The Wine Knows

If you're one of the thousands coming to Eastern Washington this weekend for Yakima Valley Spring Barrel Tasting Weekend, it's good to have strategies. Here are a few to consider.

Breaking down the valley

The simplest way to look at the Yakima Valley is in three general regions: the Rattlesnake Hills, Prosser and Red Mountain. For certain, a few wineries fall outside of these three main groups, but looking at the valley this way will give you a good starting point.

Rattlesnake Hills: If you're coming from the Puget Sound region, this will be the first part of the valley you'll encounter, which basically starts the moment you come out of the city of Yakima (which, ironically, is not in the Yakima Valley). The Rattlesnake Hills is an appellation within the Yakima Valley and is home to about 15 wineries, primarily around the town of Zillah but also in Wapato and Outlook. Be sure to check out Portteus Winery for its rare Petite Sirah, Tefft Cellars for its Italian-inspired reds and Maison de Padgett for some luscious dessert wines.

Prosser: Some of the state's most exciting wine developments are happening in Prosser, the ancestral home to the Washington wine industry. Much of the action is occurring at the Vintner's Village, which is near the "fast food" exit (look for the jungle of McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell, etc., signs). This is also the best place to fill up your gas tank. A dozen wineries are within walking distance of each other. If you haven't planted your garden yet, stop at the Yellow Rose Nursery next to Willow Crest Winery. The only Starbucks in the valley (that I know of) is near the highway exit. Don't forget the wineries at the other Prosser exit, including Hogue, Snoqualmie, Desert Wind, Kestrel, etc. And some of the longtime Prosser wineries should not be overlooked, including Hinzerling, Pontin del Roza and Yakima River.

Red Mountain: On the far eastern edge of the Yakima Valley is Red Mountain, which also is its own appellation. It's the smallest AVA in Washington and is home to more than a dozen wineries. Do not miss Terra Blanca's amazing Tuscan-inspired winery, perhaps the most beautiful in the Northwest. Check out Kiona's sweeping view of the valley. And don't forget about all the small producers tucked on the ridge, including Fidelitas, Hightower and others. One exit west of Red Mountain on Interstate 82 is Chandler Reach, which is making some superb reds and also has a gorgeous facility.

Where to eat

The Yakima Valley might be Washington's oldest wine region, but it's still rather immature in its restaurant selections. Here are some to consider. Figure you'll need reservations for all.

-- Desert Wind Winery in Prosser has a full restaurant inside the winery.

-- Snipes Mountain Brewery does a nice job on its microbrews as well as its food. It's in Sunnyside, a few exits west of Prosser.

-- Prosser has a couple of new restaurants that are getting rave reviews. I haven't eaten at them yet, so I can't comment (and I also can't recall the names of the places, but ask at one of the wineries).

-- Head into the Tri-Cities for dozens of restaurant choices, everything from locals such as Atomic Ale Brewpub in Richland and Anthony's on the Columbia River to many of the national chains.

Where to stay

The Yakima Valley badly needs a few more B&Bs, inns, etc. The Sunnyside Inn B&B rates well with travelers, as does the Vintner's Inn at Hinzerling Winery in Prosser. Otherwise, you're mostly going to need to gravitate toward motels primarily in Sunnyside and Prosser in the valley or in Yakima or Tri-Cities on either end.

As long as you're over here

Though not in the Yakima Valley, there are wineries aplenty on either end. Several new wineries have popped up in the city of Yakima, including Desert Hills, Donitelia, Kana and Naches Heights.

On the eastern edge, there are several wineries in the Tri-Cities. Clustered together in Richland just off Interstate 182 are Barnard Griffin, Bookwalter and Tagaris. Not far away is Powers Winery/Badger Mountain Vineyards. And Goose Ridge, Cañon de Sol and Gamache are between the Tri-Cities and Red Mountain. If you want to drive 45 minutes south of Prosser, you can hit the Northwest's largest producer, Columbia Crest in Paterson.

All of these will be a lot quieter than those in the valley, since they're not officially part of the event. So head to them if you're tired of the crowds.