The 15 Best Wine Hotels in Washington State

Washington State is probably not the first destination that springs to mind when you think of North American wine, but this north-western region is already the second-largest producer of wine in the USA. But unlike Napa, it’s wine on the wild side! So you can expect sublime views of nature, from the boutique vineyards straddling the Colombia River, where bears and wolves make their home in the wild; the barren, desert-like landscape of Walla Walla; and the vineyards on the slopes of Red Mountain. The best wine hotels in Washington State contain a bit of that frontier spirit, and some of them are set in working wineries. Our pick of the best really does have something for everyone from boutique properties and romantic inns to luxury glamping.

For a chic boutique

• The Finch is a chic base to explore the vineyards of Walla Walla from. Rooms are comfortable and minimalist, streaming with light, and adorned with local art on the walls. White tiled bathrooms boast rainforest showerheads. Sip wine by the evening fire.

For a romantic getaway

• Set in gardens, the Wild Iris Inn is a homely choice for a romantic getaway. This charming boutique in La Conner has snug, traditional rooms, and suites. After a day out touring the nearby vineyards, unwind in the terrace hot tub and library, or get cosy by the fireplace.
• Eagle Harbor Inn is a gorgeous lakeside property near some of the best wineries in Washington State. A stone’s throw from the water, on Bainbridge Island, the rooms are gorgeously styled and cosy, and the leafy terraces and stunning views make it the perfect place for a romantic getaway.
• Hotel Pension Anna is another terrific alpine option for romantic stays. The white rooms with their exposed wooden beams and antique furnishings spill out to traditional wooden balconies, and the historic suites make for a warm couples’ getaway. The hearty Bavarian breakfast will be fuel for the engine when you set off for a tour of the local wineries and tasting rooms.
• Couples love the quiet, natural beauty and indulgence of Carson Ridge Cabins. These private cottages, chic yet rustic, are set by the Colombia River Gorge, and they offer a timeless and enchanting beauty. Relax with an in-room massage or enjoy a glass of wine by the firepit. Perfect for couples.
• The Barn B&B is a working farm with chic rooms — the perfect adults-only hideaway from which to explore Washington’s wine country. It’s only minutes away from twelve wineries, and a short drive from Walla Walla downtown, where you’ll find many wine tasting rooms. The seven spacious, elegant suites are perfect for privacy, with private outdoor entrances, and outdoor hot-water showers in the private gardens. A magical romantic getaway.

For an affordable stay

• An affordable option would be the Linderhof Inn. This family-run chalet-style hotel, set in Leavenworth, is homely with its European-inspired rooms full of hand painted furnishings. For familiy entertainment there's an outdoor pool and an 18-hole putting green. And the self catering apartments are ideal for those travelling with kids.

For wine-tasting

• If you want a quiet taste of Washington State’s best wines, head to the Ruby June Inn. Its wine bar is a local favourite, boasting a fine selection of regional wines. The stylish, light-filled rooms are plush yet homely, with houseplants and modern art. A cool country getaway, great for couples.

For a working winery

• If you want to hide in the middle of nowhere, head to Sagecliff Resort & Spa. Surrounded by gorges, rivers and rolling vineyards, this breath-taking four-star resort is a working winery — and the perfect romantic hideaway. Sleep in a luxury cave or yurt. Peruse the extensive, carefully curated wine list. Indulge yourself with a massage. Swim in the outdoor pool and take in the stunning scenery. Best of all, you can enjoy the views from your room, all of which spill out onto a terrace overlooking the river.
• Warm Springs Inn & Winery is another great working vineyard option. Set in an early 20th century mansion by the river, guests can enjoy sampling the hotel’s wine while taking in the stunning mountain and river views from their light-filled, idiosyncratic rooms complete with antiques, Persian rugs and polished wooden floors.
• The sleek cottages of Lone Point Cellars are set in a working winery, so it’s a great choice if you want to experience life on a vineyard. The rooms are minimalist, light-filled, and contemporary, with stunning mountain views. There’s a restaurant serving mouth-watering All-American fare, and the on-site BBQ is great for summer nights.

Adults-only

• Cameo Heights Mansion is another great option for couples. This adults-only boutique, in the heart of the Walla Walla wine region, is set amidst 400 acres of orchards and vineyards. It offers unparalleled intimacy, with its theatre room, outdoor pool and waterfall, and luxury rooms with sink-into beds and jetted tubs. The fine-dining restaurant is an elegant affair, using local produce and serving the finest regional wines. Best of all, the hotel will take you on a tour of Walla Walla in a stretched Lincoln Continental.

Nature’s hideaway

• Eritage Resort is a gorgeous nature hideaway. Situated by a lake and surrounded by vineyards, it’s perfect for couples seeking tranquillity and intimacy. Wine-lovers will enjoy the restaurant, which pairs locally-produced cuisine with regional wines. Romantics can expect breathtaking views from the private lakeside balconies that open out from the luxury rooms.
• The Inn at Abeja is a refined stay, deep in the countryside in a sea of sunny vineyards. These romantic cottages, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, are cosy little hideaways and wine-lovers will enjoy the short drives to some of the best vineyards in Washington State.

For families

• If you want a wine tour, but have to take the kids, the Green Gables Inn might be the one for you. Set in a historic mansion in tranquil gardens, you get easy access to local wineries and tours and tastings, combined with spacious, traditional guesthouses suitable for families. It's a warm and homely place, complete with fireplaces.

• Enzian Inn is a chalet-inspired hotel in Leavenworth that’s great for families. Guests can enjoy table tennis and racket ball, or go for a dip in the two pools, and everyone gets a free pass to the nearby putting course. The rooms have a homely feel, with hand-painted furnishings and hand-carved canopy beds.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include the best hotels in Washington State
• Or check out our collection for Napa Valley's wine hotels.
• You can also contact one of our Gurus for some bespoke advice.

 

Written by Edmund Wise

posted Tuesday, 6th August 2024