Red Mountain makes for a perfect wine weekend getaway since it’s only a three hour drive from Seattle. If you’re a Cab lover this needs to be ticked off your bucket list since some of Washington State’s most celebrated vineyards are located here, and produce wines of intensity, power and elegance. You can feel the community is alive here too, the wineries keep it personal, there’s a good chance you’ll meet the owners / winemakers who are passionate to share their stories, and oh...do remember to ask the locals where Red Mountain gets its name from. 😊
Day 1
Lunch – Jade's British Girl Treats
Grab lunch at the bakery, they have freshly baked treats, breakfast bites and daily lunch specials. The sandwiches are big, so sharing is the way to go to make sure you have a little room for a pastry. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. They’re closed on Sundays. They post their daily menu on Facebook, or you can call/text (509) 643-9450 if you’re curious about the available options.
Bakery, Lunches and More... - Jade's British Girl Treats
Wine – Mercer Wine Estate
On route to Red Mountain AVA from Seattle, you pass through Prosser, and there are wineries to visit in this area. While visiting the Mercer winery you’ll learn about the family’s deep roots in the Horse Haven Hills, ranging from sheep farmers back in the 1880’s to starting an irrigation project that brought water up from the Columbia River. They have a few tasting fights to choose from: white, mixed, and red. Friendly staff (that prepared a card for the birthday boy in our group), cute gift shop and offers a private room that seats a large party with views into their barrel room. They’re open Wednesday – Sunday, 10am-5pm, make an appointment by calling / texting: (509) 786-2097.
Mercer Prosser - Mercer Wine
Wine – Terra Blanca Winery & Estate Vineyard
This Tuscan-inspired winery offers breathtaking panoramic views from its terrace of the Yakima Valley, vineyards and their beautifully manicured gardens. Terra Blanca has a wide selection of wines in their tasting flight, that you may want to consider sharing. Tasting room is open daily from 10am-6pm, book an appointment online, and the tour to explore their barrel caves is by appointment only. Also a great location for a wedding and corporate/social event.
Red Mountain - Terra Blanca
Dinner – Terra Blanca Vineyard Grill
An on-site restaurant, only steps away from the tasting room is the Terra Blanca Vineyard Grill. Their menu features wood-fire brick oven pizzas, and salads to pair with Terra Blanca wines. They also have rotating beers on tap. The restaurant is open 12pm-4pm, be sure to make a separate reservation for the Vineyard Grill after your wine tasting.
Red Mountain - Terra Blanca
Day 2
Breakfast – Kagen Coffee & Crêpes
Grab a coffee and crêpe before heading out for the day’s wine tasting. They have a great selection of savory and sweet crepes to choose from. Open daily from 7am-5pm.
Kagen's Coffee & Crepe Locations
Wine – Hedges Family Estate
A beautiful estate with rustic charm of Chateau life. Learn about Biodynamics, and order the Syrah tasting flight which includes a Syrah from grapes harvested from the Hedges Estate Biodynamic vineyard, making for a fun side-by-side comparison. They offer a selection of tasting flights of their estate wines, pair with a charcuterie board, and explore their beautiful gardens with your glass in hand. Note they have summer hours (Wednesday - Sunday: 11am-5pm) and winter hours (Tuesday - Saturday: 11am-5pm), so check out their website to make a reservation or call at (509) 588-3155.
Hedges Family Estate
Wine – Col Solare
When Tuscany’s Marchesi Antinori partnered with Chateau Ste. Michelle (Washington State) to start a Red Mountain estate winery, the world took notice, and so should you! If weather permits, opt to sit on the patio to enjoy the views. Their private tour takes you to see their barrel room (a must see!), and you’ll learn why the vineyard is planted in a radial pattern, like the sun’s rays. Cheese and Mediterranean plates can be pre-ordered, which complement the wines. Make an appointment online, they’re open Wednesday – Monday: 11am-4pm.
Col Solare Winery
Lunch – Porter’s Real Barbecue
Craving real barbecue after a few wine tastings? Head to Porter’s who cook their meat for up to 14 hours with indirect heat provided by burning hardwood, to allow the meat to become tender and full of rich smoky flavor. As seen on Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. Open daily from 11am-8pm, and closes at 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Best BBQ Restaurant in Washington State | Richland, WA Barbecue
Wine – Kiona Vineyards
You can admire beautiful views while wine tasting from their indoors due to the floor to ceiling windows showcasing the surrounding vineyards, as well as on their upper level outdoor patio. If you’re looking for a little variety to the big, powerful red wines that Red Mountain is known for, Kiona’s the spot for you, since I understand they’re the only winery that produces an Ice Wine! They have a good selection of wines to build your own tasting flight that are then served using fun flight holders that include a notecard for each of the wines. Make an appointment online or give them a call (509) 588-6716. Open daily from 12pm-5pm.
Kiona Vineyards and Winery
Dinner – Drumheller's Food and Drink
Sip on a cocktail by the firepit taking in the river views at the signature restaurant of the Lodge at Columbia Point. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, and the seasonal menu features local food and drink sourced from local growers, and farmers. Make a reservation via OpenTable. Currently open 4pm-10pm daily.
Drumheller's Food & Drink Restaurant
Day 3
Wine – Fidélitas
A family-owned winery, and there's a good chance that you’ll run into one of the family members like the winemaker wondering about in the vineyards, or his wife caring for her beautifully curated gardens. My favorite Instagram shot is a great wine wall featuring their collection of stunning Bordeaux style blends. They have a great outdoor seating area with firepit, perfect setting to enjoy their wines during sunset. Open 11am-5pm daily, book online or call (509) 588-3469.
Fidelitas Wines
Wine – Hightower Cellars
Hidden gem off the main road you’ll find Hightower Cellars’ intimate tasting room and patio, with personalized service and on occasion the husband or wife (owners and winemakers) will come by to pour you some wine while sharing their passion for winemaking. Red wine drinkers alert: their Rosé is made from 100% Syrah and is completely dry of sugar, making it a perfect Rose for red wine drinkers. They offer flights, wine by the glass and also sharing a bottle with friends. They’re open Thursday through Monday from 11am-5pm, make reservations online or by phone or text at (509) 588-2867.
Hightower Cellars
Lunch – Fiction @ J.Bookwalter
A casual restaurant with a great vibe located at a winery, for that time of day when you need a little more than cheese and crackers 😊 They have multiple outdoor patio seating, firepits, bocce ball courts and a bar if you’re in the mood for a cocktail. If you’re an adventurous eater try the Bacon wrapped dates and Avocado fries. Make a reservation online for lunch or dinner.
Bookwalter Winery - Restaurant
Where to Stay
These two riverfront Richland hotels are located next to each other and have stunning views of the Columbia River:
- The Lodge at Columbia Point ~ The Lodge at Columbia Point, Richland's Riverside Hotel
- The Courtyard by Marriott Richland ~ Columbia Point Courtyard by Marriott Richland
Special Thanks
Thank you to a friend, Tim, who I met on Instagram for the great recommendations. I had such a fun trip that I have to share my wine experiences!
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