44 Best Sights in Washington Wine Country, Washington

Although this rails-to-trails multiuse throughway stretches for 250 miles across Washington, following the former route of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad, this section over the Cascades and into Cle Elum is one of the more scenic and popular. Formerly known variously as the John Wayne Pioneer and Iron Horse Trail, it climbs over Snoqualmie Pass, burrows through Snoqualmie Tunnel (it's closed in winter), and then runs alongside several alpine lakes on its way to the old rail station in South Cle Elum (an excellent place to pick up the trail). From here you can also continue east toward the Columbia River through Ellensburg, if you're up for a longer adventure. The headquarters of this linear park is at Lake Easton State Park, 15 miles west of Cle Elum and just off Interstate 90. The trail is open to hiking, jogging, biking, and horseback riding, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

One of the early Yakima Valley wineries, established in 1981, Portteus is beloved by red-wine drinkers and offers one of the better tasting deals in the region: eight of the winery's many varieties for $5. Options includes Malbec, Syrah, Zinfandel, and several Italian grapes, with Barbera leading the pack. The modest tasting room sits among acres of vineyards with nice Mt. Adams views.

This historic estate on the 1,200-foot southern slopes of the Rattlesnake Hills often some of the best valley views in Zillah. With both a large deck and well-manicured lawn with a soothing fountain, the winery stands out for its Cabernet Sauvignon, sweet and dry Rieslings, Roza red blend, and Chardonnay.

It's named for the calcium carbonate in the earth beneath it—Terra Blanca is Latin for "white earth"—and from this favorable soil grow wine grapes that produce the winery's specialties: Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Albariño, and Chardonnay. This picturesque estate winery offers sweeping views of the Red Mountain region, and also has one of the only restaurants in Benton City, the Vineyard Grill, which served refined Pacific Northwest fare from Friday through Sunday. 

Established in 1987, one of Prosser's top mid-price wineries features Wade Wolfe's unusual blends, including a tropical fruit–forward white Pinot Gris–Viognier and a velvety Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Lemberger blend known as Dr. Wolfe's Family Red.

This small, friendly town a few miles from Zillah is worth a stop for its more than 80 colorful murals adorning the facades and exterior walls. Commissioned since 1989 by the Toppenish Mural Association and done in a variety of styles by regional artists, they commemorate the town's history and Western spirit. The town lies within the nearly 2,200-square-mile Yakama Reservation and is home to a number of affordable, family-run Mexican restaurants—more than 80% of its 8,800 residents identify as Hispanic or Latino.

This contemporary timber-frame winery and tasting room on a sunny slope at the south end of Benton City is the brainchild of Chris Upchurch, founding winemaker of acclaimed DeLille Cellars and one of Washington's pioneers in aging wines in concrete tanks, a practice with Roman roots. Focused on sustainable vineyard management, his winery produces a short but critically acclaimed list of mostly Bordeaux-style wines.

One of Yakima Valley's most buzzed-about winemakers, Wautoma Springs was founded by Jessica Munnell and Tom Merkle, two highly respected names in the state's viticultural community. They've quickly developed a following for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with melon and grapefruit notes, and an inky reserve Malbec (it's actually named Inky) that you'll want to serve at your next steak dinner. The tasting room is in a newer section of Vintner's Village, in an airy, high-ceilinged building with comfy seating.

This relative new kid in the valley has quickly earned kudos for its value-friendly bottles, many of them priced below the $25 mark, including a silky, steak-friendly Cabernet Sauvignon and a bright and light rosé that's ideal on a hot summer night of grilling. If visiting the high-ceilinged tasting room on a cool day, opt for a seat by the fireplace or out on the patio, which is warmed by a fire table and space heaters. 

This six-building complex just outside Toppenish has a fascinating museum of history and culture related to the Yakama Nation, which occupies a 2,200-square-mile reservation. (It's a little bigger than the state of Delaware.) Holdings include costumes, basketry, beadwork, and reconstructions of traditional lodges. Tribal dances and other cultural events are often staged in the Heritage Theater. The complex also includes a gift shop, restaurant, and library.

Just off Interstate 82 on the east side of the city, this 46-acre parklike property features hundreds of different plants, flowers, and trees. A Japanese garden and a wetland trail are highlights. The arboretum sits alongside the Yakima River and the 10-mile-long Yakima Greenway, a paved path that links a series of riverfront parks.

One of central Washington's most dramatic drives, this 27-mile journey alongside the region's defining river twists and turns beneath towering 2,000-foot sagebrush-carpeted cliffs and volcanic basalt outcroppings. There are four well-marked BLM recreation areas—each with picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, campgrounds, nature trails, and boat ramps—along the drive, which provides a stunningly scenic alternative to Interstate 82 between Ellensburg and Yakima. A few local companies, including Yakima River Tubing ( www.yakimarivertubing.com) offer family-friendly float trips along this generally gentle stretch of river, which is also popular among trout fly-fishing enthusiasts. Keep your eye out for eagles and other raptors circling overhead. At the north end of the canyon in 64-acre Helen McCabe State Park, construction is underway on a sleek, contemporary interpretive center that will educate visitors about the canyon and the region's thriving indigenous culture, and feature trails and a fishing pond; visit  www.ycic.org for news about the anticipated opening date. 

Exhibits at this history museum on the west side of town focus on Yakama native, pioneer, and 20th-century history, ranging from horse-drawn vehicles to a "neon garden" of street signs. Highlights include a beekeeping exhibit, a wealth of Yakama Tribe art and artifacts, and a model of Yakima native and Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas's Washington, D.C., office.