Western Washington loves its wine and loves showing off its wine to visitors. So whether you're looking for a weekend immersion in Washington State vino or want to recommend a place to stay that makes a wine-lover's trip to Seattle complete, check out these area hotels and their vintage offerings...
? Where does one begin with just how wine-nutty Hotel Vintage Park is? Well, the Washington State Wine Commission's 2013 Hotel of the Year hosts evening wine hour featuring Washington State wineries as well as "Sip and Stretch" yoga, which involved exactly what you think it involves. Every room in the hotel is named for a local Washington winery and features photos & info about them. Their wine concierge can get guests into wineries that are often not open to the public. And even if you're justing hanging out in the lobby, there's a wine bottle puzzle and the "Uncork A Book" library. Their lobby Christmas tree is made entirely out of wine bottles. Guess what we're saying is...they really, really like wine.
? Our next choice takes you out of Seattle but, trust us, the trip is worth it. You might know Salish Lodge as "the one from Twin Peaks" but you might be surprised to know the Snoqualmie resort features one of the largest selections of Washington wines in the world and one of the most extensive wine lists in Washington State. Their cellar collection of nearly 5,000 bottles has earned them Wine Spectator Magazine's "Best of Award of Excellence" for 23 years straight (1989-2012)!
? Want to stay in the heart of Washington wine country? You'll do no better than Willows Lodge, located in Woodinville Wine Country. Rather than tour the wineries by driving, let Willow Lodge handle travel with their pedicab service. They'll take guests to nearby winery tasting rooms, concerts at Chateau Ste. Michelle and other attractions in and around Woodinville (between May & September). Back at the lodge, they offer an award-winning wine list at The Barking Frog restaurant and 24-hour room service if you'd rather sip something in the tub.
This photo of Woodmark Hotel is courtesy of TripAdvisor
? Kirkland's Woodmark Hotel features bin on the lake, a local-inspired restaurant known for its exceptional, award-winning wine list. Enjoy one of their over 40 wines by the glass or bottle while looking out on Lake Washington.
? We return to Seattle and Hotel Monaco, where every evening between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., they host evening wine hour in their lobby. The Friday version is literally more magical thanks to a magician who entertains the crowd while they "wine down" from the busy week.
? Want to get in on all this wine tasting without booking a hotel room? Try the Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. every Tuesday through August for their Sips of Summer wine tasting happy hour. Attendees can mix and mingle with local winemakers, sample some free wine and enjoy live music out on the patio.