Wine Tasting in Winter
Take a day-trip through Northwest Washington wine country.
If you’re a wine enthusiast, you likely already know that Washington State produces some of the finest wines in the world. And as luck would have it, not only can you taste many of them at our local wine shops, but you can take a tasting tour through the Skagit Valley. La Conner is known as one of Washington State’s most-loved getaway destinations, and we’re fast becoming known as a terrific wine-inspired weekend getaway as well.
As your starting point, here’s what we recommend. (Prior to heading out, please check with each winery for their tasting room hours – some are open only seasonally.)
1. Start your journey in La Conner and visit Hellam’s Vineyard Wine Shop at 109 N. First Street in the historic Lime Dock building and Silver Bell Winery at 106 S. First Street. You’ll not only be able to taste the remarkable wines of Washington, but you’ll also find wines from around the U.S., Europe and South America. Both locations offer knowledgeable and friendly owners and staff who can guide you in tasting and purchasing wines to drink now or to store for a few years.
2. Tulip Valley Vineyard and Orchard: Leaving La Conner, head north on La Conner -Whitney Road out to Highway 20. Turn right and head east, then take the State Highway 536 (Old Memorial Highway) exit and continue on to Tulip Valley Vineyard and Orchard, just east of Beaver Marsh Road. Here you’ll be able to taste Tulip Valley’s hand-crafted red and white table wines from eastern and western Washington grapes and Red Barn traditional artisan hard ciders from locally grown apples.
16163 State Route 536, Mount Vernon WA, 360/428-6894.
3. Eagle Haven Winery: Continue on to Mount Vernon and follow the signs to I-5 North (Vancouver B.C.). From I-5 northbound, take exit 323 onto Cook Road. Follow Cook Road until it meets Hwy 20 at the signal. Turn left at signal onto Hwy 20 East. Approximately 4.5 miles east of Sedro Woolley take a right onto Sims Road. Eagle Haven Winery is on the left. Taste their award-winning Puget Sound varietals, including Madeleine Angevine, Siegerrebe, estate grown Pinot Noir, Northwest sourced Sangiovese and Syrah and a variety of popular fruit wines.
8243 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley WA, 360/856-6248
4. Challenger Ridge Vineyards and Cellars: Continue back to Highway 20 and head east to the toward the community of Concrete, Just west of town, turn left 1/4 mile past Mile Post 85 and take a left on Challenger Road. At the stop sign, turn right; Challenger Ridge is 1/4 mile down on the left. There you’ll find the charming tasting room in an early 1900’s farm house and award winning wines, including red and white varietals and several best-in show medals from the Tri Cities, San Francisco and Seattle wine competitions.
43095 Challenger Ridge Road , Concrete WA, 360/853-7360
5. Glacier Peak Winery: Return to Highway 20, and continue east to Milepost 104 at Rockport. Glacier Peak produces estate wines including Pinot Noir, Agria, and Siegerrebe, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.
58575 State Route 20 (milepost 104), Rockport, WA 360/873-407
6. Pasek Cellars: Return west on Highway 20 and then head south on I-5. Take exit 221 west to Conway. Just after you turn toward Conway, Pasek Cellars will be on your right in the Skagit Barn building. Pasek Cellars is known throughout Washington State for their fruit wines – including several popular dessert wines.
18729 Fir Island Rd, Mount Vernon WA, 360/445-4048
7. Back to La Conner! Leaving Pasek Cellars continue west on Fir Island Road to La Conner and enjoy a great meal to cap off your fun and very scenic adventure.
