Maybe you haven’t heard of Zillah, Washington, but if you love wine, it’s worth adding to your mental map! Zillah is located at the west end of the Yakima Valley and has more than two dozen wineries to its name, as well as a few annual wine tasting happenings. In short, if you’re a wine drinker, this is a good place to be.
Bonair Winery: 500 South Bonair Road, Zillah
Bonair Winery is one of the handful of Washington Wineries were the tasting room is right on the vineyard. If you watn to go on a winery tour or a vineyard tour, appointments are required, but you can simply stop in for a sampling of their latest wines, both reds and whites. They have been growing grapes in Yakima Valley since 1985 and can share with you why it’s the perfect place to make fine wine. Visit their website for information on upcoming events.
Covet Cellars: 2911 Roza Drive, Zillah
Covet Cellars is a newer winery, opening in August of 2017. However, they have quickly gained some attention for their delicious local wines, and therefore should definitely be on your list to visit. They have a tasting room and hold events through out the year. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events.
Cultura Wine: 3601 Highliand Drive, Zillah
While Tad and Sarah Fewel came from orchard-growing families, they have branched out into wine. They released their first vintage at Cultura Wine in 2005 and do all the work themselves. They’ve kept production small, at around 1,000 cases a year. For something unique, stay in one of their vintage travel trailers for a glamping experience in wine country you won’t forget. For reservations email them at info@culturawine.com. Check their website for upcoming events.
Dineen Vineyards: 2980 Gilbert Road, Zillah
While the Dineen family has a long history of dairy farming in Wisconsin since the 1800s, the latest generation has set out to carve a path into winemaking. They specialize in estate vintage wines. Be sure to check out the incredible 1950, half ton Chevrolet as it’s a replica of Pat Dineen’s father’s first truck that doubles as a symbol for the vineyard. Check their Facebook page of events, including when they are offering up wood fired pizza at the vineyard, which happens throughout the spring to early fall.
Hyatt Vineyards: 2020 Gilbert Road, Zillah
In business since 1983, Hyatt Vineyards has grown to an 180-acre establishment on unique four sites which allow them to create a variety of wines including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling, Black Muscat and Zinfandel. The gorgeous tasting room and winery has a picnic area with view of Mount Adams and can be rented for parties, events and weddings. Check their event page for upcoming public events at and near the winery.
Knight Hill Winery: 5330 Lombard Loop Road, Zillah
Knight Hill Winery is a small operation, run by two people who just love wine. You will find reds and whites made with local grapes, including their own estate-grown Syrah and Cabernet Franc. The tasting room has a 360-degree view of the landscape. A converted horse barn, the tasting room puts you right in the center of the winemaking, where the aroma will fill your senses. They also have events, so be sure to check out their calendar for upcoming dates.
Mas Chappell Winery: 70 Clark Road, Zillah
Mas Chappell Winery has more than 35 years of winemaking experience and the awards to prove it. They specialize in creating native yeast fermented red wines. You can drop in during open hours or make an appointment.
Maison de Padgett Winery and Horizon’s Edge Winery: 2231 Roza Drive, Zillah
David and Lisa Padgett first purchased Horizon’s Edge Winery in 1999 and then opened Maison de Padgett Winery in 2003. Their tasting room has views of Mount Adams, Mount Rainier and a beautiful enclosed patio. The charming buildings are highlighted by stonework and high ceilings and are great places to sit and sip on a favorite red or white. Whether you like dry or dessert, or something in between, they have it. Large group tours can be accommodated if arranged ahead of time. They also accommodate events including wedding. Visit their website to learn more.
Paradisos del Sol Winery & Organic Vineyard: 3230 Highland Drive, Zillah
The organic vineyard at Paradisos del Sol Winery is 100 percent pesticide free. Bonus – you can visit not only a winery here, but also a farm, which is home to sheep, pigs, turkeys, chickens, cats and dogs. The tasting room is part of the family’s home, so it’s cozy and comfy. Enjoy some small bites and the views while you try the wines, or venture outside for picnicking and letting the kids and dogs play – as long as your dogs are well-behaved and don’t mind loose farm animals. The tasting room also has a kid-friendly play area with toys, and they offer fruit drinks and water. Check out their website for upcoming events.
Portteus Vineyards: 5201 Highland Drive, Zillah
Portteus Vineyards has crafted wine in Yakima Valley since the 1980s. The owner has been around the wine and beer industry his entire life, and even home brewed beer on his houseboat in his late teens! Visitors will find it a welcoming and laid-back winery to visit. They have a wide range of red and white wines. To learn more, visit their website.
Ruby Magdalena Vineyards: 855 Gilbert Road, Zillah
The husband and wife winemaking team at Ruby Magdelana Vineyards makes all of their wines from their own grapes, including a small amount of Orange Muscat for their Petirroja dessert wine. Spanish grapes are the focus on this one-acre vineyard that grows more than 1,350 vines. Due to the small size, quantities of their award-winning wines are fairly limited. They do not have a tasting room, but you can call to make an appointment.
Severino Cellars: 1717 First Avenue, Zillah
Severino Cellars creates small batches of wine from their own grapes. Their tasting room and cellars are housed in a restored turn of the century farm house, a perfect place to stop and relax. They also have an outdoor patio where you can relax with views of the property. Check their website for upcoming events.
Silver Lake Winery at Roza Hills Vineyard: 1500 Vintage Road, Zillah
Silver Lake Winery is one of Washington State’s largest locally owned wineries, with a whopping 1,200 owners working to create more than 50,000 cases of wine annually. While they have several vineyards, their main one is Roza Hills Vineyard in Zillah. The tasting room has indoor and outdoor seating and more for special events, weddings and more. For upcoming events, check their calendar or Facebook page.
Tanjuli Winery: 209 N Bonair Road, Zillah
The tasting room at Tanjuli Winery is an interesting mix of an old farm building with a touch of industrial. Gorgeous artwork on the walls serves as a highlight. Horses are often seen at the vineyard, adding to the charm. This winery specializes in “Old World” and unique estate wines. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events.
Two Mountain Winery: 2151 Cheyne Road, Zillah
Named after the two mountains (Mount Adams and Mount Rainier) that can be seen from the Copeland Vineyard where the family grows their grapes, Two Mountain Winery grows, produces and bottles its wine right on the estate. They make reds, white and a rose or two. For events at the vineyard, check their website.
VanArnam Vineyards: 1305 Gilbert Road Zillah
The owners of VanArnam Vineyards purposefully keep the business small so they can be involved in every part of the process. Drop in during open hours, or call for an appointment if you want to stop by outside of those times. You can bring a picnic and sit outside on the patio or sit inside. On weekends, the Tin Roof Grill is open, cooking up fresh items created with local ingredients. Check their website for upcoming events.
Velen Winery: 1381 Orchardvale Rd, Zillah
Velen Winery has been operating since 2015, when owners Rebecca and John moved their winemaking from Texas to Zillah. The inviting tasting room offers both reds and whites available.
