While about only one percent of Washington state's wine grapes are grown west of the Cascade Mountain range, Pierce County produces quality wine with a taste special to the Pacific Northwest. The Tacoma area features urban wineries, wine bars and tasting rooms where visitors can sample--and stock up on--locally made vino made from the fruits of the Northwest. Wine enthusiasts can make a weekend out of treating their palates to a variety of wine tastings offered every weekend.
Tacoma + Pierce County offers off of the vine:
Stringtown Farms, is a u-cut lavender farm with a vineyard tucked away in the charming town of Eatonville. Winemaker John Adams has been growing grapes in the Puget Sound appellation and producing wine since 1992. Visit the tasting room to sample his farmhouse red while enjoying an unrivaled view of Mount Rainier. While you're there stock up on all-natural lavender products.
Vino Aquino, a family owned winery in Tacoma that offers 20 different wines. All wines are made onsite and are available for tasting. They even host personal wine tasting parties. Visitors bring the food, Vino Aquino brings the bartender.
Stina's Cellars, an award-winning winery known for producing small lots of premium wines at affordable prices. Winemaker Perry Preston gets his grapes from Eastern and Western Washington and blends them locally in Lakewood. Enjoy a wine tasting with Perry himself!
Palouse Winery, an island winery on Vashon Island produces some of the Northwest's finest award winning wines. Visitors can attend a weekend tasting and chat one-on-one with vintners George and Linda Kirkish. Enjoy the company of the couples' Yorkies, Scoobie and Skylar.
21 Cellars, an urban boutique winery in Tacoma showcasing the finest characteristics of Washington's premier grape growing regions. Winemaker Philip Coates uses old-world and highly innovative winemaking techniques to create his vino, all of which can be sampled onsite.
Upcoming wine events:
Gig Harbor Wine + Food Festival, July 14
Taste of Tacoma, June 29-July 1
