

Try Local Fare with a Spanish Flair
Each year, the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers selects a restaurant that does an exceptional job of showcasing and educating diners about premium Washington wines. Winner of the 2009 Restaurant Appreciation Award is Picazo 7Seventeen Wine Bar & Restaurant. Named for its address at 717 Sixth Street, Picazo is trendy enough for tourists and down-home
enough for locals. Chef-owner Frank Magaña describes his cuisineas “local fare with a Spanish flair” paired, of  course, with an extensive Washington wine list heavy on wines out of Prosser.

Unwind on Wine Country Road
Located on Wine Country Road in Prosser, Desert Wind Winery offers visitors much more than a taste of their award winning wines. This two story mega-winery features four beautifully and individually decorated guest rooms, including a 1,200-squarefoot bridal suite. Each luxurious room features a private balcony, gas fireplace, welcome bottle of wine, and a breakfast basket delivered to your door.

Reap the Rewards of the Season
From the sweet, blush red Rilands of mid-June to the delicate, orange Pattersons of late August, juicy, farm-fresh Washington State Apricots are the perfect summertime snack or unique ingredient for down-home baking, grilling, canning, and more. On your next road trip through Washington Wine Country, pick up a bushel of apricots to take home. The surprising combination of
fresh Washington apricots, mascarpone cheese and balsamic vinegar makes a palate-pleasing appetizer or dessert. Easy yet elegant and just plain delicious, this recipe is lovely, paired with a glass of Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay or Mercer Estates off-dry Riesling.