Woodinville Offers the Best of Washington State Wine Country and is an Easy Side Trip for 2010 Winter Olympic Visitors

WOODINVILLE, Wash. - (GrapeVineTrail) Travelers to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics looking for a winning side trip to combine with their stay in the Pacific Northwest will appreciate Woodinville Wine Country, offering visitors easy access to Washington state’s critically-acclaimed wines and winemakers.

Woodinville Wine Country, nestled in the picturesque Sammamish River Valley 25 minutes north of downtown Seattle and three hours south of Vancouver by car, is home to 43 wineries ranging in size from small, family-owned vintners to Washington’s iconic country French Chateau Ste. Michelle. Most wineries are open to visitors and offer travelers a variety of touring and tasting options that allow guests to learn more about Washington wines in diverse and unique settings.

Destination Highlights

Visitors with an interest in design will want to visit Woodinville’s Novelty Hill - Januik, a contemporary, architecturally-acclaimed winery designed to capture the rhythm and geometry of Washington’s Columbia Valley’s vineyards, the area of the state several hours east of Seattle that supplies grapes to Woodinville winemakers. The winery’s guest amenities include a bocce ball court, outdoor fire pit and brick-oven pizza (weekends only). Visitors can work off the pizza with a stroll through the native gardens at JM Cellars or along the neighborhood’s Sammamish River Trail.

On the north side of Woodinville, the wine “Warehouse District” awaits. Home to more than a dozen small vintners producing big wines, the area is popular with visitors because of the opportunity it offers to experience handcrafted winemaking up close and personal where winemakers typically double as tasting bar servers.

Dining & Luxury Lodging

A destination in itself, Woodinville Wine Country offers luxury lodging, dining options ranging from casual cafes to award-winning bistros and celebrated restaurants such as the Herbfarm. Those who choose to stay in the area may find it worthwhile to plan ahead and arrange their travel to coincide with a cooking class at Woodhouse Family Cellars or a wine appreciation seminar at Columbia Winery.

With its close proximity to Seattle, Woodinville is Washington state’s most accessible wine country getaway offering visitors the opportunity to discover new wines, experience winemaking and meet acclaimed winemakers. Visit woodinvillewinecountry.com to request a touring brochure or for more information.

For Woodinville Wine Country
Katie Sims, 425-467-9398
katie@kms-communications.com