A Wine Tasting Itinerary in the Columbia Gorge
The Columbia Gorge is perhaps the most visually stunning winegrowing region in the United States.
Starting about sixty miles east of Portland, the Columbia Gorge AVA spans both sides of the Columbia River. On the north shore, the Washington wineries are able to grow over thirty different wine grape varietals thanks to a combination of warm weather and cooling winds.
As a wine tourist to the gorge, you'll enjoy a traffic-free world of beautiful wines and stunning views of Mt. Hood, the Columbia River, historic waterfalls, and riverside vineyards. Hood River and The Dalles on the Oregon side and Stevenson and White Salmon on the Washington side all serve as the hub for your adventure. With visits to the three Featured Wineries on this tasting itinerary, you'll experience the best this winegrowing region has to offer!
4 Hours From Seattle | 1 Hour from Portland
The Columbia Gorge is located 4 hours southeast of Seattle, best accessible through I5 and I84.
Driving Directions
26 Wineries
The Columbia Gorge boasts 26 wineries. We've selected three of the best for members to taste free at
Dozens of Vacation Rentals
Stay in nearby Hood River or The Dalles for easy access to amazing restaurants and shops.
Lodging Resources
Featured Columbia Gorge Wineries
These are our favorite wineries in the Columbia Gorge
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AniChe Cellars
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Hawkins Cellars
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Maryhill Winery
AniChe Cellars
AniChe Cellars is a family-run winery on Underwood Mountain in the Columbia Gorge. The all-female winemaking team is wicked talented with a flare for understanding the truth in beauty, vintage and place. The focus at AniChe is to make memorable blends in a signature style reminiscent of old world wines... to do this, AniChe sources over 30 varieties of grapes from a myriad of Washington AVA’s. The wines are almost entirely sold direct to consumer through the tasting room.
AniChe Cellars offers beautiful views from their garden patio, or taste through your flight of wine from the whimsical tasting room in a refurbished horse barn. Picnics are welcome, large parties are welcome with a reservation, and children and dogs are also welcome.
Wines Produced: Over 25 varietals. Primarily Syrah blends, Cabernet Blends, Barbera, Grenache and Albarino
"This is such a lovely place! Most importantly, the staff were fantastic. Visiting a vineyard with all women winemakers is a rare treat, and the depth of knowledge and expertise of the folks here was spectacular." -Hope T, Google Review
Hawkins Cellars
Thane Hawkins got his boots wet as the Assistant Winemaker at Methven Family Vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills of Oregon. He started making small batches of wines for his own label - Hawkins Cellars - in 2007. With a small tasting room established in Dundee and the Columbia Gorge winds at his back, Thane decided to leap completely into his winemaking in 2012 and planted the estate vineyard, Cloud Cap, in 2013.
Visit the estate tasting room at Cloud Cap vineyard on Underwood Mountain to enjoy fantastic views of the Hood River valley and Mount Hood while you sample Hawkins wines.
Wines Produced: Chardonnay, Viognier, Rosé, Pinot noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
"Absolutely beautiful view. Totally relaxing with great staff and superb wine! Picnic basket available, too!!! Safety practiced!!!" - CW, Google Review
Maryhill Winery - Goldendale
Opened in 2001, family-owned Maryhill Winery is one of Washington’s largest, and most visited, wineries, producing 80,000 cases annually. Discover “a world of wine in 40 miles” and spend the weekend exploring America’s most unique wine region which features world-class wines, wild beauty, low-traffic wine touring and relaxed tasting rooms in the spectacular Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley AVAs.
Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, picnicking on our grounds, tours and special events and four tournament-quality bocce courts to play a round of bocce on. Our winery is family friendly.
Wines Produced: Merlot, Pinot noir, Mourvedre, Red blends, Syrah, Sangiovese, Cinsault, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinandel, Riesling, Viognier, Semillon, Gruner Veltliner, Chenin blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Pinot gris, Roussanne, White blends, Rosé, Sparkling wine
"Beautiful and peaceful views as you enjoy award winning wines and flavorful food companions to enjoy as you welcome each sip of tantalizing flavors. The staff are attentive, friendly, knowledge and Mackenzie our waitress was fantastic and funny! Thank you Maryhill winery. A great escape!" - LL, Google Review
Travel Resources For The Columbia Gorge
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