Picture this: it’s a sunny day in Seattle, and you’re sipping wine in a French-style mansion overlooking a vineyard. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, what if I told you this paradise is just a 35-minute cab ride from downtown Seattle?
Welcome to Woodinville, one of Washington’s most popular wine regions, boasting over 100 wineries. It’s a quick day trip from Seattle, but if you really want to enjoy those drinks without worry, I’d suggest hopping on a bus instead. Cheers to a perfect day out!
Reaching Woodinville & Getting Around
Reaching Woodinville is easy from Seattle. Take the light rail Roosevelt Station and take the 522 express to Woodinville. If you live in the east side, head to Kirkland Transit Center BAY 4 (SB) or BAY 1 and hop on to bus route 239 or 230, 231 to Woodinville.
If you’re planning a trip during weekdays, you can take Bus Route 311 straight from Downtown Seattle and you will find yourself in Downtown Woodinville in as little as 45 minutes.
Getting around Woodinville is also easy. We majorly walked around downtown and took an Uber for far places like Chateau St Michelle.
Planning your trip to Woodinville
You can plan a day trip to Woodinville or make it an overnight getaway to savor even more of their fantastic wines. Staying the night gives you time to explore all four wine districts (Hollywood, West Valley, Warehouse and Downtown) and visit the top wineries at a relaxed pace. Here are a couple of stay options we recommend in Woodinville:
- Willows Lodge – This charming hotel is located near Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery along the Sammamish River Trail. The lodge features rustic-chic rooms with hot tubs, stone-trimmed fireplaces, and private patios. Its prime location is within walking distance of several top wineries, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, making it a perfect choice for wine lovers.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle-Woodinville – A modern hotel in North Industrial district with many tasting rooms just a few minutes’ walk away. Hampton Inn & Suite offers cozy, minimalist rooms with all the modern amenities you’ll need. From complimentary hot breakfast to free parking, making it a great value for your stay.
Our Winery Tour Experience
With more than 100 wineries in the region, we found ourselves spoiled for choice. After much deliberation, we decided on going with quality over quantity.
Martedi, known for its Italian wines, intrigued us since we hadn’t explored many Italian varieties before. Our second choice was the iconic Chateau Ste. Michelle, we chose this for its rich history and legendary reputation.
Both of us donned our ‘Partners in Wine’ t-shirts that we had bought back in Sula Winery in Nashik, India and set out on our adventure.
Here’s a complete review of the two wineries we toured and if you love twinning with your partner, here’s a T-shirt from our collection that will go perfectly with the vibe.
Martedi Winery
Our first pick of the day, Martedi Winery was set up in 2008, thanks to winemaker Joe Miglino. Joe isn’t just any winemaker—he was one of Seattle’s first registered sommeliers and has been a part of the wine world for over 30 years. He even spent time as the Wine Director at Ray’s Boathouse!
Joe’s approach to winemaking is all about embracing tradition. His wines are classically Washington but give a nod to their Italian heritage. He describes them as “elegant and softer in style, but still bold in flavor and character.”
Martedi’s logo is a bonsai tree, and there is a sweet story behind it! “Martedi” means Tuesday in Italian, Joe and his three brothers, along with some friends, used to get together on the second Tuesday of every month to catch up, play cards, drink wine, and smoke cigars. Martedi Winery is really a tribute to those gatherings and the traditions that bring people together.
Our Wine Tasting Experience
We arrived at the winery and snagged some seats in the cozy seating area. We lucked out because our tour guide was none other than Joe Miglino himself! It was a small group of about 15 fellow wine lovers, and we had a great time listening to Joe share stories about winemaking and how the winery has evolved while staying true to its traditional roots. We even got to see a massive container of Syrah grapes, in the process of being turned into wine.
The tour wrapped up in the Library Room, where they keep nearly all the vintages the winery has produced since its start. And throughout the tour, Joe made sure our glasses were never empty! We got to taste five wines specially selected for the day, and here’s a little rundown:
- Giovanni Syrah: Named after Joe’s dad, this red wine was bold, spicy, and jammy—an absolute crowd-pleaser.
- Rosé Sangiovese: One of the lightest-colored rosés we have tried so far and super refreshing with a hint of citrus.
- Anna Mary Dry Riesling: A fresh, delicious white wine. Even though it is technically dry, it tasted a bit sweet to us, probably because it was the first wine we tasted.
- Dolcetto: Our first time trying a Dolcetto, and we picked up notes of berries and plum—a pleasant surprise!
- Nebbiolo: Another first for us! This light red wine had a sherry-like taste, and our palates were totally on board.
It was an amazing experience, and the wines really spoke to the craftsmanship and tradition behind Martedi Winery.
Chateau Ste Michelle
Our second stop was Chateau Ste. Michelle, the oldest winery in Washington, founded in 1954. This is where Washington winemaking truly began to flourish. The founders set out to challenge the notion that top-tier wine could only come from Italy, France, or California, paving the way for a thriving wine industry in Washington State. Adding to its charm, the French-style chateau, nestled among old trees on land that once served as a hunting retreat, is one of the main highlights of this iconic winery.
We are big fans of white wine, so we had already tried their Riesling before and loved it! Hence, when we made it to the tasting room, and decided to try the sparkling brut rosé. It was so refreshing, and the color was stunning!
The tasting room itself was impressive, with a huge theater, cute merchandise, and displays showcasing the winemaker’s history. The theater had nearly 800 tables set with glasses—apparently, they were preparing to host a big event for wine purchasers the next day.
Fun fact: Chateau Ste Michelle produces over 600,000 cases of Riesling each year!
We took a leisurely stroll around the winery grounds, admiring the grapes on the trellises. The atmosphere was lively, with plenty of people enjoying tasting flights while soaking in the beautiful surroundings.
Before heading out, we spent some time by a tranquil fountain tucked away in a quiet corner. It was the perfect way to wrap up our visit.
Other wineries that were on our list
- Celaeno Winery – Owned by Brian Countryman, Celaeno Winery is known for its award winning Syrah’s made from Yakima Valley’s premier fruit. The wine is aged in oak barrels from Kentucky and Pennsylvania, giving them a unique taste.
- Elevation Cellars – is a boutique winery located in the North Industrial district. This winery offers several award-winning wines like Riesling, Tempranillo and Bordeaux-style reds along with amazing food.
Tour recommendation: Woodinville’s Downtown Wine Tasting Pass (includes 4 wine tasting experience)
Things to do near Woodinville
Think Woodinville is all about wine? Well, guess what—you’re in for a surprise! The spots I’m about to share aren’t technically in Woodinville, but they’re just a quick cab-ride-away. So, let’s dive in and make your trip even more fun!
St. Edward State Park
A hidden gem by the north shores of Lake Washington, St. Edwards State Park is a serene haven offering miles of hiking trails through lush forests. You can also visit the historic seminary building and explore its stunning galleries, and cafes. It’s one of the best spots for a classy weekend brunch. Here’s a video to get a peek into its gorgeous architecture and tranquil ambience.
Juanita Bay Park
This is one of my favorite spots in Kirkland, a wildlife sanctuary in the heart of the city featuring wetlands, boardwalks, and interpretive trails. Juanita Bay Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and it is quite easy to spot birds on the trail. From herons, eagles, to turtles in their natural habitat. Here’s a short video where I take you on a walk in Juanita Bay Park boardwalk
Blyth Park
A friend of ours recommended this gem, located by the Sammamish River in Bothell. This beautiful park offers river-side trails and picnic areas with stunning views, making it an ideal spot for a fun family-adventure.
Summer Concerts in Chateau Ste Michelle
My final recommendation is a seasonal gem—summer concerts at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Held at Washington’s oldest winery, these unforgettable outdoor music events are set against the backdrop of lush vineyards. Featuring world-class artists like Charlie Puth and paired with their premium wines, it’s the ultimate summer evening experience!
Our Final Thoughts About Woodinville
Woodinville is an amazing destination to explore local wines and support local wineries. Thanks to its close proximity to Seattle, it’s an ideal car-free day trip spot that doesn’t require hours of travel. The wineries, especially the smaller ones, offer a welcoming and friendly atmosphere where everyone interacts with one another. If you’re a wine enthusiast, I highly recommend visiting Woodinville. This place will make you fall in love with wine all over again!
