When you hear “Seattle” the first things to come to mind are likely rain, grunge music, coffee, and the Space Needle. However, did you know that the Seattle area is one of the best wine regions in all of North America?
That’s right – just 20 or so miles north of Seattle, you have some of the highest-rated vineyards for chardonnay, riesling, syrah, and other varietals.
Not to mention, the areas of Woodinville where they’re located are some of the most beautiful (and that’s really saying something if you’ve been to Washington state). We know you’re ready to get sipping, so let’s jump right in!
Be sure to see our reviews of Mount Rainer tours and Olympic Park tours.
Best Winery Tours From Seattle
Private Tour: Snoqualmie Falls and Woodinville Wineries Day Trip from Seattle | Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle Winery Tour | Seattle Wine and Waterfall Luxury Small-Group Day Tour with Lunch | |
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Best Private Tour | Best Budget Tour | Best Small-Group Tour | |
Departure: | Hotel pickup and drop-off included | Hotel pickup and drop-off included | Hotel pickup and drop-off included |
Start: | 10:00 am | 10:30 am | 9:00 am |
Duration: | 6 hours | 6 hours | 8 hours |
Includes: | Private tour, Professional guide, Chocolate tasting, Includes wine-tasting fees at two wineries | Transportation, guided tour, lunch and wine tasting charges separate | Gourmet lunch with a selection of local beverages, Complimentary coffee, water, and snacks, Winery tasting fees, Professional local guide |
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Seattle Winery Tours For 2024
- Private Tour: Snoqualmie Falls and Woodinville Wineries Day Trip from Seattle
- Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle Winery Tour
- Seattle Wine and Waterfall Luxury Small-Group Day Tour with Lunch
- Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour
- Snoqualmie Falls and Wineries Tour from Seattle
Seattle Winery Tour Reviews
1. Private Tour: Snoqualmie Falls and Woodinville Wineries Day Trip from Seattle
- Duration: 6 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
- Departure Time: 10:00 am
- Includes: Private tour, Professional guide, Chocolate tasting, Includes wine-tasting fees at two wineries
How would you like to go wine tasting and explore some of the most breathtaking scenery the region has to offer? Sure, you could drive yourself, but trust us – it’s a lot more fun visiting wineries when you don’t have to drive yourself!
The Private Tour of Snoqualmie Falls and Woodinville Wineries Day Trip from Seattle offers all that and more!
This 6-hour tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel – no need to book separate transportation or worry about meet-up points. Your ride for the day is a comfortable mini-coach with padded seats, lots of leg room, and big windows.
This way, you can enjoy the natural landscapes, with mountains, Lake Washington, and plenty of greenery!
Once you arrive to Woodinville, you’ll head on over to a boutique family-owned winery’s tasting room, along with the vineyard estate of Chateau Ste. Michelle.
Chateau Ste. Michelle is basically wine royalty in the US, and it’s here where you’ll learn about varietals from a sommelier. Pinot noir, syrah, and sauvignon blanc is one the menu, and you’ll learn about the differences between each one.
Afterward, you’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant that your group decides on, before heading through the Cascade foothills to Snoqualmie Falls. They’re not necessarily the biggest, but they’re quite stunning and make for some fantastic photos!
After, head on over to the little tonw of Issaquah, where you’ll enjoy delicious chocolates from Boehm’s Candies & Chcoolates.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
2. Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle Winery Tour
- Duration: 6 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 10:30 am
- Includes: Transportation, guided tour, lunch and wine tasting charges separate
Next up, we bring you yet another 6-hour tour full of natural beauty and top-notch wines! The Snoqualmie Falls and Seattle Winery Tour is perfect if you’re looking to escape the noise and chaos of the city.
This relaxing excursion places a bit more of a focus on the nature aspect, so if you’re interested in seeing some of the prettiest parts of the country, you’re in the right place!
Just like with the other tours on our guide, transportation is all taken care of – sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride! The tour guides are very knowledgeable, and as you drive, they make sure to offer educational commentary and funny anecdotes about the places you pass.
Thanks to a small group tour setting, it feels like you’re all apart of a little family. Make sure to ask any questions you may have!
Arrive in Woodinville, which is known for its various well-respected wineries. Try various reds, whites, and blends, and learn from the boutique winery staff about each one, how to pair them, and so on.
Then, refuel at a nearby restaurant for lunch before heading over to Snoqualmie Falls for some photos of the gorgeous natural cascades. Remember to stop by the Salish Lodge!
If time allows, you may be able to pop on over to Issaquah, where you’ll do a brief stop at one of the most popular chocolate shops in the area (and of course try some treats, yourself!).
At each stop, you’ll have plenty of time to take photos and explore a bit, so you’re not just stuck in the vehicle all day. Overall, it’s a nicely-varied tour that provides some insight into Western Washington!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
3. Seattle Wine and Waterfall Luxury Small-Group Day Tour with Lunch
- Duration: 8 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 9:00 am
- Includes: Gourmet lunch with a selection of local beverages, Complimentary coffee, water, and snacks, Winery tasting fees, Professional local guide
How does an exclusive, private tour of the best wineries in Washington sound? You’ll be riding in style with a comfortable charter to take you everywhere, and a guide who’s an expert on the subject.
If that sounds like a good time to you, check out the Seattle Wine and Waterfall Luxury Small-Group Day Tour with Lunch!
This is actually a slightly longer tour than the other two we’ve covered so far, clocking in at 8 hours long. Start off by being picked up from your accommodations at 9:00 am by a luxury Mercedes van perfect for relaxing in and enjoying the view.
Oh, and we loved that the guide provided us with plenty of snacks, waters, and coffee throughout the day – yay, caffeine!
Your first stop is the charming little town of Snoqualmie, known for its natural beauty and high quality of living. Take a breather and enjoy some freshly-made tea, coffee, and warm pastries as you learn all about the area’s history.
If you’d like, you can also explore the Northwest Railway Museum, which features a heritage railway, depot, exhibit hall, library, and more!
Next is Snoqualmie Falls, where you’ll learn about how important they are to the local Native Americans, and take plenty of photos. If you’d like, you can go on a 1/2-mile hike through the nearby forest, where you’ll be able to breathe in the fresh, pine-tree-scented air.
Then, fuel up at the Heritage Restaurant and Bar before finally heading over to the wineries for some entertaining and educational tastings!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour
- Duration: 8 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 10:00 am
- Includes: All tasting fees covered at local wineries, TripAdvisor “Hall of Fame” professional naturalist guide, Lunch with local wine, Snacks, water, sparkling water, and more, Additional warm clothing available upon request, Transportation in a new Ford Transit van
It’s hard to have a bad time when you’re seeing amazing waterfalls, sipping on delicious wine, and trying tasty snacks! You’ll get all that and more with the Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour!
This 8-hour excursion is for intimate, small groups only, so it’s basically like having a local expert friend take you around to all the best spots!
You’ll first be picked up from your hotel, riding in a luxury vehicle for the half-hour it takes to get to the Woodinville wine country. Enjoy the view over Lake Washington as you drive from Seattle, up north, as your guide transforms Washington’s history into a fascinating story!
Your first stop is Snoqualmie Falls, where you’ll get to see them from fantastic viewpoints, enjoying the variety of native vegetation and the white falls.
After strolling around on the boardwalk, you’ll make your way to the Willaim Grassie Wine Estates for a private tasting and fall lunch, surrounded by the alluring grapevines. This rural area is absolutely a great way to relax the mind.
Your next stop is Woodinville, where you’ll have the chance to do an exclusive tour of some of the best wineries out there. The wineries you explore will all depend on your group’s specific preferences, so you have the best experience possible.
One tour you’re going to love is that of the Patterson Cellars – Hollywood Hill. These award-winning winemakers really know how to create a tasty batch of wine!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Snoqualmie Falls and Wineries Tour from Seattle
- Duration: 6 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 9:30 am
- Includes: Snacks, Bottled water, Driver guide
Easily one of the best day trips from Seattle, you’ll get to have a little outdoor adventure with the Snoqualmie Falls and Wineries Tour from Seattle!
We loved how flexible the itinerary was, as the guide took our interests into account with going to the places that interested us most. If you’re interested in an experience that’s never rushed or too cookie-cutter, you’re in for a real treat with this one.
You’ll be first picked up at your hotel at 9:30 am by luxury vehicle, then travel over the impressive Lacey V. Murorw Memorial Bridge, passing the pretty Mercer Island on the way to Snoqualmie.
Once you get to the falls, you’ll have about an hour to learn about them, take in the views at the upper observation deck, go for a quick hike, or check out the lower observation deck below.
After stretching those legs, you’ll head back to the vehicle and head on over to Woodinville, where some of the best wineries in the world call home.
Check out the top-of-its-class Chateau Ste. Michelle, where you’ll be able to sit down and partake in professional wine tastings with an expert sommelier to guide you. If you’d like, you can also choose to have a delicious lunch on-site, which we highly recommend!
They’ll teach you how to pair wines perfectly every time, as well as the differences between the different types.
Our guide also gave us the choice of checking out a whiskey distillery, but this will of course depend on the specific interests of you and your group. We appreciated their willingness to accommodate all of us – not to mention the safe and easy driving they exhibited along the way.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
FAQS About Seattle Winery Tours
How long are the winery tours ?
The length of your tour will depend on how many wineries and whether or not you visit Snoqualmie Falls. Most tours are between 4 to 6 hours and you will do tastings at 2 to 4 wineries.
What types of wine will I be tasting?
Chardonnay: This is a white wine made is one of the most popular wines made in Washington state. Chardonnay ranges from crisp and refreshing to rich and buttery. Wineries that make Chardonnay in Woodinville are Chateau Ste Michelle, Novelty Hill Januik, and Kerloo Cellars.
Merlot: This red wine is the most popular vinted in Washington state. Merlot is known for its soft and smooth texture, medium body, and fruity flavors. Wineries that make Merlot Woodinville are DeLille Cellars, Mark Ryan Winery, and Structure Cellars.
Cabernet Sauvignon: This popular red wine is has a full body, firm tannins and complex aromas. Wineries that make Cabernet Sauvignon in Woodinville are LβEcole No 41, Betz Family Winery, and Latta Wines.
Syrah: This is a red wine made is also called Shiran and one of the most distinctive wines in Washington state. It has a variety of flavors from spicy/smoky to peppery. Wineries that make Syrah in Woodinville are Avennia, K Vintners, and Kerloo Cellars
What wineries will I do tastings at in Woodinville?
Most of the tours have room for some flexibility, so but it’s likely you will stop at one or more of these:
- Chateau Ste. Michelle: Ste. Michelle has been known to be at the top of its game since its inception, producing class wines for any price point. You really aren’t going to be able to get a high-quality bottle of wine like theirs for under $15 anywhere else. Their Dry Riesling is world-class, and one of those best bang for your buck wines if you’re trying to impress a date or use for a nice dinner.
- DeLille Cellars: DeLille has a beautiful new tasting room and patio are incredible for the summer and autumn seasons, where you can see the natural beauty just outside. Their Chaleur Blanc is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, and we swear it’s tastier every time we try it. Their Lounge restaurant has a full-food menu, which tons of delicious options, too.
- Gorman: You can literally play guitar here, which would be enough for me. However, their delicious Red Mountain reds and full-bodied Chardonnays are another attraction worth staying for.
- Betz Family: They’ve now spent over 30 years perfecting their high-end Bordeaux and RhΓ΄ne-style wines that make you feel like you’ve just been transported to Europe. Their Cabernet Sauvignon and 4 different Syrahs are maginficent.
- Matthews Winery: Matthews is one of the oldest and most well-respected wineries in Woodinville, and is famously “inspired by Bordeaux”. Try both their Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc!
- Two Vintners: This is yet another producer of great RhΓ΄ne-style wine, although we love their classic Columbia Valley Syrah, as well.
Tips for Visiting Snoqualmie Falls
Since most of the winery tours also visit the falls because it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the state.
Bring Some Gear – Cameras, rain jackets/ponchos, comfortable shoes for walking and hiking, and a hat are never a bad idea.
Observation Decks – There are 2 main observation decks: an upper and a lower. The lower observation deck is a great up-close way to see the falls, and you can take a brief trail up to the upper deck if you feel like. In the summertime, there’s usually more water on the bottom, but in the winter it seems almost dry.
Gift Shop – The gift shop is so much more than just some “Snoqualmie Falls” hats and t-shirts. Their Country Store is here, which sells some incredible homemade mixes, jams, honeys, and spreads (try them all!).
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The Snoqualmie Falls and Woodinville Wineries Day Trip from Seattle is our Editors Choice for the best Seattle wineries tour