Visiting Washington State’s Wine Country

Washington State’s vast desert region, east of the Cascade Mountains, receives little attention when compared to the tourist attractions and big cities of the Puget Sound region. But this region has much to offer visitors, especially if you’re interested in wine.

A slew of viticultural areas are growing top-notch grapes, and wineries are producing vintages that can rival the best of what’s being made in California. And instead of traffic and long lines at tasting rooms like you might find in Napa or Sonoma, Washington’s wine regions are laid back and welcoming; often the winemaker is the one pouring the samples.

Regions worth visiting include Walla Walla, with a historic old town at its center; Wenatchee Valley, with the gorgeous Lake Chelan at its heart; Yakima Valley, the state’s first viticultural area where several small wine regions make up an impressive number of tasting rooms; and the Tri-Cities area, a growing and particularly unheralded area with fascinating Lewis and Clark history.

Alaska Airlines has a program that allows you to check your first case of wine free from Yakima, Tri-Cities/Pasco or Walla Walla. Your Alaska Airlines boarding pass also waives tasting fees at several wineries.