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A Winery, a Restaurant and a Brewery - Tasting Your Way through Washington

© Jerri Brooker

The Woodinville, Washington, area is home to three very popular and favorite places for visitors looking for high-class experiences. I invite you to join me on a tour.

Let me begin with Washington's largest and most well known winery.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery

The tour begins in Woodinville's Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery located about fifteen miles northeast of Seattle. This famous winery, Washington's largest, has been around since 1934. Its main draw is its Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tours and an extensive tasting room draw connoisseurs from around the world. During the summer the winery hosts a performing arts series that has included Tony Bennett and Harry Connick, Jr. The winery has a Vintage Reserve Room where you may sample vineyard and library wines by appointment. Regular tours are open 10 a.m to 4:30 p.m. daily and last about 40 minutes.

We've been there for a luxury wine tasting and dinner in the summertime. Nothing better! Join them for their April 5, 2002, Spring Release Dinner. There are vintage reserve club events, wine appreciation classes, other scheduled dinners and a mailing list for concerts available at the site, along with some trivia, some recipes, etc.

This is the mother of Washington wineries. It sits on 87 luscious, wooded acres that were home to Seattle lumber baron Frederick Stimson. Don't miss it. Or the extensive wine and gift shop.

When you visit the website give it time to load, then go to the upper right to visit the other pages (titles will appear as you run your mouse across the photos) - enjoy your cyber stay if you can't make it in person!

Driving Directions: Take Interstate 405, then Exit 23 eastbound (State Route 522 towards Monroe and Wenatchee) to the Woodinville exit. Turn right at the exit ramp then go three blocks to NE 175th. Turn right again, cross the railroad tracks, turn left at the stop sign onto Highway 202. Proceed about two miles to the Chateau gates on the right. The address is: 14111 N.E. 145th Street.

If you love gourmet food, the next stop is the place! As noted at the website, this restaurant has been voted one of the best 50 in the United States by Gourmet magazine.

The Herbfarm and Willows Lodge

While in Woodinville you must also visit the Herbfarm Restaurant at 14590 N.E. 145th Street. Also world renowned, it's in a class by itself. Originally in Fall City, it was plagued with fire and established itself in a new home up north in 1996. It is now The Herbfarm and Willows Lodge where you may not only liven your senses with some of the best natural food in the northwest, but stay in beautiful suites, if you choose, while enjoying the food and the countryside.