Next Stop: Seattle
A quaint city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle has some of the best elements a city has to offer: gorgeous views, bustling culture, amazing food, fantastic coffee, and more than 100 wineries within a small radius. Washington wineries are popping up at a staggering rate, gaining popularity and acclaim in stride. And rightfully so — recently named the #1 Best Wine Travel Destination of 2019 by Wine Enthusiast, Seattle is leading the wine country charge.
The Wine
When it comes to Washington wines, extreme pays off. High continentality lends to cold nights and warm days, producing flavor and color while preserving the natural acidity of the grape. It’s New World wines playing with Old World rules. While production is heavily dominated by five grape varietals–Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling—there are actually over 70 grown across the state, meaning there’s a little something available for every wine lover. Just 25 miles outside of Seattle lies the town of Woodinville, home to the aforementioned 100 wineries and tasting rooms that represent every appellation in Washington. As best said by Woodinville Wine Country, it’s “this picturesque setting where the fruit of Eastern Washington meets the vintners, chefs, and flavors of the Pacific Northwest.”
Home to burgeoning wineries like Long Shadows, Goose Ridge Estate, and Novelty Hill alongside the legendary Chateau Ste. Michelle and so many more, Woodinville is a can’t-miss destination for wine lovers.
The Food
Great wine should always be paired with great food, and Seattle is exploding with top restaurants. On just about every corner, you can find award-winning restaurants capitalizing on the city’s proximity to top-notch seafood and fresh ingredients. You can’t mention Seattle without mentioning Pike’s Place Public Market, a vibrant neighborhood comprised of hundreds of farmers, craftspeople, and small businesses. But if you’re looking to dine like a local, head over to The Walrus and The Carpenter, a lively and on-trend oyster bar. The menu changes daily ensuring the freshest seafood with a wine menu that’s worth the trip alone.
The Views
While the Space Needle is an iconic landmark and worth seeing up-close, save time and skip the tour. Next door is the must-see Chihuly Garden and Glass, an exhibition dedicated to local artist Dale Chihuly who is known for his use of color and glass shapes. But beyond the traditional tourist attractions, the Puget Sound itself is one breathtaking part of nature that should be added to every bucket list. An inlet of the Pacific Ocean, the Sound is famous for its striking views and those that reside within it—depending on the time of year, you can see everything from harbor seals to orca whales.
Ready to Fly
With everything Seattle has to offer, it’s no surprise they are home to the Nation’s largest single-region food and wine event, Taste Washington. A food and wine lovers’ wonderland, this event is hosting 235 wineries, 65 restaurants, and of course, FlyWithWine! We’ll be packing our bags (and rain boots) this March and heading North. Stop by our booth during the exhibit, and we’ll help you travel home with up to 12 of your favorite bottles of Washington wine. See you there!
