Wineries
- By Jani Gonzalez
- Apr 20, 2016
- 4 min read
If you are looking to plan a unique experience, either for travel or for your wedding day, why not look to the countless opportunities we have in the Pacific Northwest in the many vineyards that grace our countryside. Many wineries offer a beautiful backdrop for either the wedding, the reception, the rehearsal dinner, or all three! Make your day unique and a reflection of you. Here we offer just some of the places where you can visit on your travels or plan your romantic day. We also offer some of the new trends for today’s bride and groom. Be creative and above all, have fun!
1. Pend d’Oreille Winery
301 Cedar Street; Sandpoint, ID; 208.265.8544; powine.com.
Sandpoint is home to Pend d’Oreille Winery, run by husband and wife team of Steve and Julie Meyer, for the past 20 years. Steve learned the art of winemaking from the masters at the French vineyards. He and Julie invite you to taste from their selection of award-winning wines. Taste their Syrah which is a fan favorite! Stop also at the Bistro Rouge on the premises for a great pairing of food and wine. Throughout the year, the winery also hosts a series of events, including family-friendly ones such as their annual Harvest Party in addition to playing host to many music groups who perform there regularly. In addition, they have a wine club and monthly discounts on bottles and cases. Make this winery a day-trip destination this summer!
2. Coeur d’Alene Cellars
3890 N Schreiber Way, CDA; 208.664.2336; cdacellars.com
This family-owned winery is perfect for a Coeur d’Alene destination wedding. Founder, Kimber Gates, has wedding packages for you, or consider the winery for the rehearsal dinner. They can assist with the party preparation and coordinate parking for your event. On any given weekend, visitors can arrange for a wine tasting or host a wine-and-paint party. Make sure to sample their best-selling wine, the Viognier. All labels are designed by Sarah Gates, Kimber’s mother. Also ask about their wine club which delivers a different wine package every quarter.
3. Heart Rock Wines
6371 Kootenai St, Bonnerport Building; Bonners Ferry, ID; 208.290.4397; heartrockwines.com
Heart Rock Wines is headed by husband and wife team Kris and Lillian Lonborg. Their store is stock full of boutique wines from Washington, Idaho and Oregon, with a selection of Californian and international varietals as well. They offer wine tasting five days a week and will waive the fee if a bottle is purchased. Come and enjoy sampling some wine along with an assortment of cheese and cured meat platters, snacks or side dishes, or join their wine club! Heart Rock is also available for private parties and catering. This month, they are introducing craft beers, cider and mead in their Crosstime Saloon downstairs from Heart Rock Wines in the Bonnerport Building. Follow them on Facebook as they continue to update their selection of wine, beer and food!
4. Icicle Ridge Winery
8977 N Road; Peshastin, WA; 509.548.7019; icicleridgewinery.com.
Icicle Ridge Winery has two tasting rooms located in the quaint German-styled town of Leavenworth, Washington. Driving time is under four hours from Coeur d’Alene (224 miles) or about two and one-half hours (134.8 miles) from Seattle. Visiting this winery plus walking around the picturesque town of Leavenworth makes for a perfect weekend getaway. The winery also offers the unique pairing of wine and hiking, called the Wine Hikes. Hike a trail with them followed by a wine tasting back at the winery. Wine Hikes will be held May 28 and June 4, 11 and 18. They will also be hosting the White Party June 25 and the Tuscan Moon Dinner August 6.
5. Chateau St. Michelle
1411 NE 145th St.; Woodinville, WA; 425.488.1133; ste-michelle.com
Make another weekend trip of visiting Chateau St. Michelle, or maybe consider it for a destination wedding. Located in Woodinville, outside of Seattle, the winery has existed for just over 100 years, since 1912. Make a summer road trip to attend any of their 2016 Summer Concert Series with legendary musicians such as Paul Simon and Bob Dylan performing among other notable and cherished musicians. The concerts are held at the winery’s amphitheater. Concert-goers are invited to bring a picnic lunch. They also host monthly culinary events from which to choose.
6. Carl’s Pond Winery
Gig Harbor, WA; 253.906.2298’ carlspondwinery.com
Carl’s Pond Winery, run by friends Gary Sleeger and Frank Reale, and is named after Sleeger’s uncle by marriage, Carl Tweiten. Sleeger was inspired by Tweiten who built his home and landscaped the current site of the winery after being blinded in an accident. Sleeger and Reale use grapes from the Yakima Valley and Rattlesnake Hills in their wines. While the winery is currently a work in progress, their wines can be found in a variety of local stores and restaurants around Gig Harbor, or order online on their website. Check in with them this summer at the Sip and Stroll wine function by the Harbor History Museum.
7. Trillium Creek Winery
17812 G St., Lakebay, WA; 253.884.5746; www.trilliumcreekwinery.com
Trillium Creek Winery is the hobby-turned-business of Claude and Claudia Gahard. The couple started making wine on the side, and when they purchased their property on the Key Peninsula, they turned it into the Trillium Creek Winery. They grow their own grapes and also purchase them from other eastern Washington farms. Because of their individual tastes for wine – Claude, from France, prefers dry wines while Claudia likes the fruitier ones – they make both. Claudia says they grow their Pinot Noir grapes but bring in the ones for Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Cabernet, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. They recently added a blackberry wine. Boaters can be picked up at the marinas and driven to the tasting room too!
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