November was a special month for two reasons: it marked the featured wine region of the WineryHunt Washington 2020 card, and it was also my mom’s 65th birthday. Since she’s currently the only person in my quarantine bubble, we decided to drive 2.5 hours east of Seattle to the charming Bavarian town of Leavenworth, WA. Wait… a Bavarian town in Washington state? You can read the full story here (but tl—it was created to bring business to the town!)."

If you take away nothing else from this article, remember these 3 things:

1. Wear a mask. It’s mandatory, and it’s how these wineries can stay open safely. Think of your mask as the new fashion accessory—just accept it.

2. Bring a blanket & dress warm. One accessory you never knew you needed is a travel blanket. Since seating is outdoors only, some wineries have heaters and fireplaces, but don’t count on that! Layer up with gloves, winter jackets, hats, and wool socks.

3. Be patient. Most wineries aren’t taking reservations right now, and seating is limited to ensure safety protocols are followed. So, be patient, wait your turn, and call ahead to check current capacity. Don’t forget to tip the staff!

   My 2-Day Wine Tasting Itinerary in Leavenworth:

• Day 1:

  • Icicle Ridge Winery (part of WineryHunt)

  • Silvara Winery (part of WineryHunt)

  • Patterson Cellars

  Day 2:

  • Plain Cellars (part of WineryHunt)

  • Goose Ridge Winery

  • Bergdorf Cellars

  • Archibald James Winery

I took Friday off work so we could enjoy day one without the weekend crowds. First up, we drove out to Icicle Ridge Log Home Winery, about 10 minutes outside of downtown Leavenworth. While Icicle Ridge also has a downtown tasting room with outdoor seating, if you have the chance to visit the Log House, you won’t be disappointed! It opens at noon, and we were the first ones there.

We were seated at one of the two propane fire tables, which allowed us to peel off our layers and soak up the sunshine. I opted for an all-red flight, which included four different reds: Summer Blend, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. My mom, a white wine and rosé lover, had a flight featuring Riesling, Chardonnay, Blondes Gewürztraminer, and Rosé.

I have to say, all of the reds were incredible! I even got a special treat—2018 Reserve Cabernet Franc—and if I ever need a splurge wine, that’ll be my next purchase (it’s $95, so definitely not on the budget-friendly list). My mom’s favorite from her flight was the Riesling, which was dry and the perfect way to kick off the tasting.

Since I’m a member of WineryHunt of Washington, my tasting fee was waived, but here’s what you can expect to pay normally:

• $20 for white flights

• $24 for mixed flights

• $28 for red flights

You can also purchase by the glass:

• $12 for white

• $15 for red

• $20 for reserve

Hopping right over the river, we headed to Silvara Winery next. Their wine room is stunning, so be sure to take a peek inside at how beautiful and cozy the interior is! All tastings are held outside on the lawn, with a select few in modified outdoor spaces featuring two plastic walls for wind protection. We were seated next to one of two outdoor fireplaces, and I believe they’re planning to add a few more to ensure there’s enough warmth for everyone.

As a member of WineryHunt of Washington, my tasting was included. I opted for the red flight, which featured six different wines. They brought the tastings all at once, presented in a wine holder with a card describing each wine. My favorite of all the reds was the Petit Verdot ($42, so a bit above budget but absolutely delicious!). My mom went for a modified flight of two whites and one rosé, and she really enjoyed the Vintner’s Reserve White Blend ($24, well within budget!).

Driving back to the Oberton Inn, we parked our car and walked to Patterson Cellars. Their current outdoor tasting area is set up in the street, with multiple heaters spaced out to ensure optimal warmth while tasting. For just $15, you can sample five different wines—a great deal for both white and red wine lovers.

I went with the mixed flight, which included:

• 2019 Pinot Gris

• 2017 Syrah

• 2017 BDX

• 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon

• 2017 Port

My mom chose the white and rosé flight, which featured:

• 2019 Pinot Gris

• 2019 Chardonnay

• 2019 Rosé

• 2019 Rosé of Cabernet Franc

• 2018 Late Harvest Roussanne

We loved the sunset view so much that we both decided to grab an extra glass of wine. I went for the 2017 BDX, while my mom chose the 2019 Pinot Gris. It’s definitely worth arriving by 3 PM to snag a seat with the perfect view of the sunset over the mountains!

We started our day by driving out to Plain Cellars , about 25 minutes outside of downtown. While they have a downtown tasting room with outdoor seating, the tasting space at the winery itself feels like you’re in a cozy winter oasis—definitely a unique setting! It opens at noon, and we were the first ones there.

This was the third winery included on the WineryHunt membership, so my tasting was complimentary. If you don’t have the membership, the tasting costs $10 for six wines, and you get to choose which ones from their full wine list.

Plain Cellars offers a great selection of red wines (which I loved), and while they have a Viognier for white wine drinkers, my mom opted for a glass instead of a full tasting. My absolute favorite was the 2015 Eclipse at $35 a bottle, which is just slightly over budget—but definitely worth it!

Next, we drove back into town and grabbed a spot at Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery’s outdoor patio. Goose Ridge offers about five open tables at any given time, so I recommend making a reservation in advance to secure your spot. This stop was another fantastic choice for both red and white wine drinkers!

My mom enjoyed a white & rosé flight with five wines, while I indulged in a red flight of five selections. We both walked away with some great bottles: I picked up the 2015 Sol Duc for $55, which was worth every penny, and my mom grabbed two bottles of the 2019 Pinot Gris at $20 each.

The Goose Ridge staff was incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere was perfect for enjoying our wines. I highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area!

Our stop at Bergdorf Cellars was completely unplanned! While sitting at Goose Ridge, we spotted this winery across the street with a few tables and one outdoor fire pit. Naturally, we snagged the closest table we could find.

I opted for the 8-wine flight, which was predominantly red wines, and my mom went for a glass of the sparkling Pinot Noir. The highlight of this tasting was the glühwein (mulled wine) at the end of the flight. It instantly took me back to my days in Brussels, wandering the Christmas markets with a warm mug of 2-euro mulled wine in hand.

This stop turned out to be such a delightful surprise and a fun addition to our wine-tasting adventure.

Our final stop of the trip took us all the way to the other end of downtown Leavenworth to Archibald James Winery. They stay open a bit later than most of the other tasting rooms, making it the perfect last stop before we wrapped up our evening. I had heard about this spot from @sipswithsare, who was also in Leavenworth the same weekend!

They offered a white wine flight for my mom and a red wine flight for me. Each flight costs $15, but it's waived with any wine purchase. We left with a bottle of 2018 Viognier ($26) and a bottle of their 2016 “Big Bled” ($32). The outdoor space here is ample, with several heaters to keep you warm and cozy.

Please enjoy your trip, be responsible, and support Washington wineries.

Happy Sipping,

Chelsey