After enjoying the sights and sounds of Seattle, take a road trip and visit the “Other” Washington state.

Day 1

Travel over I-90 east, leaving the Puget Sound and head over the majestic Cascade Mountains. (Tip! On the way stop at powerful Snoqualmie Falls, one of the state’s most popular attractions.)

Dropping down the eastern slopes of the Cascades you encounter the unique terrain and beauty of central Washington. I-82 heads south to Yakima and has some of the most expansive views in the state. At one viewpoint you can see snowcapped Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Leaving the dense evergreen forests on the mountain, you travel through the golden rolling hills and valleys that comprise some of the best farmland in the state. This rich farmland is perfect for growing fruit trees, nut trees and grapes.

Start your wine tour in the Yakima Valley. The valley has four distinct wine regions.

Yakima, home to rural wineries and urban tasting rooms, has plenty of nightlife and dining options. The Rattlesnake Hills region includes 17 wineries lined across a 3000 ft. ridge.  

Prosser is considered the birthplace of the Washington wine industry and has over 30 wineries. This charming little town has 12 wineries all within walking distance of each other. The Red Mountain Region is only 4040 acres but produces some of the most valuable grapes for red wines in the state.  The Columbia Gorge region includes views of the Columbia River with wine tastings!

Spend your first night in the Yakima Valley. Find the lowest price for your lodging when you plan your trip here.

Day 2

Continue south through the Tri-Cities area to Walla Walla on I-82 and US-Route 12E. This area includes over 200 wineries. Signs along the way direct you to some of the state’s finest wine producers.

End your trip in Walla Walla. Main Street is lined with tasting rooms, restaurants, cafes and shopping. The Walla Walla valley has five distinct wine areas. The Southside is home to most of the vineyards and is the perfect place to pair wine tasting with spectacular views.

The Downtown area has 35 tasting rooms, boutique shopping and a number of chef-inspired restaurants.  (Tip! Reserve a spot at T.Maccarone’s, an upscale Italian eatery featuring light fare and plenty of seafood options.) As you drive into town, you pass the Westside area, home to some of the valleys most established wineries. (Tip! Visit L’Ecole No. 41 a third-generation winery located in the historic Frenchtown School.) Start your tasting here! The Airport area, located close to the regional airport has more than a dozen wineries set up in WWII era buildings and hangars. Finally, the Eastside is home to a number of award-winning wineries.

Plan your stay in Walla Walla and find real time availability here.

The drive from Seattle to Walla Walla is only about 5 hours with plenty of stops to refuel along the way. The drive over the pass and the drive down I-82 from Ellensburg to Yakima are exceptionally scenic.

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