Relish private accommodations at a winery vacation rental where ‘getting back to nature’ doesn’t mean having to rough it
Written by Pamela & Gary Baker
GETTING AWAY to nature is a splendid way to recharge and rejuvenate. Luxuriate in private lodgings at any of these seven winery vacation rentals that offer stunning natural surroundings and a host of guest amenities. And, of course, where great wine is abundant.
Modern Cottages with River Views: Lone Point Cellars
Located in: North Central Washington
Owners Jim and Dana Divis started with a 12-acre apple orchard in the sunny foothills of North Central Washington and grew it into a 200-acre operation. When they decided to get into wine making, they envisioned three simple components: a winery, a restaurant, and cottages. “It’s a destination,” Dana says, “and guests needed a place to stay.” Today, they have six cottages at the winery, which is located near the city of Brewster. The property overlooks vineyards and orchards stretching to the colossal Columbia River at its confluence with the Okanagan River.
The name Lone Point reflects the bluff near the winery and their devotion for raising “pointers,” or hunting dogs. The scenery is truly extraordinary, with panoramic vistas that extend for miles, taking in expansive apple trees, cherry trees and vineyards. “We designed each cottage to have that modern, rustic look to match our surroundings. It’s really a reflection of us and our family and our life,” says Dana. “Guests feel like they can step away from the busyness of life and enjoy the moment with a good glass of wine.”
The modern cottages come equipped with a gas fireplace, kitchenette, king-size bed, walk-in glass shower, and a 180-degree view of the Columbia Valley from the outside deck. Each cottage features an indigenous upland bird theme and they are, of course, pet friendly. A dinner restaurant is on-site, with additional heated outdoor seating as well as a take-out menu.
What To Do Nearby: Dramatic river views from Lone Point Ridge provide bird watching and wildlife viewing. Gamble Sands Golf Course is close by, and biking and hiking are available at two nearby parks—Alta Lake State Park and Fort Okanagan Interpretive Center. Boating and rafting are popular activities at Lake Pateros recreational area.
Reserve Now: www.lonepointcellars.com
A Casita In A Vineyard: Castillo de Feliciana Winery
Located in: Walla Walla Valley
Just southwest of Walla Walla’s city limits sits one of the most charming and romantic private vacation homes, situated next to rolling hills of vineyards. By design, both Castillo de Feliciana Winery and the casita were inspired by the architecture of Andalusia, the southernmost region of Spain. Proud of her Spanish heritage, owner Deborah Castillo says, “We love inviting people to slow down, relax and experience true Spanish hospitality.”
The winery and estate tasting room are within easy walking distance from La Casita. The lovely, renovated vacation rental offers many built-in amenities and well-furnished, yet cozy Spanish decor. It features a complete kitchen, along with a king-sized bed, sofa sleeper and walk-in shower. A tranquil creek meanders below the vineyard, adding to the natural peacefulness of the property.
Deborah hopes her guests take away fond memories of their quiet stay at La Casita, Castillo de Feliciana, which means, The Little House at the Castle of Happiness.
What To Do Nearby: It’s an easy drive to Walla Walla to visit shops, tasting rooms, galleries, and restaurants. Fort Walla Walla, a walking museum, is worth a stop to see the cultural and historical heritage of the Walla Walla Valley. Pioneer Park features a rose garden, large pond and some of the oldest trees in the state of Washington.
Reserve Now: www.castillodefeliciana.com
Vineyard Farmhouse On An Island: Dancing Fish Vineyards
Located on: Whidbey Island
On Puget Sound’s Whidbey Island, you’ll find a five-star hospitality destination in the renovated two-bedroom Vineyard House at Dancing Fish Vineyards. With two bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths, the accommodations are ideal for two couples, but the house sleeps up to six people.
With a shared passion for fine wines and entertaining, owners Brad and Nancy Thompson love hosting guests. “The Vineyard House, with its spacious living room and private courtyard, is the perfect place for a getaway gathering of friends and family,” says Brad.
This restored farmhouse overlooks a half-dozen acres of manicured vineyards and lawns. And it is steps away from the winery’s restored barn, patios and tasting room. A quick ferry ride from the mainland, this island getaway is pet friendly. Nancy says the features in the guesthouse often pleasantly surprise guests, where a gourmet kitchen, propane fireplaces and claw foot bathtub await.
The Thompsons work to ensure every guest takes away the “magical gift” of rejuvenation after a stay at this island farmhouse, an easy escape from the mainland only a short ferry passage across Puget Sound.
What To Do Nearby: The property is an easy stroll to downtown Freeland’s restaurants, shops, and galleries. It’s mere moments from hiking trails and local beaches; Double Bluff Beach offers sunbathing and swimming. There are two 18-holers of significance, Holmes Harbor Golf Course and Useless Bay Golf and Country Club. Gray Whale Tours leaves from the wharf at Langley. An earth sanctuary for birds and wildlife, and 44-acre Whidbey Island Wetlands Preserve are also close by.
Reserve Now: www.dancingfishvineyards.com
Hot Tub Glamping: Freehand Cellars
Located in: Yakima Valley
The two guesthouse suites at Freeland Cellars in Wapato are so in-demand that owners Eduardo Oliveira and James Desarno recently added a glamping option vis-à-vis a shiny, brand new Airstream trailer. The various rental accommodations are steps away from the chic wine tasting room and surrounded by vineyards and orchards with sweeping vistas above the Yakima Valley floor.
“Eduardo and James came to Yakima Valley in search of an investment in lodging and vacation-stay property,” says general manager Tyra Bleek. “But their search resulted in purchasing one of the most beautiful wineries in the Yakima Valley.” Factor in breathtaking views, scrumptious small plates, music, and good vibes and it’s easy to see why Freehand Cellars is successful.
“Glamping has never been so good,” says Tyra, explaining that guests can order a five-wine flight and charcuterie board from the winery, delivered directly to their door. Guests come to enjoy the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of hot tub soaking, wine sipping, and valley viewing—all from the privacy of their deck.
The Airstream, known affectionately as “Our Happy Place,” is well-lit inside, with a fully equipped kitchenette and queen size bed. Staff provide such heartfelt hospitality that many guests return to stay again.
What To Do Nearby: The Yakima Valley is home to 120 wineries where tasting rooms abound. In the immediate vicinity, don’t miss Treveri Cellars, J. Bell Cellars, Owen Roe and Fortuity Cellars. Restaurants in the city of Yakima are a short drive away. Delve further into nature with a day hike or picnic on the beautiful Cowiche Canyon trails, or walk the zig-zag trail behind the winery that leads to the top of the ridge.
Reserve Now: www.freehandcellars.com
Villa In A Vineyard: Bianchi Vineyards
Located in: Central Washington
When Doug and Kimberley Bianchi sought a place to build their winery, they found a former 10-acre orchard in east Wenatchee. At the time, there were three buildings on the property—a house, a pole building, and a former orchard residence. The house became their home, the pole building became the winery, and they transformed the orchard residence into an elegant, rustic mini-vacation villa.
“Everybody’s in awe of the views. When guests arrive, the first thing they do is take out their phones and start taking pictures,” says Kim.
Doug adds, “People come to enjoy the peace and quiet. They feel like they are able to escape.” Whether guests are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just visiting Kim prepares a welcome sign for new arrivals, making them feel like VIPs.
The villa has two bedrooms, one bath, and can sleep up to six people. With a brand-new kitchen and spacious, stylish living room, the rental provides a comfortable setting to enjoy life on a winery. Built on a gentle southern slope, guests are afforded a magnificent view of the Columbia River Valley up to the Cascade Mountains in one direction. As you pan to the east, the view looks down on the Columbia River Gorge.
What To Do Nearby: Savor fine dining and wine tasting at nearby Chateau Faire Le Pont in downtown Wenachee, an award-winning winery and on-site restaurant. Two neighboring state parks, Lincoln Rock and Daroga, offer trail hiking. Walking or cycling alongside the river at the Confluence Park can be exciting, as is riding along the Apple Capital Loop Trail. Kayaking and rafting are popular on the Columbia and Wenatchee Rivers. In winter, there is alpine skiing at Mission Ridge Resort.
Reserve Now: www.bianchivineyards.com
Lake View Guest House: Nefarious Cellars
Located at: Lake Chelan
For those who want to experience what it’s like to live on a winery, Nefarious Cellars offers guests an opportunity to rent its spacious two-story loft just steps from the winery’s tasting room. But the best feature of this rental is the postcard perfect, panoramic view of Lake Chelan and the vineyards.
The first winery on Lake Chelan to offer on-site accommodations, owner Heather Neff says she and her husband turned their former home into a short-term rental. “We wanted to be able to give people an opportunity to live on a winery and be in the midst of a winery operation,” she points out.
The guest house comes with a private entrance from the tasting room. French doors lead to a patio shared with the tasting room by day. But when the gates close after hours, the patio is available only to guests staying in the rental. “It’s here that the views of the lake are magical,” Heather says.
With two bedrooms, a bath and a half, and a spacious kitchen, the winery house is perfect for a family or two couples. Heather says, “We want our guests to be in a place that feels like home, a special place.”
What To Do Nearby: Over 30 wine tasting rooms hug the shores and hillsides of the breathtaking Lake Chelan Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), including Tsillan Cellars & Sorrento’s Ristorante, Hard Row to Hoe, Rocky Pond, C.R. Sandidge Wines, Tipsy Canyon and Cairdeas. Boating, golf, hiking, biking and camping are also plentiful. Sandy beaches of Lake Chelan State Park are close by. The guest house is only a few miles from downtown Chelan where a one-mile, paved scenic river loop trail beckons at the Riverwalk Park.
Reserve Now: nefariouscellars.com
Tiny House In A Vineyard: Alexandria Nicole Cellars
Located near: Prosser
Situated in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA outside of Prosser, Alexandria Nicole Cellars offers guests an opportunity to stay in a tiny house surrounded by vineyards. “Our whole goal was to provide people who were visiting the area with a place to stay and get a glimpse of vineyard living,” says owner Ali Boyle. Two Washington builders competing in an HGTV tiny house competition built their first two vineyard houses in 2015. Now the winery has four tiny houses including the smallest of them all at 218 square feet, the Affinity Albarino.
“Guests especially enjoy long walks, biking in the vineyard, or taking in the starry nights while warmed by the fire pit and enjoying a bottle of wine,” Ali says. “It’s a very peaceful environment that makes guests feel very connected to it.” She says each guest gets special VIP treatment and an opportunity to see the craft of winemaking up close.
Located about 40 miles from the nearest grocery store, guests are encouraged to come prepared to cook their own meals. Even though this house is small, the Affinity sleeps two people, has a private bathroom with full-size walk-in shower, and a kitchen with full-sized appliances. Guests can barbeque on a spacious deck while admiring views of the vineyard or Columbia River. There is also a firepit on the deck.
What To Do Nearby: Bike riding in the vineyards is encouraged, as well as long walks around the property. Crow Butte Park, located on an island in the Columbia River, is so close that it can be seen from the tiny houses—there you can fish, kayak, or swim in the river.
Reserve Now:
www.anctinyhouses.com