WINERIES
Rainier View Winery and Nursery
The name says it all. Enjoy a relaxing wine tasting experience with a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier at this winery located in Graham. Rainier View prides itself on crafting European style wines without preservatives or tannins, resulting in a more vibrant taste. Plan a fun tasting event with your friends, enjoy their outdoor seating on a sunny day, and be sure to visit their nursery from April through August. Wine and gorgeous plants in one place? We’re already on our way.
Marcus Sophia Winery
Also located in Graham, Marcus Sophia Winery is for those seeking something a bit more personalized and intimate… we’re looking at you, love-birds and besties. This appointment-only destination was founded by Leala Cramer, a certified wine professional and former personal chef. They focus on small-batch wines made from premium Washington vineyards—including Yakima Valley, Walla Walla, and Horse Heaven Hills. Get your reservation booked for what’s likely the quietest and coziest wine tasting you’ll ever experience.
Reed’s Sweet Wine
Enjoy the literal fruits of Jessica Reed’s labor at her destination in Tacoma. Reed’s Sweet Wine specializes in luscious, fruit-forward, dessert-adjacent wines. Book a tasting to try their selection of crisp berry blends, aromatic muscats, or dessert-style specialties, like Cake Batter or Cherry Apple Pie. Better yet, make it a whole weekend and reserve one of their guest rooms or a spot for your RV!
Kalamar Winery
Love reds? Kalamar Winery, located on Lake Tapps, is calling your name. They specialize in small batch reds, and the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. Plus, Kalamar is a true family affair. Owners Mark and Lisa pour their expertise into each batch of wine, Mark’s brother, Greg, painted the beautiful design that graces each bottle’s label, photographs taken by Mark’s other brother, Todd, grace the walls of the winery and Mark’s mother hand painted the winery’s walls to give them an Italian flair. Appreciate fine art and fine wine during their free wine tastings which are held most Fridays from 5pm – 8pm. Contact them directly or check for their Facebook page for confirmed tasting dates and special events.
Shiloh Estate Cellars
Another one for the red wine aficionados is Shiloh Estate Cellars in Sumner. They specialize in old-world-style reds, meaning red wines made in the austere, complex, less-fruity traditions of European wineries. Family-owned and operated, this boutique winery only makes about 100 cases of wine a year, so each bottle is truly a rare treat. They offer tastings by appointment, so don’t forget to add it to your travel itinerary. Check out their hard ciders too!
Chorus Frog
Tucked away in a quiet Edgewood neighborhood, Chorus Frog is family-and-dog-friendly and ready to treat you to their hand-crafted reds, whites and rosés. Owners Leaann and Michael Stacey are American Wine Society (AWS) members as well as AWS-certified judges who participate in wine competitions throughout the United States, so we’re pretty confident their wine creations are palate pleasing! Chorus Frog is typically open on Saturdays and Sundays, but it is recommended you call or check their socials for confirmed days and times as their winery is located on their home property.
Stringtown Cellars and Lavender Farm
When you want an experience that includes wine and a few extras, visit Stringtown Cellars and Lavender Farm in Eatonville. As their name states, they are indeed a lavender farm as well as a Christmas Tree farm in the winter. You’ll also find an assortment of gifts in their gift shop, and you may even strike up a friendly conversation with owner, John Adams. A great option if you’re craving an afternoon excursion that goes beyond wine tasting.
Two Loons
A self-described nano-winery, Two Loons is for the unpretentious wine lover—there aren’t many bells and whistles to their wine offerings, but the owners release carefully made, “unfiltered and unfined” wines without the gall of calling them “natural.” They also sell their wines exclusively at their Gig Harbor winery, making them the perfect souvenir gift. “We have more fun than should be allowed,” says their website. Aren’t you intrigued?
WINE BARS AND TASTING ROOMS
Browne Family Vineyards
You might stumble into the Browne Family Vineyards tasting room while visiting Tacoma’s adorable Proctor District, as it’s located between Washington’s longest-operating bowling alley and a vintage movie theater. Don’t just peek your head in! Though charmingly small, they have a stacked wine list and their own distilled whiskey, gin, and vodka.
Dahlman Cellars Tasting Room
Visit this cozy, intimate space located in the heart of the Stadium District to taste wines that have been carefully crafted by husband and wife team, Jim and Andrea Dahlman. Their belief is that wine should be approachable and fun, and that’s the vibe they strive for in their tasting room. If you’re looking for an experience that’s casual, relaxing, welcoming, and laid back, reserve your tasting at Dahlman.
Structure Cellars
Fans of Seattle-based Structure Cellars don’t need to make the trek north when there’s a welcoming tasting room in the heart of Tacoma. Learn all that goes into each pour from their knowledgeable staff, relax in their lounge area, and take in a beautiful Tacoma view.
Bordeaux Wine Bar
Though they’re named for a French wine region, Bordeaux specializes in all things Pacific Northwest. If you’re looking for a robust selection of Washington reds, whites, or wine with some extra sparkle, head to Bordeaux. Flights, delicious bites, and craft cocktails mean there’s something for everyone. Grab your friends or special someone and make your way to this cozy spot in Old Town Tacoma.
The Lazy Ballerina Wine Bar
Puyallup’s vibey wine bar will make you want to dress your best to fit the mood; they’re known for 1920s-themed new years’ celebrations, and the swirling candelabra and painted portraits on the walls really step outside the typical wine bar experience. From Washington to California to France to Argentina, their global wine offerings have options for all palates.
Tacoma Wine Merchants
This is where to go when you want to break beyond the Northwest wine borders and sample creations from around the globe. Old world, European wine and bubbly? You’ll find all that and much more at this family-owned shop and wine bar that has been serving wine enthusiasts since 2003. Try not to get overwhelmed by their extensive pour and wine flight list! It’s a big decision, but it will be worth it. And whatever you choose, pair it with some of their tasty bite offerings, like charcuterie and cheese boards.
The Buried Bottle
This intimate speakeasy tasting room is tucked into the theater district of Tacoma. Enjoy a warm, relaxing atmosphere for fun sips and shop over 300 different selections of wine. You can even bring your own food to pair with your tastings (we recommend a sushi platter from chef-owned Fujiya next door, or a spicy pile of pad thai from Chili Thai one street over).
Water From Wine
Can drinking wine help others get access to clean water? It can when you visit Water From Wine, a nonprofit whose mission is to fund global clean water projects. One hundred percent of revenue from Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon and Rosé are donated to organizations that work to provide clean water around the world. Visit Water from Wine’s tasting room on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma to swirl, sip and make a difference!
Wildside Wine
When Carol retired from teaching, she and her husband opened Wildside Wines as a fun retirement project. They are also avid members of the local cyclist community, so it’s not uncommon to see their friends’ bikes parked in front of the shop. They recently moved from Tacoma to a new location in Fircrest, so stop by and say hello.
Mastrogiannis Distillery and Winery
If you’re planning a Saturday outing in the Lakewood area, check out Mastrogiannis Distillery and Winery. Make sure you make a reservation first as it is by appointment only! Known mostly for their award winning Brandy, you can also taste their rosé and vermouth, plus get a tour of the distillery. This is perfect for those who crave more of that “behind the scenes” experience.
Gig Harbor Wine Co.
Friends, family and even dogs are welcome to gather at Gig Harbor Wine Co.’s tasting room in Gig Harbor. Their assortment of Columbia Valley wines are unapologetically bold, and each bottle contains a local story on the back of the label. They have snacks available, and encourage outside food as well—these bold reds would pair well with the Tacos Pastor from El Pueblito, or a lively curry from Family Thai Hut!
Hidden Harbor Wine Library
A family dreamed of bringing some of Washington’s best wines to the Kitsap Peninsula, so that’s exactly what they did. Hidden Harbor Wine Library is a communal gathering spot that offers some of Washington State’s best wines. You’ll feel like you experienced the best of Woodinville, minus the traffic and crowds. An extra bonus? It’s right on the water with a view. The library also hosts special events and live music, so check out the event calendar on their website.
WINE WHILE YOU DINE
Field Bar
If you know anything about food, it’s likely you already know about Field Bar on Tacoma’s 6th Ave. In addition to the fantastic seasonal food, they focus on low-intervention wines from all over the world. Their Dope Dinner Series events provide a full dinner with wine pairings, co-hosted by a guest winemaker. Cozy, intimate, delicious.
Are there any wineries, tasting rooms or restaurants you’d add to this list? Tag us at @visittacomapiercecounty and let us know.
