The wine scene in Wenatchee is taking shape with new tasting rooms opening in different parts of town that offer either mountain views, modern ambiance, historic opulence, or rustic charm. The newest wineries in Wenatchee mentioned in this post are just a handful of the dozen wineries now located in the valley. I’ve highlighted my visits with great pictures and simple descriptions of each tasting room so you can get a quick snapshot for reference. I don’t critique the wine. I pretty much like all wine. And I know you’ll like visiting these tasting rooms also. Cheers!
BIANCHI VINEYARDS
Bianchi Vineyards in East Wenatchee is the valley’s newest winery WITH A VIEW! Once a tired apple orchard in need of renovation, Doug and Kim Bianchi, bought the 10 acre property 2 years ago and transformed the whole place into a picturesque vineyard and tasting patio with views of the Columbia River valley and Cascade Mountain range. As a new winery with year old grape vines and an outdoor tasting patio, Bianchi Vineyards has plans in the very near future to build a tasting room and expand on hosting private parties and events. Currently, Bianchi’s varietal offerings are Tempernillo and Syrah from Wahluke Slope, and Merlot and Chardonnay from Yakima Valley. You should be able to taste the fruits of Bianchi’s own estate grapes in another year or two when the young vines mature.
BONUS! BEER also available for purchase if wine is not your thing or you just want a cold brew. At least once a month, music will be played on the lawn during weekends. Check Bianchi Vineyards Facebook page for current events. Kids are welcome and usually there is a little something on hand (juice, popsicles) for them to enjoy as well.
Conveniently located about a mile away from Martin Scott Winery, you can now add Bianchi’s tasting room to your list when planning your wine tasting visits!
TASTING FEE: $5 per person / 5 tastes (1 tasting waived with each bottle purchase)
HOURS: Friday 2 - 7 pm, Saturday Noon- 5 pm, Sunday 1- 4 pm
BIANCHI VINEYARDS, 4210 10TH ST SE, EAST WENATCHEE, WA 98802 | (360) 815-6167 |https://bianchivineyards.com/home
HORAN ESTATE WINERY
A beloved local winery with family heritage in the Wenatchee Valley, Horan Estate Winery has been making award-winning wines since 2003. They are not new to the wine scene around here, but their tasting room is new to Wenatchee as of Spring 2019. Beth & Dennis Dobbs, owners of Horan Estate Winery, relocated their tasting room from Cashmere Mission District to downtown Wenatchee where other tasting rooms and shops are sure to bring a bigger traffic draw. Horan’s new tasting room was built out with an updated Tuscan themed sophistication, plenty of comfortable seating and space for small gatherings and private events. Conveniently located next to Crayelle Cellars, Wenatchee Chamber Tasting Room, and Stemilt Creek Winery, you can hit up 4 tasting rooms within one block.
TASTING FEE: $5.00 per person /5 tastes (1 tasting waived with each bottle purchase). Cheese platters available for $12
HOURS: Monday through Saturday, Noon - 7 pm, Sunday, Noon - 5pm
HORAN ESTATE WINERY, 15 Second St. Ste 101, Wenatchee, WA 98801 | 509-679-0554 | http://www.horanestateswinery.com/
CRAYELLE CELLARS
When I think of Crayelle, I think friends, family, and great wine! Craig & Danielle Mitrakul, owners and wine maker of Crayelle wine, are familiar friendly faces to many locals in the valley and to everyone who walks in their tasting room door. Craig has been making Crayelle wines (as well as wine for a few other popular wineries like Karma Vineyards) for many years and does it very well. I don’t pretend to know about wine, but I do know every one of Craig’s wines over the years have been incredibly good! As with Horan Estate Winery (also mentioned in this post), Crayelle Cellars relocated their tasting room from Cashmere to downtown Wenatchee in May 2019. With the easy going and refined personalities of the Mitrakuls, their spirit is captured in the space by blending natural elements with a modern approach. Maybe like their wine:)
You can taste Crayelle wine on the weekends only (for now), but give them a call if you have parties of 8 or more that want to taste during the week and/or if you want to see about private events.
TASTING FEE: $8 per person/6 tastes (1 tasting waived with each bottle purchase)
HOURS: SATURDAY 12 to 5 pm | SUNDAY 11 to 4 pm (more hours coming soon!)
CRAYELLE CELLARS, 15 N. 2nd Street, Suite 103 Wenatchee, WA | (509)393.1996 | httup://www.crayellecellars.com
(Located downstairs from the Wenatchee Chamber of Commerce, in the alley to the Convention Center)
BELLA TERRAZZA VINEYARDS
Bella Terrazza (meaning “beautiful terrace”) has been producing wine from their own vineyards in lower Sunnyslope area of Wenatchee for at least 12 years. This low-key Wenatchee winery has recently transitioned their tasting room from Leavenworth’s crowded wine scene back to their production facility in Sunnyslope where you can enjoy their wine in a unique, rustic warehouse setting full of charm and character. Still owned by Bob Richards (winemaker) and Carol Mathews, Bella Terrazza will be managed by Marcy & Jon Wright, local educators with a passion in wine and an interest in running the tasting room and event space as a new venture. Learning what will work best for operating the winery and managing other jobs and family, the tasting room is not yet open with regular hours, but may be very soon on the weekends with enough interest from the public. However, YOU CAN SCHEDULE a party of 6 or more for a tasting by calling Marcy at (509) 669-3630 or email bellaterrazza@gmail.com. Also, partnering with Studio on Wheels, sip & paint events are scheduled regularly at Bella Terrazza on a Friday or Saturday night. (See Bella Terrazza Vineyard Facebook page for event information). This is a fun way to experience their wine, tasting room, and socializing with others over painting a masterpiece.
But more than just a tasting room, Bella Terrazza is now Wenatchee’s newest venue to host a party, wedding, or event for over 100 people where you can mingle indoor and outdoor. This 17,000 square foot venue is a great place for a hoe-down, wedding, or company party. Plenty of availability this Summer if you or someone you know are looking for a venue to host your big celebration!
BELLA TERRAZZA VINEYARD, 1260 Lower Sunnyslope Rd, Wenatchee, WA | (509) 669-3630 | Bella Terrazza Vineyard Facebook
BRENDER CANYON @ WARM SPRINGS INN & WINERY
Enjoy a glass or bottle of estate grown Brender Canyon Sangiovese, Merlot or Syrah varietals in the tasting room, on the deck, or by the river at picturesque Warm Springs Inn & Winery. This beautiful historic 1917 mansion, turned into a posh Bed & Breakfast, is situated on 10 acres of manicured grounds along the Wenatchee River, and is surrounded by orchards and old growth trees. The owners, Julie & Ludger Szmania of Seattle restaurant fame, have combined their vineyard operations and their extensive hospitality experience to pamper their guests with world-class food, estate wine, and luxurious and cozy lodging at this historic landmark.
Brender Canyon wine is made from grapes grown at Warm Springs Inn sister property, Brender Canyon Vineyard, in Cashmere just ten miles away. On the weekends (Friday-Sunday), Brender Canyon wine is available for tasting at Warm Springs Inn for lodging guests and public. You can buy a tasting, wine by the glass or bottle and enjoy in the luxurious living room, on the expansive deck, or by the river. I’ve stayed the night here and I’ve enjoyed a wedding at Warm Springs Inn and this place is so gorgeous and serene to wander around and enjoy a glass of wine.
HOURS: The tasting room hours are weekends only Friday thru Sunday 1 - 5 pm OR by appointment. Due to weddings and private events, weekend tasting room hours may change. For group or midweek wine tastings, please call ahead to let them know you’re coming. They also offer private party tastings with nibbles for six or more guests by reservation.
TASTING FEE: $5 per person, plus tax/ 4 tastes (1 tasting fee waived with purchase of each bottle)
WARM SPRINGS INN & WINERY, 1611 Love Lane, Wenatchee, WA | (509) 662-5683 | https://warmspringsinn.com
WENATCHEE CHAMBER TASTING ROOM
Featuring wines from 21 local wineries, six cider makers and three local breweries, this is the perfect location to taste wines from all over the valley. While you’re there, peruse the information kiosk to find your next adventure in the Wenatchee valley.
Tastings are $5, with fee waived with purchase of bottle of wine, cider or growler of beer. Read more about Chamber Tasting Room.
HOURS: Monday-Wednesday 11-5pm Thurs-Saturday 11-6 pm
CHAMBER TASTING ROOM, 137 North Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, Wa | (509) 662-2116
http://www.visitwenatchee.org