Spokane Wineries

Spokane is a surprising wine town. While the state's big vineyards lie to the west, the Spokane area has built a lively community of wineries and tasting rooms that source grapes from across Washington and craft wines locally. You can taste in historic buildings downtown, in small cellars in the Valley, and on estates with views over the river and the city. Styles range from crisp whites and rose to big reds, and many producers pour in relaxed, friendly rooms where the winemaker or owner may be behind the bar. A well-known example is Arbor Crest, whose cliffside Cliff House estate overlooks the Spokane Valley and hosts summer concerts. Barrister Winery in downtown's Davenport Arts District pours in a brick cellar close to hotels. Beyond these there are many more across the valley, the Liberty Lake area and the city's neighborhoods, and regional maps show how to string them together. The tourism board publishes a county wine tasting map and winery directory that lists locations and hours, which is the easiest way to plan.

To organize a day, choose a cluster. Downtown tasting rooms are walkable from many hotels, so you can taste in the afternoon without driving. For estates with views, pick one or two in the valley and allow time between them. Tasting fees are common and often waived with a bottle purchase, and some rooms ask for reservations on weekends or for groups.

Hours vary by season, with some places opening only on weekends, so check ahead. Designate a driver, use a rideshare or consider a winery tour from a local operator, and drink water between tastes.

Food pairs well with the experience. Many wineries offer snacks or small plates, and the city has a developing restaurant scene where Washington wine lists are featured. Visit in late spring for patio weather, in summer for outdoor concerts at some estates, or in fall for harvest. The wine scene suits couples, friends and travelers who enjoy a relaxed afternoon more than a checklist.

If you plan to go to Walla Walla or the Columbia Valley on a different trip, treat this as a gentle introduction to Washington wine. For a pleasant itinerary, add a stroll along the river, a lunch downtown and an early evening tasting before dinner. Come curious, ask questions and buy a bottle from a place you liked.

A few sample ideas help build a day. Begin with a downtown tasting room in the early afternoon, walk to a late lunch, then drive to a valley estate for the golden hour. If you prefer a lower-key plan, choose two stops only and linger at each. Ask staff for recommendations on food pairing and nearby tasting rooms; they usually know the scene well. If you ship wine home, check state shipping rules before you buy, and keep bottles out of a hot car.

Many tasting rooms are small, so large groups should call ahead, and some host live music, food trucks or special release weekends that add to the atmosphere. If you are shopping for a gift, ask about club memberships only if you plan to return, and look for limited bottlings you cannot find elsewhere. Spit buckets are normal and encouraged, so there is no shame in pacing yourself.