The Pacific Northwest features over 500 wineries based in Oregon's Willamette Valley and Washington's Columbia, Walla Walla and Yakima Valleys. We rounded up the best opportunities for combining a day on the slopes with après ski wine tasting. Because what's better than enjoying some pow than topping it off with some delicious pinot?
Steven's Pass, Washington
Distance from ski hill to wineries: 30 Minutes
Plain Cellars, the closest tasting room to the mountain, is an ideal après destination with cozy couches and wonderful wines, this is where the locals hang out. Plain Cellars features small batch wine making with focused attention to quality and taste. Latest varietal wines include a Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Syrah, Malbec, Tempranillo, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Head a bit further for the ultimate in wintertime coziness at Silvara Vineyards just outside the town of Leavenworth.
Mission Ridge, Washington
Distance from ski hill to wineries: 50 minutes
Mission Ridge Resort sits 13 miles above the town of Wenatchee, which is hopping with tasting rooms. Situated in the town's artisan foodie haven of Pybus Market, Jones of Washington Winery is an ideal destination for the weary winter warrior with comfortable tables, and a variety of gourmet provisions for pairing. Four blocks up the street sits Stemilt Creek Winery's tasting room and The Chamber Tasting Room with 11 local wines on tap.
Leavenworth Ski Hill, Washington
Distance from ski hill to wineries: 5 minutes
This ski hill is ideal for beginners, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing or tubing, and it's within just two miles of downtown Leavenworth's 18 tasting rooms. Chart your course wisely or stay for a week to sample the variety of offerings from regional producers. Some of the more well appointed rooms for cozy relaxation after a snowy jaunt include Icicle Ridge Uptown Winery, Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards and Winery, Kestrel Winery and Boudreaux Cellars. For those who still can't shake that winter chill, Baroness Cellars and Swakane Winery serve hot spiced Gluehwein.
Echo Valley Ski Area, Washington
Distance from ski hill to wineries: 10 minutes
Just above Lake Chelan sits this family-friendly ski resort. Following a day on the slopes, several wintertime tasting rooms beckon with big reds, cozy couches and roaring fireplaces. Just 10 minutes down the road, Benson Vineyards offers big reds and crackling fires and Atam Winery produces German-style wines in a picturesque log home. A quick 10-mile drive around the lake, brings you to the new Siren's Song Estate and Winery with wood-fired pizzas, cozy couches and delicious wines.
Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
Distance from ski hill to winery: 60 minutes
Faith, Hope and Charity winery and vineyard is a located in Terrebonne, Oregon, a short drive from Bend. The vineyard and tasting room is nestled on 15 acres where they grow nine varieties of award-winning hybrid grapes. Join them every Thursday and Friday evening throughout the year for live local musicians as well as daily wine tastings.
Mt. Hood Meadows, Oregon
Distance from ski hill to wineries: 40 minutes
Naked Winery offers daily samples of up to eight of their Naked Wines. Their selection include Syrah, Cabernets, Sangioveses, and Merlots grown in the Columbia Valley, as well as Pinots and Chardonnays, and Rieslings from the Willamette Valley to name a few. Take a seat on their comfy couches and get intimate with a glass of your favorite wine while nibbling on an apetizer plate. The tasting room is open daily from 12 pm until 7 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
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