by Visit Tri-Cities Washington
With more than 200 wineries within an hour’s drive, the Tri-Cities is truly the Heart of Washington Wine Country®! This notable wine region features distinct wine experiences and endless vineyards—a perfect blend of small town charm with cosmopolitan amenities. While you may not be able to fit it all into one weekend, plan your stay in the Tri-Cities and spend three leisurely days tasting through Washington wine country.
DAY 1
Red Mountain/Benton City
Kick-off your long wine weekend with a visit to the Red Mountain AVA in neighboring Benton City. Red Mountain is Washington’s hottest AVA, literally and figuratively. What was once a dry hill overlooking fields of cheat grass is now an acclaimed growing region home to wineries and vineyards.
Outstanding wines are made by outstanding people, and one of the best features of Red Mountain and Benton City wineries is the opportunity to meet the vintners who make this wonderful place an unmatched experience. Many of the wineries are smaller and operated by the winemakers or owners who can give visitors the inside scoop on each vintage—a “must-do” for visitors who are looking for a truly authentic wine tasting experience. Speaking of an authentic experience, take your wine tasting to a new level with Red Mountain Trails, which offers trail rides on horseback and horse-drawn wagon rides that will take visitors from winery to winery.
DAY 2
Prosser
Enjoy the short drive from the Tri-Cities to Prosser as the urban landscape fades into the countryside. Prosser is a small agricultural community with a rich history and is often recognized as the “Birthplace of Washington Wine.” Embrace Prosser’s laid-back lifestyle while enjoying a day tasting at a variety of wineries, from boutique tasting rooms to nationally recognized producers.
Prosser is also home to the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center. Named after Washington wine pioneer Dr. Walter Clore, the Clore Center is a unique wine tasting and education destination that showcases Washington wine’s quality and diversity by offering an in-depth taste of each wine region.
DAY 3
Tri-Cities
You’ve been staying in the Tri-Cities for a few days and day three is the perfect time to stay a little closer to “home.” Make your morning leisurely with a walk along the Columbia River or re-energize with paddleboard yoga. Once you have reached inner bliss, your day of tasting can begin at one of the few Washington wineries producing organic wine or visit a tasting room set in the largest contiguous vineyard in the state. Take a stroll along the waterfront in historic downtown Kennewick and make a stop at the new Columbia Gardens Wine and Artisan Village. Enjoy an urban tasting experience at the Village’s boutique tasting rooms and wine production facilities. Plan to dine at any one (or all!) of the three wineries on Tulip Lane in Richland for an aperitif, lunch or dessert and enjoy cuisine that has been expertly paired with their wines.
End your getaway with a dinner aboard a luxury yacht and cruise along the Columbia River enjoying an inspired menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients and wine as you watch a spectacular Tri-Cities sunset.