From Seattle – Wine Tasting, Vineyards in Eastern WA

A day trip from Seattle to the heart of Washington wine country offers a perfect blend of scenic drives and wine tasting at VanArnam Vineyards in Zillah. Priced at $420 per person and lasting 10 hours, this tour showcases the beauty of the Yakima Valley and the craftsmanship of a family-owned winery. The tour is suitable for those seeking a relaxed, countryside experience with the convenience of private transportation and accessible features like stroller and infant seat accommodations. While the rating of 3.8 suggests room for improvement, the focus on small-lot, handcrafted wines and stunning mountain views makes this an appealing choice for wine lovers and scenery enthusiasts alike.

Key Points

• Scenic drive over Snoqualmie Pass and through Yakima Valley.
• Visit to VanArnam Vineyards, a family-owned boutique winery.
• Tasting of estate-grown Bordeaux and Rhône-style wines.
• Optional food pairings from Tin Roof Grill available.
• Includes private transportation, bottled water, and pick-up/drop-off.
• Tour duration of 10 hours, with a flexible booking policy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Scenic Drive Over Snoqualmie Pass and Yakima Valley Views

The tour begins in Seattle, setting out on a scenic journey over Snoqualmie Pass. As the group travels eastward, the landscape transforms into the lush Yakima Valley, famous for its orchards and vineyards. The drive itself provides a visual treat, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the changing scenery and mountain vistas.

Traveling through this picturesque region, travelers are treated to views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier from VanArnam Vineyards. The route is designed to combine comfort with the chance to appreciate the natural beauty of Washington’s countryside.

Visiting VanArnam Vineyards in Zillah

The highlight of the tour is the visit to VanArnam Vineyards, established in 2007. Located on a sun-exposed slope within the Yakima Valley’s Rattlesnake Hills AVA, this family-owned boutique winery specializes in small-lot, handcrafted wines.

Guests are welcomed to relax and enjoy the estate-grown Bordeaux and Rhône-style varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, and Tempranillo. The winery emphasizes free-run juice in their winemaking process, resulting in focused, quality wines. The setting offers beautiful views of the mountains, enhancing the tasting experience.

Wine Tasting and Optional Food Pairings at VanArnam

The tour includes a wine tasting at VanArnam Vineyards, where visitors can sample a selection of handcrafted wines directly at the vineyard. This opportunity to taste estate-grown varieties makes for a more intimate experience compared to larger commercial wineries.

Optional food pairings are available from Tin Roof Grill, adding a culinary element to the wine tasting. While food is not included in the tour price, guests can choose to enhance their visit with these pairings to complement the wines.

Private Transportation and Accessibility Features

The tour features private transportation, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience. The vehicle is driver-led and designed for convenience, with pick-up and drop-off services included.

Plus, the tour is stroller accessible, near public transportation, and provides infant seats. These features make the trip suitable for travelers with young children or those requiring special accommodations.

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Duration and Booking Flexibility

Spanning 10 hours, this tour offers a full day of scenic driving, wine tasting, and relaxation. The availability varies, and travelers are encouraged to check starting times for their preferred date.

Booking options include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now, pay later, providing flexibility for changing plans. The English-speaking driver guides the entire experience, ensuring clear communication.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

This experience stands out with its focus on boutique wineries like VanArnam Vineyards, rather than large commercial operations. The emphasis on small-lot wines and private group setting offers a more personalized taste of Washington’s wine culture.

The scenic drive over Snoqualmie Pass and through Yakima Valley enhances the trip, making it as much about the landscape as the wines. The inclusion of mountain views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier adds a memorable visual dimension to the day.

Limitations and Considerations

While the overall rating of 3.8 suggests the experience may have some variability, the core highlights—intimate wine tastings, stunning scenery, and accessibility features—remain strong points.

The tour does not include food and drink beyond the wine tasting or optional pairings, so travelers may want to bring snacks or plan to purchase additional items at the winery. The duration of 10 hours makes it a full day, which is ideal for those prepared for a long but leisurely experience.

The Sum Up: A Relaxing Day in Washington Wine Country

This private, full-day tour from Seattle offers a chance to enjoy some of Washington’s best small wineries amidst stunning mountain scenery. The experience is especially suited for those who appreciate handcrafted wines, tranquil countryside views, and a relaxed pace.

While the price of $420 per person reflects a premium, the inclusions of private transport, wine tastings, and accessibility features add value for a comfortable and personalized outing. The scenic drive across Snoqualmie Pass and through Yakima Valley makes this tour a rewarding way to explore Washington’s wine region without the hassle of driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes private transportation with pick-up and drop-off services.

Are food and drinks included?
No, the price covers wine tastings at VanArnam Vineyards and bottled water. Food is not included, but optional pairings are available at the vineyard.

How accessible is the tour for families?
The tour is stroller accessible and provides infant seats, making it suitable for families with young children.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, providing ample time for scenic drives and wine tasting.

Can I cancel the reservation?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour date.

Is this tour suitable for wine connoisseurs?
Yes, especially those interested in small-lot, handcrafted wines from estate-grown vineyards.

What kind of wines will I taste?
Guests sample Bordeaux and Rhône-style varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, and Tempranillo.

What makes this tour different from other wine tours?
It focuses on boutique wineries like VanArnam Vineyards in a private group setting, with stunning mountain views and a scenic drive through Yakima Valley.

Is this tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
The stroller accessibility suggests some accommodations, but travelers with specific mobility needs should verify with the provider.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations are available with options to reserve now and pay later, with full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby