Why you should visit Spokane Washington wineries
This blog post covers the best wineries in Spokane, Washington.
Spokane Washington wineries combine small city charm with the best grapes grown in Washington State. If you love big bold red wines you’re in the right place.
This blog post explores the best local wineries in Spokane, Washington. First I’ll talk about the tasting rooms located in historic downtown Spokane. You can easily walk between these downtown wineries, which makes them super convenient.
The final few wineries on this list are located in Spokane’s suburbs.
Whether you stay in the city center or explore the suburbs you’re sure to enjoy some of the best wines in the city. Especially if you’re a red wine lover.
Washington State is full of wonderful wineries that craft top quality red wines and Spokane Washington wineries are no exception.
It’s time to explore Spokane’s small but mighty wine scene!
How to access Spokane Washington wineries
Spokane, Washington is a small city located in the Inland Northwest of the United States.
The best way to access Spokane Washington wineries is to simply fly into Spokane. The Spokane International Airport (GEG) has multiple flights a day from larger cities like Seattle, so it’s really very easy to book your flight. Plus the Spokane airport is under 15 minutes by car from the heart of downtown Spokane, Washington.
Once you’re in historic downtown Spokane you can easily walk to the first ten wineries on this list. They’re all within a few blocks of one another. Which I love! It’s so easy. You can also walk to the two wineries located in Kendall Yards (known as “Spokane’s Premier Urban Neighborhood”).
Most of the other wine regions I cover on this blog require you to rent a car. But not Spokane. You could fly into Spokane airport, take a taxi to your hotel downtown, and then just walk around downtown all weekend. I suspect ten winery tasting rooms could keep you occupied for a weekend.
But you will need a car to access the final wineries on this list because they’re located in the suburbs of Spokane. The Spokane suburbs I mention are Colbert, Liberty Lake, and Spokane Valley, Washington. You could rent a car at the airport or you could have a taxi or an Uber drive you to the wineries. It’s up to you.
If you want to combine your trip to Spokane with another destination that’s fine too. Spokane is close to other popular destinations in the Pacific Northwest like Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. It’s a short 35-40 minute drive to Coeur d’Alene. The nearest large city is Seattle, which is an approximately four hour drive from Spokane.
The best Spokane Washington wineries for a wine tasting
Winery tasting rooms in downtown Spokane
The following wineries are located in the supremely charming and very historic downtown Spokane. Lucky for you the heart of downtown Spokane is easily walkable.
One of the best parts of downtown Spokane is Riverfront Park where you can enjoy scenic views of the Spokane River. If you need to walk a bit in between wine tastings then check out Centennial Trail.
The trail runs directly through Riverfront Park before heading into the Gonzaga University district (although the trail goes much farther).
Robert Karl Cellars
Robert Karl Cellars is housed in a 1912 fire station in the historic warehouse district of Spokane.
The winemaker Joseph Gunselman sources grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Claret, and Merlot from the Horse Heaven Hills in the Columbia Valley.
This boutique winery is fairly small and specialized. They typically have between seven and nine small batch wines at any given time.
The Robert Karl Cellars tasting room is open Friday from 2-4 PM and Saturday from 12-4 PM. If you’d like to come another day of the week you can make a special wine tasting appointment.
V du V Wines
V du V Wines is an urban winery and tasting room. Since 2003 they’ve been making hand-crafted wines near downtown Spokane.
The V du V tasting room is open Friday 3-6 PM and Saturday 1-5 PM. They’re closed Sunday through Thursday.
The winery tasting room is located seven blocks east of Downtown Spokane (on the corner of Sprague and Scott).
Check out their monthly “First Friday” events that feature live music, art by local artists, and lots of wine.
Terra Blanca Winery
Terra Blanca Winery has a tasting room in downtown Spokane.
This Benton City winery created a Spokane outpost so more people could try their Red Mountain estate-produced wines.
This Red Mountain winery works with grapes like Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Albariño, Syrah, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.
The Terra Blanca Winery tasting room in Spokane is located on the first floor of the historic Chronicle building in downtown Spokane.
Their Spokane tasting room is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1-7 PM. On Fridays they’re open until 9 PM. They’re closed Sunday and Monday.
Helix Wines
Helix Wines comes from a family with a long farming history.
In 1883 the Tucker family traveled the Oregon Trail and settled in Helix, Oregon. Several generations later their ancestors founded Helix Wines (named after their Oregon farm obviously!).
Today this family-owned winery makes rich reds made from grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Merlot.
White wine lovers, never fear – Helix Wine also makes a Chardonnay and a Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine.
The Helix Wines downtown Spokane tasting room is open every day except for Monday. It’s open 1-6 PM on Sunday and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Friday and Saturday it’s open 1-7 PM.
Helix Wines has a second location in Walla Walla. They also own Reininger Winery, which is based in Walla Walla.
Barrister Winery
Greg Lipsker and Michael White were two attorneys who yearned to be winemakers. Together they founded Barrister Winery.
Their winery has a legal theme of course. A balance scale weighed down by grape clusters decorates their bottle labels. Some wines have fun legal themed names like “Rough Justice.”
Barrister Winery works with grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.
Barrister Winery has two tasting rooms in Spokane. Their downtown Spokane tasting room is housed in a 100-year-old brick building.
The Barrister Winery downtown tasting room is open seven days a week beginning at noon.
Vanetta Wines at the Loft
Vanetta Wines founder Dave Balsz discovered his passion for wine while stationed in Frankfurt, Germany.
Dave later earned a degree in Viticulture and Enology from Washington State University and the rest is history.
Vanetta Wines works with grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sémillon, Syrah, Malbec, and Pinot Noir.
Their tasting room called The Loft is located in Tamarack Event House’s loft lounge.
The loft tasting room is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 2-7 PM. On Friday and Saturday they’re open from 2-9 PM.
Cougar Crest Winery
Cougar Crest Winery has grown a lot in the last two decades.
In 1997 Deborah and David planted their first vines in Walla Walla, Washington. In 2001 they established Cougar Crest Winery. Shortly after they won awards at the Los Angeles Fair.
They’ve been making leaps and bounds ever since.
Cougar Crest Winery has four tasting rooms situated throughout Washington State. Their Spokane tasting room is located in downtown Spokane.
The Spokane tasting room is open Thursday through Monday from 12-6 PM. They’re closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Stop by Cougar Crest to try their estate grown wines like Malbec, Merlot, Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Verdot.
Overbluff Cellars
Overbluff Cellars makes handcrafted wine from fruit grown in the Walla Walla Valley.
Their tasting room is housed in a former warehouse in downtown Spokane. The historic building is beautifully restored with tall ceilings, large windows, exposed brick walls, and hardwood floors. There’s a sophisticated urban feel to the space that’s easy to like.
The Overbluff Cellars tasting room is open Friday and Saturday from 2-6 PM. You could also make a special appointment to taste wine.
Barili Cellars
Barili Cellars is a relatively new boutique winery. The name “Barili” is the Italian word for “barrels.”
The founders of Barili Cellars admire the Italian attitude that wine should be enjoyed every day with family and friends.
They work with grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Malbec, and Syrah.
Barili Cellars is a small winery and they’re open selectively. Their downtown tasting room is open the second Saturday of every month from 12-5 PM.
Barili Cellars is also open on the first Friday of every month from 4-9 PM. Guests can stop by for wine tastings during these two time frames.
Winery tasting rooms in the Kendall Yards neighborhood of Spokane
Kendall Yards is known as “Spokane’s Premier Urban Neighborhood” and for good reason. This polished neighborhood is an easy five minute walk from downtown Spokane. At the heart of Kendall Yards are two wineries we think you’ll enjoy.
Maryhill Winery Spokane Tasting Room
Maryhill Winery has multiple tasting rooms throughout Washington State. Owners Craig and Vicki Leuthold are Spokane natives, so of course they established a tasting room in their hometown.
The Maryhill Winery tasting room in Spokane is located in the upscale Kendall Yards neighborhood.
This 5,000 square-foot tasting room offers a balcony and 180-degree views of the Spokane River and downtown Spokane. They serve light bites to accompany their wines.
The wine tasting fee is $30 per person, which is waived with a $40 bottled wine purchase.
The Maryhill Winery Spokane Tasting Room is open seven days a week.
Craftsman Cellars
Craftsman Cellars makes premium Washington wine in a handcrafted way.
In January 2024 winery founders Greg and Margo Shelman announced they sold their business to a new family.
Frank and Joleen Walsh and their daughter Jessica Walsh are now the new owners of the Craftsman name.
They’ve continued to make craftsman style wines from grapes like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec.
The Craftsman Cellar tasting room is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 2-8 PM. They’re open Saturday from 12-8 PM and Sunday from 12-5 PM. They’re closed Monday and Tuesday.
Winery tasting rooms in other Spokane neighborhoods
Townshend Cellar
Townshend Cellar creates bold Bordeaux style reds from Washington State grapes.
They also make a few white wines (Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc) as well as dessert wines. A port style wine, a chocolate dessert wine, and a late harvest Cabernet Sauvignon round out Townshend’s offerings.
This family-owned winery began in 1998 when Don Townshend founded Townshend Cellar. He passed it along to Brendon Townshend who operates the winery with a focus on “innovation, sustainability, and community.”
Townshend Cellar is located in the Chief Garry Park neighborhood of Spokane. Their building is just a few miles east of downtown Spokane, which is a roughly ten minute drive.
The winery tasting room is open Friday and Saturday from 12-6 PM.
In an effort to save packaging they offer wine on tap. You can enjoy their wine straight from the keg into your glass. Or you can purchase one of their refillable bottles, which are nicknamed “Wowlers.”
Winescape Winery
Winescape Winery describes themselves as “nerdly.” Their founder Phil is a water scientist who specializes in biofilm engineering and microbiology.
Apparently his nerdly skills translate well to wine. In 2023 Great Northwest Wine named them a “Washington Winery to Watch.”
They source grapes from Eastern Washington winegrowing areas like the Red Mountain AVA, Yakima Valley AVA, Snipes Mountain AVA, and White Bluffs AVA.
The Winescape Winery tasting room is located in Spokane’s South Hill neighborhood.
The tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday from 2-7 PM.
Wineries just a short drive outside the city center
Winery tasting rooms in Spokane Valley, Washington
Spokane Valley is the largest suburb of the city of Spokane.
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars is a family-owned winery situated on the historic Cliff House Estate.
Their stunning property has a beautiful terrace that’s perfect for meals al fresco. Guests can choose from a full lunch menu of appetizers, salads, main dishes, and desserts.
And of course you can stop by for a tasting. The wine tasting fee is $20 for a flight of four pre-selected wines.
The Arbor Crest Wine Cellars tasting room and restaurant is open daily from 12-4:30 PM.
During the summer they host a concert series on Thursdays and Sundays from May through September. Live music plus wine? Count me in.
Latah Creek Wine Cellars
A father daughter winemaking team runs Latah Creek Wine Cellars. Mike and Natalie make affordable award-winning wines for Washington wine enthusiasts.
Their wines range from fruity varieties to bold reds with a tannic edge. They work with grape varieties such as Sangiovese, Merlot, Malbec, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Nebbiolo.
Latah Creek wines are ready to enjoy now or in a decade. It’s your choice.
The Latah Creek winery tasting room is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Winery tasting rooms in Liberty Lake, Washington
Liberty Lake Wine Cellars
Liberty Lake Wine Cellars is a boutique winery that makes bold rich reds from Red Mountain AVA grapes.
They work with grapes such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
Their second label named TAHIJA features grapes from other Washington State AVAs.
As the winery name suggests, they’re located in Liberty Lake, Washington. Their cellar is located about 16 miles from downtown Spokane, which is a relatively short drive.
The Liberty Lake Wine tasting room is open Friday from 12-8 PM. They’re also open Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 PM.
Winery tasting rooms in Colbert, Washington
Wildland Cooperative
Wildland Cooperative is a winery, brewery, farm, and market. Who wouldn’t want to visit a place that offers the best things in life?!
Despite a name that suggests they save birds in wildlife sanctuaries, Wildland Cooperative does in fact have wine.
Many of their wines are made in collaboration with Townshend Cellar, another Spokane area winery.
Their small batch wines (like the pétillant naturel) are pretty different from other wines you’ll find in the Spokane area. Which is reason enough to visit if you ask me.
Another reason to visit: beer! Wildland Cooperative offers beer on tap too so if your spouse happens to prefer fermented beverages of a different variety, you’re in good hands.
Their tasting room is bright, airy, and modern. There’s plenty of seating both inside and outside on the patio.
The Wildland Cooperative building in Colbert, Washington is located just under 16 miles from downtown Spokane. It’s well worth the short drive from the city center.
Trezzi Farm Winery
Trezzi Farm Winery is owned by an American woman who married an Italian man. Their winery channels their shared love for Italian wine and food.
Also, their winery has stunning views of the vineyards and mountains beyond.
Trezzi Farm Winery is located just over 16 miles north of downtown Spokane. Their tasting room (housed in a former tractor barn) is scheduled to be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
However, I highly suggest you call the winery to double check their availability before you drive out there. Trezzi hosts many weddings, which means the winery may be booked for a private event.
Similar wine regions to explore
Washington State wine towns worth a trip
Spokane Washington wineries are a great idea if you want to taste wine in a city setting.
The heart of Washington wine country lies in the Columbia Valley AVA. Walla Walla sits at the center of it all. It’s a small town with big bold red wines. Our list of Walla Walla wineries with lodging will help you figure out where to stay during your adventure.
The Tri-Cities area is a short one-hour drive from Walla Walla. Just outside the Tri-Cities lies the Red Mountain AVA. If I had to describe Red Mountain in one word I’d say it’s “special.” The mountain has ideal growing conditions and, as a result, its grapes are amongst the most prized in Washington State. Our list of the best Red Mountain wineries shows you which wineries to prioritize.
Prosser is another town near the Tri-Cities. Prosser is the perfect destination if you want to drink excellent wine in a setting that is, well, less pretentious than Walla Walla or the Willamette Valley. Our blog post covers Prosser wineries that offer great wine without too much pomp and circumstance.
Oregon wine destinations to visit
But if glitz is your thing, that’s totally fine. We’ve got a suggestion for you: the Willamette Valley. In 2023 Time magazine crowned the Willamette Valley “the next Napa.” It’s arguably the most famous wine growing region in Oregon State but it’s certainly not the only place worth visiting.
The Columbia River Gorge in general – and Hood River in particular – is home to fabulous wineries. Our list of the best Hood River wineries for organic and biodynamic wines is a great resource on the region.
Ashland, Oregon is another town worth a trip. Most people come for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. But I’d argue the wineries are worth a trip too. Many Ashland wineries have great views of the surrounding hills. There’s even a tasting room within walking distance of the theaters so you can discuss the plays with a glass of wine in hand.
Idaho wine country to check out
Idaho State has a thriving wine industry just waiting to be explored!
Eagle is a small town nestled in Idaho’s premier winegrowing region: Treasure Valley. These wineries in Eagle, Idaho offer everything from bold reds to fun sparkling wines. There’s something for everyone!
