IN A TEEPEE
Cherry Wood Bed Breakfast and Barn, Zillah
Cowboy up! Upscale-meets-rustic at this Yakima Valley bed and breakfast with western flair and peaceful pastoral surroundings. Sleep in 20-foot tall posh teepees complete with comfy beds topped with feathery down comforters. Owner and trail boss Pepper Fewel serves up a home-style seasonal hand-cooked breakfast of Swedish pancakes with lingonberry butter, spicy herbed eggs, homemade donut holes or stuffed crepes with cherry sauce. Laze away the day, or take a horseback winery tour through vineyards surrounding the property, stopping in for tastings at local wineries. As evening falls, soak in the warm calming waters of an outdoor tub, gazing at the open sky and sunset. www.cherrywoodbbandb.com
IN A YURT
The Yurts of Cave B Inn & Spa, Quincy
During the warmer months, thousands trek from all over the state to attend weekly concerts at The Gorge Amphitheater, just southwest of Quincy. Located a mile away is a refuge from the crowds. The Cave B Inn & Spa is a picturesque cliff-side resort with a restaurant, spa, winery, vineyards and dramatic views of the Columbia River and gorge. The Yurts of Cave B Inn offer the same spectacular views and resort amenities, but with a rustic take on the classic inn. Nestled amongst estate vineyards, each circular Douglas Fir-framed Yurt has a king-size bed with sky dome above, private in-yurt bathroom, and even an iPod docking station for those who prefer their own music versus listening to the sounds of nature. The yurts provide a luxury camping option rolled into a resort experience, all at a lesser price. www.cavebinn.com
ON A LAKE
Chelans Love Nest, Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan’s burgeoning wine scene is one of many reasons to visit the charming resort community built around the glistening 55-mile-long lake. A stay at this vacation rental puts you literally on top of the lake. This cozy cabana-style home for two adults has sun decks on three sides, an open space sleeping loft accessed by a clever boat style metal ladder stairway, and glass port holes in the floor for peeking into the deep blue waters below. www.chelanvacationproperties.com
IN A VINEYARD
Walla Faces Inns at the Vineyard, Walla Walla
The Native American name for Walla Walla is “Place of Many Waters” but could also be referred to these days as “Place of Many Wineries.” Wine travelers looking for a unique stay amidst the valley’s beauty will find it at Walla Faces Inns at the Vineyard. Located on the grounds of the estate vineyard, the inn has three private suites within the main house plus a guest house complete with sleek contemporary kitchen, living room and private patio with hot tub. All the suites have access to a heated saltwater swimming pool and private sitting areas. Friendly owners Rick and Debbie Johnson use the grapes in their estate wines, which can be sipped at their downtown tasting room. A stay at Walla Faces Inns at the Vineyard makes for a serene refuge after a day of wine touring. www.wallafaces.com
SLEEP IN A HISTORIC FARMHOUSE
Seven Gables Pensione B&B, Prosser
When buying real estate, it’s location, location, location. Why shouldn’t it be the same with your overnight stay in Wine Country? The town of Prosser is in the middle of the Yakima Valley and Prosser’s Vintners Village is a 32-acre park-like setting with 11 unique destination wineries, a gourmet restaurant and amazing garden nursery. Guests staying at the Seven Gables Pensione B&B can walk to them all on loop trails never having to set foot in a car. A beautifully restored historic 1900’s farmhouse, Seven Gables has six bedrooms all designed with French country flair. Book a room for the night. Or book the entire house for a weekend getaway with friends. www.sevengablespensione.com
IN A CHERRY ORCHARD
Orchard Inn Bed & Breakfast, Yakima
Start your Yakima Valley wine tour with a stay at Orchard Inn Bed & Breakfast, nearby over 20 wineries are within a 30-mile radius. Nestled on a hillside in a cherry orchard with beauty that changes each season, owners Henner and Karen Merola Krueger greet guests in warm European style. Four spacious guest rooms offer cozy themed décor including the Sangiovese Room, decorated La Dolce Vita style. The Riesling Room has European duvets and art from Germany. After a gourmet breakfast, head out for a day of wine tasting. www.orchardinnbb.com
IN A GLAMOROUS TENT
Glamping at Alexandria Nicole Cellars in the Horse Heaven Hills
Destiny Ridge is a 243-acre vineyard located on high bluffs with views of the Columbia River and rolling vistas of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Alexandria Nicole Cellars offers glamorous camping (i.e. glamping) in their vineyard with three permanent tents to choose from. All have comfortable beds with down duvets, Persian carpets, electricity, even a private bathroom and shower. www.ancglamping.com
IN A WINERY
Desert Wind Winery, Prosser
A Southwest-inspired winery sits overlooking the Yakima River in Prosser, beckoning travelers with its adobe-style charm and location just off I-82. Much more than a winery, Desert Wind has an on-site restaurant, expansive tasting room intertwined with a boutique gift shop, event venue, and best of all four grand guest rooms upstairs decorated in the same colorful, vibrant Southwest style. All have luxurious beds and linens, gas kiva fireplaces, and private balconies with views. The Sacagawea Room is the largest and has a soaking tub for two. The Charbonneau Room and other two have oversized glass-enclosed walk-in showers. An overnight stay is a delicious treat along the wine trail. www.desertwindwinery.com
ON A HILLTOP ESTATE
Cowan Estates Vacation House, Grandview
Grandview got its name in 1906 due to the views of Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. Cowan Estates Vacation House has one of the grandest views in town. The 65-acre property is planted to vineyards, cherry trees, and hops. The 3600-square foot home has amazing panoramic views of the Yakima Valley, mountain peaks, and the golden hued Horse Heaven Hills. Owned by the Cowan family, they take pride in growing the grapes that go into their estate wine. The spacious home has 4 bedrooms, a huge kitchen, bar area with pool table, barbecue, and great deck. Up to 8 people can enjoy a comfortable stay in wine country. www.cowanvineyards.com
IN METRO WINE COUNTRY
Eason Estates, Bothell
With over 75 wineries and tasting rooms, Woodinville has sprung up as a destination metro-wine region. Eason Estates Bed & Breakfast is a short 3-mile drive from all the action. Owners and proprietors Shaun Evans and Beth Rosenzweig lovingly restored and renovated the turn of the century grand home and warmly welcome guests into their four-room estate. Breakfast is served in the bright cheery solarium, and the kitchen is stocked with complimentary snacks and beverages. After a day of wine tasting, the lovely grounds beckon with colorful gardens, bubbling fountains and dozens of bird houses and feeders – perfect for relaxing with a glass of vino and planning another getaway. www.easonestates.com
Written by John Vitale