Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tefft Cellars
Tefft produces primarily easy drinking, moderately priced
wines, including a good red table wine, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot. They
also do an unusual cabernet port. Lots of good values are to be had here.
1320 Independence Rd., Outlook.
&
888/549-7244
or 509/837-7651. www.tefftcellars.com. Daily 10am-
5pm (Jan by appointment). Take exit 63 off I-82; go north on Outlook Rd. and west on Independence Rd.
Windy Point Vineyards
This is one of the newer wineries in the Yakima Val-
ley and is perched atop a hill with an outstanding view from the glass-walled
tasting room. This family winery produces everything form Riesling to zinfandel.
420 Windy Point Dr., Wapato.
&
509/877-4446.
Fri-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Dec-Presidents' Weekend. Take
exit 40 off I-82, go south on Yakima Valley Hwy. for 2 miles and turn left onto Parker Heights Rd., continue
1
⁄
2
mile to Windy Point Dr.
Wineglass Cellars
This small husband-and-wife winery may be
the most underrated and little known winery in the state. Owners/winemakers
David and Linda Lowe produce only about 3,500 cases of wine a year, and
almost everything they make is deliciously complex and cellar-worthy. Be sure
to sample the reserve wines. The cabernet sauvignons and merlots are the high-
lights here.
260 N. Bonair Rd.
&
509/829-3011.
www.wineglasscellars.com. Fri-Mon 10:30am-5pm. Closed Dec-
Presidents' Weekend. Take exit 50 off I-82, go north to Highland Dr., turn left on Bonair Rd.
SUNNYSIDE
If you need some cheese to go with your wine, drop by Sunnyside's
Darigold
Dairy Fair,
400 Alexander Rd. (
&
509/837-4321
), which is a half-mile south
of I-82 at exit 67. A sort of circus atmosphere prevails, and ice cream and sand-
wiches are available, as well as plenty of cheese. Dairy Fair is open daily 8am to
6pm.
Washington Hills Cellars
Just off the interstate in Sunnyside, you'll find,
in a former Carnation building, one of the most versatile of the Yakima Valley
wineries. Washington Hills produces wines under three different labels (and in
three different price ranges). Most tend to be soft, ready-to-drink wines.
111 E. Lincoln Ave., Sunnyside.
&
800/814-7004
or 509/839-9463. www.washingtonhills.com. Daily 9am-
5pm. Take exit 67 off I-82, north on Midvale Rd. to Lincoln Ave.
PROSSER
Here in Prosser, at exit 80 off I-82, you can also stop in at
Chukar Cherry
Company,
320 Wine Country Rd. (
&
509/786-2055
), and sample dried cher-
ries and lots of other dried fruits and candies. The shop is open Monday through
Saturday from 8am to 6pm and on Sunday from 8am to 4pm.
Chinook Wines
Dry wines, both red and white, are the focus at this
Prosser winery, which is a husband-and-wife operation. The reds are big and
bold and tend to be fairly pricey. There's a pretty garden that's perfect for an
afternoon picnic.
Wine Country Rd. at Wittkopf Loop, Prosser.
&
509/786-2725.
www.chinookwines.com. May-Oct Sat-Sun
noon-5pm. Take exit 82 off I-82 and go east on Wine Country Rd. (away from Prosser).
Columbia Crest
Located roughly 25 miles south of Prosser on 2,500 acres
of vineyards overlooking the Columbia River, Columbia Crest is one of the
largest wineries in the state. Although it's out of the way, the winery is worth vis-
iting for its dramatic setting and châteaulike facility.
Wash. 221, Paterson.
&
888/309-WINE
or 509/875-2061. www.columbia-crest.com. Daily 10am-4:30pm.
Take Wash. 221 south from Prosser.
Finds
