Yakima Valley Blog

A Scenic Drive on the Road less Traveled

visityakima — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:35:57 +0000

Travel scenic country roads on this circular route, from the beautiful manicured grounds of the Yakima Area Arboretum, through the numerous hop fields of Moxee, over Konnowac Pass southwest through the Yakima Valley. Enjoy scenic views of Yakima Valley fruit orchards, beautiful in the spring when the fruit trees are in bloom, the summer when the foliage is a vibrant green and in the fall, when the angle of the sun uniquely illuminates the leaves changing colors. This ride is about 27 miles. The pass is a moderate climb of approx. two miles and a couple of short (1/4 mile) steep climbs to the top, with the rest of the route being nearly level. Pavement quality is good and traffic generally light.This is a pleasant ride for motorcyclists.

Start at the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center, turn left out of parking lot and access the I-82 East freeway. Continue to Exit 34. Turn left on Nob Hill Blvd., continue to next light then turn left.

(If you are bicycling the Konnowac Pass, you may leave your vehicle at the Yakima Greenway parking lot, which is at Sherman Park.

The Arboretum Road to the interpretive center of the Yakima Area Arboretum and Botanical Garden is on the left. This 40-acre “tree museum” features self-guided tours, (map available), a Japanese Garden, gift shop, Jewett Pond Fountain and endless photo opportunities.

As you leave the Arboretum turn right at the light heading east on Highway 24 toward Moxee City. (Bicyclists-There is a well marked wide shoulder; traffic speed is 55mph, turn off is approximately 3.5 miles).

In the early 1880’s the Thorp Family settled the Moxee Valley. Moxee is from the Native American word for “whirlwinds.” Alexander Graham Bell and his wife’s family invested in a large farming operation in Moxee. The Moxee Land Company sold 20-acre lots in the 1890’s to recruit settlers. Hops first grown here in 1877, grew so well in this climate and soil that Moxee City, platted in 1910, became the Hop Capitol of the world. The Moxee Land Company sold 20-acre lots in the 1890’s to recruit settlers. At hop picking time, hundreds used to camp and harvest the hops by hand culminating in a “hop festival.” Moxee still celebrates this distinction as a hop growing region with the Moxee Hop Festival annually, the first weekend in August. Currently the Yakima Valley supplies over 75% of the Hops used in the United States.

Turn right on LaFramboise Road, left on Robillard Road and right on Konnowac Road. Hop fields, recognizable by the tall poles used to support the vines, reach the tops of the poles in summer.

Konnowac Pass through the Rattlesnake Ridge was an old Native American trail connecting both ends of the Yakima Valley.

At the Konnowac Pass Y, turn right. Reaching the top of the small pass, you will see the agriculture of the Yakima Valley stretched out below in a patchwork of white and pink as the cherry and apple trees blossom in spring.

Parker Heights Road, further down the pass, is on the right, just after a bend in the road. As you ride along this road surrounded by orchards, you will see Mt Adams and the distinctive old wooden Hop Kiln in the distance.

Continue on Parker Heights until the bridge over the irrigation canal. For a closer look at the old hop kiln and to visit the winery with the hop kiln pictured on its label, turn left over the bridge to the Yakima Valley Highway, after a short ride turn right to the Piety Flats Winery and Tasting Room.

Piety Flats Winery and Tasting Room – The tasting room, in a 1911 Mercantile Building with old country store charm, offers unique gifts, gourmet food items, delectable wines, and picnicking in the shade. The Old Hop Kiln on Piety Flats wine labels can be seen near the winery

Returning back to the Yakima Valley Highway, turn left, going back over the small irrigation canal bridge and continue on this road which parallels the Yakima Valley highway along the irrigation canal. Take the road going up the hill to Windy Point Winery.

Windy Point Winery – This boutique winery’s tasting room reflects the Frank Lloyd Wright style, designed and built to showcase Windy Point’s breathtaking views of the Yakima Valley.

When leaving, turn right at the end of the driveway and continue along the road under the freeway where you will see a small park at the Sunnyside Diversion Dam.

Sunnyside Diversion Dam a roadside marker tells the history of the site in a small park with picnic tables, overlooking the site of an ancient Native American fishery called – Ahwahtun, “deep water”.

Continuing under the freeway proceed up the hill to the new Treveri Tasting Room (Check for hours). Treveri specializes in a number of sparkling wines.

Come back down the hils and turn right onto Thorp Road. Continue to Birchfield Road. To return to downtown Yakima turn right onto Highway 24, (Bicyclists-If you have left your car at the Greenway. The Greenway is on the right side of the road at the light after the bridge over the Yakima River.) Take I-82 West to Exit 33 (Yakima Avenue). This will bring you directly to Downtown Yakima to experience wine tasting, art galleries, dining choices and entertainment.

Nationally Recognized Botanical Cactus Garden

visityakima — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:50:21 +0000

If you are traveling to the Yakima Valley for wine tasting or attending a conference and have free time, don’t miss visiting the Hillside Desert Cactus Garden. This unique cactus garden is in bloom and expects to be in full bloom by the middle of May, for the beginning of a colorful display of Pacific Northwest winter hardy cacti.

The Yakima Valley is nestled in the surrounding hills of the high desert area of Central Washington State. The rain shadow of the Cascade Mountain Range protects the Yakima Valley, which receives 300 days of sunshine and 6-9 inches of rain. The perfect climate for species of native cacti.

The most extensive collection of cacti can be seen at the Hillside Desert Botanic al Cactus Garden. Gardener Ron Mckitrick started this cacti garden as a backyard hobby 28 years ago and now this garden is nationally recognized as one of the finest examples of a desert garden. The Cactus bloom tour begins mid-April and lasts until July, with the most profuse blooms from mid-May to mid-June. Each year Ron hosts bus tours of Master Gardeners, school children, senior citizen groups, photographers and cactus lovers. These one hour tours are available from 8 a.m. to dusk during peak blooming time and are free, but donations are appreciated. Many species of potted and winter hardy cacti are available for purchase.

Appointments are required for both individuals and groups. Bus tour parking available. Call 509-248-1742 or email hillsidecacti@nwinfo.net.

The Yakima Valley blog articles feature members of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau. If you would like to receive information regarding membership, Click here, or to request a membership application, please contact Michele Hopkins at (509) 575-3010.

Spring Barrel at a Glance 4.27-29: Lunch, Live Music & Special Events

visityakima — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:17:41 +0000

Spring Barrel Tasting 2012 -The Biggest BYOG (bring your own glass) event of the Year! Wineries offer exclusive food and fine wine pairings during this weekend with their new releases. Below is a list of the wineries offering lunch for purchase, live music, special events, plus after hours activities. For a comprehensive list of all the wineries and their wine and food parings, check the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail and the Wine Yakima Valley Websites.

Wineries offering lunch for purchase:

Bonair Winery - Miz Dee and her wonderful Barbeque of fresh ribs and chicken. Blue Barn Farm of Zillah will be selling their fabulous goat cheese and amazing home-made soaps. Saturday, April 28.
Gamache Vintners - Garcia Mexican food available for purchase.
Horizon’s Edge Winery – Great food, BBQ wings, from noon-4pm.
Hyatt Vineyards - General Grants BBQ, Ron’s Kettle Korn.
Knight Hill Winery - Taco truck for food purchases with a Fiesta atmosphere.
Silver Lake Winery at Roza Hills – Lunch of pulled pork sandwiches served on patio with gorgeous view of vineyards Saturday.
Steppe Cellars - Picnic at Steppe April 28 & 29. Guerra’s Gourmet Chefs Chris Guerra and Geraldo Guerra will be cooking wood-fired pizzas. If you prefer a lighter snack, choose from our assortment of cheeses, meats and other little bites.
Tefft Cellars – Taco Luna’s taco truck will be on site serving a variety of authentic Mexican tacos and burritos!
Two Mountain Winery – Mariano’s tacos Saturday afternoon April 28.
Willow Crest Winery - Famous BBQ on their patio for lunch.

Wineries featuring live music:

Horizon’s Edge Winery – Live Band from 12:30-3:40pm on Saturday the 28th.
Silver Lake Winery at Roza Hills – The Village Musicians on Saturday from 12:30-5pm.
Snoqualmie Winery – Ben Macy Live Saturday Noon – 3:30.
Two Mountain Winery - Live music on Saturday afternoon April 28.
Naches Heights Winery - Live music Friday Tyler Paxton & Katy Lin / Saturday 2pm Stimulus Package

Special events

Eaton Hill – April 28-29 Toppenish Specialty Shop, The Amish Connection, will display their fine quality wares.
Grand Opening Naches Heights Winery - 2410 Naches Heights Road. Intersection of Naches Heights Road and Schuler Road 1-888-NHV-Wine. Live Music Friday and Saturday.
Grand Opening AntoLin Cellars - 10 North 6^th Ave Suite 108 Yakima WA 98902.
Jackson Farm Tasting Room – Track 29, Downtown Yakima Friday 4-8pm, Saturday 1:30-8pm. Chocolate After Hours. Taste 2 different chocolate desert wines and enjoy 3 different complementary chocolate truffles + some other great wines.
Gamache Vintners – Cookie Lee Jewelry available for purchase.
Gilbert Cellars Cave - 10am-4pm; Sample wines in the cave wander among the vineyards bring your picnic lunch 2620 Draper Road, West Valley.
Tefft Cellars – Steve Roberts, author of Washington Wine Trails at our location on April 28th from 1-4 signing his books!
Taptiel Winery – Heirloom quality barrel furniture by Stan Gracie.
Treveri Cellars – 2nd facility open Spring Barrel Fri.Sat. Sun at the former Sagelands facility in Wapato! Take Exit 40, I-82 East.
Wilridge Winery and Vineyard – Celebrate Washington State’s newest American Viticultural Area. Winemaker Paul Beverage and Vineyard manager Callie Bolton will discss the wines and explain why Naches Heights is the best place on earth to grow wine grapes.
Windy Point Vineyards - Rebecca Hillwig of Columbia Valley Artware, Portland Oregon, will exhibit and sell her original art and jewelry.
Wine Glass Cellars – Wood Artisan Marx Menzel display of Hand crafted bowls platters, toy trucks and more.

After Hours

Desert Wind Winery – Friday Night Supper Club. 6:30pm – Join us for our festive monthly supper served at large communal tables. Limited seating. $60 per guest includes pre-dinner reception and five-course dinner with wine pairings.
Gamache Vintners Spring Barrel Kickoff! - April 27 6-9pm. Acoustic Guitarist Berto Rosalas playing hits from the Beatles and John Mayer. Entry Fee $5/person. Food available for purchase. Wine specials throughout evening.
Gilbert Cellars Tasting Room Downtown - Live music, Gentleman Wild 7-10pm Friday night.
Kana Winery – After 5pm Live unplugged acoustic folk rock and blue guitar music.
Join Two Mountain Winery, Cultura Winery and Severino Cellars Winery – Friday, April 27th for an exciting after-hours experience as you enjoy a private, guided tour alongside their respective owners. Vineyard tour includes (weather permitting)/Three private tastings/Delicious culinary accompaniments at each winery/Riedel souvenir glass./All transportation to the events/Please contact, Nikki Samaniego Tel: 509-829-3800.
Steppe Cellars – Guided wine pairing, 6:30 pm Saturday, April 28. Limited number of tickets. Check website for details.
Walter Clore Center – UnWined at the Clore Center. Spend your evening relaxing and watching the sunset on the lovely grounds of the Vineyard Pavilion. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy the acoustic sounds of the Knutzen Brothers, while enjoying local Prosser wine and food. Wines will be available by the glass from Hogue Cellars, Mercer Estates, Pontin Del Roza, Snoqualmie and more to go along with yummy treats from Cowgirl Crepes, Chef Magana Catering and others. The entry fee is $10, and wine and food scrip will be available for purchase.
Zillah Spring Fling - Saturday night April 28. Main Event 6:30pm. Wine tasting with wineries of Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail. Entertainment – live music “The Toys”, Hors d’Oeuvres. Tickets $40.

Check In & Win – Rattlesnake Hills and VIC Spring Barrel Contest

admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:28:25 +0000

If you plan on visiting the Rattlesnake Hills for Spring Barrel Weekend April 20-22 make sure you stop by the Visitor Information Center (VIC) located right off of I-82 Exit 33A and enter our Check In & Win Contest.

Here’s how it works: When you arrive at the VIC “check-in” on Facebook with a photo of you and your group and let us know what wineries you plan on visiting on the “Trail.” A Secret Taster will be out and about all weekend looking for the Facebook check-ins and giving away prizes. Check in at each winery you visit as well to increase your chances of being found!

Prize giveaways along the Trail will include: wine glasses, Passports (great gift idea!), cork pullers, wine gift bags and other fun stuff from participating wineries. Remember to visit our Facebook pages and Twitter to follow the latest news and information from the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail and the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center!

Are you a Cougar or a Husky?

At the end of the weekend everyone who checked-in will be entered into a drawing for the grand prize giveaways either a WSU or UW gift set valued at $50.00. The set includes: A 12oz wine glass embellished with a pewter casting of the WSU or UW logo, a unique full color set of WSU or UW wine charms that magnetize to the side of any glass or stemware, a 15oz ceramic coffee mug decorated with full color WSU or UW Team graphics. Choose your team and enter to win!

For more information visit:

Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RattlesnakeHillsWineTrail Twitter: @wine_rhwt

Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/YakimaValleyVIC

Twitter: @yakimavalley

Yakima Valley Pet Friendly Wineries

visityakima — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:20:53 +0000

Traveling with your dog to the Yakima Valley Wineries? Here is a quick guide to pet friendly wineries. This information was excerpted from the new Yakima Valley Wine Doggies Website, which includes information on pet friendly accommodations, restaurants, as well as attractions and dog friendly events.

Agate Field Vineyard 2911 Roza Drive Zillah, WA 98953 Tel: 509-930-0806 – We are happy to have dogs on our premise but do not allow dogs in the winery. We would ask that your dog be on a leash and that you take full responsibility for your pet while visiting our establishment.

Airfield Estates Winery 560 Merlot Dr. Prosser, WA 99350 Tel: 509-786-7401 – Airfield Estates warmly welcomes friendly, well-behaved, well-socialized dogs on leashes. Dogs are allowed in the tasting room, the patio, and on the grounds. Before you bring your dog into the winery, we simply ask that you check with a staff member first as our winery dogs may be on premise.
AntoLin Cellars10 N. 6th Ave. Yakima, WA 98902 Tel. 509-833-5765 – We are dog friendly!

Apex Cellars 357 Port St., Prosser, WA 99350 Tel. 509-786-1800 – Dogs on a leash are welcome inside the facility with a welcoming water dish and dog treat. Owners are responsible for picking up after their pet.

Bonair Winery>500 South Bonair Road Zillah, WA 98953 Tel: 800-882-8939 or Tel: 509-829-6027 - “We welcome people who travel with their beloved pets. We have a big grassy area for your doggie to run around on. He/she is welcome to picnic with you. Our own Bung the Wonder Dog will greet you and make you feel welcome. Due to our restaurant license, we cannot have pets in the tasting room, but there is plenty of room outside for your pet to relax and have fun.”

Claar Cellars 1001 Vintage Valley Parkway Zillah, WA 98953 Tel: 509-829-6810 – We would ask that your dog be on a leash and that you take full responsibility for your pet while visiting our establishment.

Cultura Wine 3601 Highland Drive Zillah, WA 98953 Tel: 509-829-0204 - We are one of the stops for Cherrywood’s Canine & Wine Dog Walk done every spring. We are the winery that is a “”pit stop”", where the dogs can rest, get hydrated, and have lunch (for their people) and have snacks and canine related demonstrations (i.e. police K9 dog, etc). When the tasting room is open for the season, we gladly accept dogs. The only dog policy that we ask is that the dogs remain on leash while they are on the winery/tasting room property.

Eaton Hill Winery 530 Gurley Road Granger, WA 98932 Tel: 866-EATONHILL -509-854-2220 - We would ask that your dog be on a leash and that you take full responsibility for your pet while visiting our establishment.

Gamache Vintners 505 Cabernet Ct. Prosser, WA 99350 Tel: 509-786-7800 – We are definitely dog friendly and welcome our little furry friends with treats!

Horizon’s Edge Winery 4530 E. Zillah Drive Zillah, WA 98953 Tel: 509-829-6401 Horizon’s Edge Winery is very dog friendly.

Hyatt Vineyards 2020 Gilbert Rd. Zillah, WA 98953 Tel: 509-829-6333 – We are dog friendly, for our picnic area, but not in tasting room.

Kana Winery10 South 2nd Street Yakima, WA 98901 Tel: 509-453-6611 – Please be mindful of other guests in our tasting room. We would ask that your dog be on a leash. Make sure your dog has taken care of business before entering our tasting room. We expect you to take full responsibility for your pet while in our establishment.

Knight Hill Winery 5330 Lombard Loop Rd. Zillah, WA 98953 Tel: 509-865-5654 – Our dog Dixie will greet you and your canine companion.

Maryhill Winery 9774 Highway 14 Goldendale, WA 98620 Tel: 877-MARYHILL – 509-773-1976 – Maryhill winery is a very dog friendly. We allow all well-behaved dogs on a leash anywhere on site, including the tasting room. We also provide free doggie poop bags and are having a “”Dog Days”" at Maryhill winery this year.

Pontin Del Roza Winery 35502 North Hinzerling Road Prosser, WA 99350 Tel: 509-786-4449 – All dogs are welcome! Just don’t leave behind any surprises…

Tefft Cellars Winery/Outlook Inn Guesthouse 1320 N. Outlook Rd. Outlook, WA 98938 Tel: 509-837-7651 - We would ask that your dog be on a leash and that you take full responsibility for your pet while visiting our establishment.

The Tasting Room Yakima at Wilridge Vineyard 250 Ehler Rd. Yakima, WA 98908 Tel: 509-966-0686 – The Tasting Room Yakima is a dog-friendly establishment with a leash requirement.

Thurston-Wolfe Winery, LLC 588 Cabernet Ct. Prosser, WA 99350 Tel: 509-786-3313 – Pet needs to be on a leash. If they potty on our patio they must clean it up.

Two Mountain Winery 2151 Cheyne Rd. Zillah, WA 98953 Tel: 509-829-3900 – Dogs are more than welcome. If they are outside, off-leash is fine. Let them run, poop in the orchard (not my yard please), lay in the grass, dig for gophers, roll in the grass, etc. If they are inside, they need to be acclimated to people, other dogs, and on leash. Please ask before entering the tasting room with your pup.

Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center 101 North Fair Ave., Yakima, WA 98901 Tel: 509-573-3388 - Pet friendly in the Visitor Center. Water dish available for thirsty pets. Grassy area to walk dog and gravel area for other issues.

McAllister’s Museum of Aviation

visityakima — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 02:41:48 +0000

Charlie McAllister built his first airplane at age 15 from a 1918 Popular Mechanics article, his pilot’s license was signed by Orville Wright in 1927. After taking flying lessons from the famous instructor and aerobatic pilot, Tex Rankin, he built the first licensed glider in Washington State, the Yakima Clipper.

Visit the McAllister’s Museum of Aviation and discover the kind of determination that leads a Yakima resident and his brother to start their own flying school. This historic flight school opened in 1926 and operated for 73 years, to become one of the oldest continuously operating flight school in the Pacific Northwest.

Charlie McAllister’s humble flight school was transformed into the McAllister Museum of Aviation after his death at age 95. Charlie was a fixture at his flight school, always ready to talk about flying, in continuation of this tradition, on Saturday mornings you will sometimes find local pilots hanging out here, ready to talk about planes, flying and known for taking would-be pilots for a ride.

Bring the kids and enjoy the electronic flight simulator, a computer running Microsoft’s Flight Simulator, which includes yoke, pedals and other controls. As of March 2012, there’s no charge for using it, but donations are appreciated.

There is a school program available, in which volunteers at the museum work with the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) Young Eagles program, giving young people 8 – 17 years of age the experience of basic ground instruction and a free airplane ride.

Check the events calendar for special presentations during the year.

McAllister Museum of Aviation
2008 S. 16th Ave.,Yakima, WA 98903

Hours of Operation:
Summer Thursday – Friday 10:00 – 4:00
Saturday 9:00 – 4:00
Winter Friday – Saturday 10:00 – 4:00

Spring Barrel Tasting in Yakima Valley Washington

visityakima — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:19:37 +0000

Spring Barrel Tasting is a festive event. It’s the largest wine festival in Washington’s wine country, a celebration of spring, release of new wines and a peek at the warm summer months ahead. The winemakers and staff are on hand to mingle with visitors, conduct tours and answer questions. Most open a barrel or two of future vintages for sampling. Many wineries have live music, appetizers and present a festive mood. As the event grows and more wineries come on line, a little pre-planning helps to best enjoy the festivities.

Here are a few tips to help make the celebration fun for all:

It’s social so be social: Gather friends and get a limo or join an organized tour. It’s best to plan at least one night stay. For a listing of local hotels in the Yakima Valley click here.

Take responsibility: If you do not hire a professional driver, designate a non-drinking driver. And treat the designated driver like a king or queen by buying their lunch and a bottle or two to enjoy at a later time. Note: Even if you have a designated driver, the tasting room staff is not allowed to serve you if you are impaired… it’s the law.

Get the scoop: Wineries and wine organizations have different dates, the offerings and fees (or no fees). Before you arrive, visit the wine association websites for the details on their offerings and programs. Visit Wine Yakima Valley and the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail websites for the details (see below for their contact information and websites). The 2012 dates for this event are: The Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail Spring Barrel Tasting, April 20-22, 2012. The Wine Yakima Valley Spring Barrel Tasting, April 27-29, 2012.

Get oriented: When you arrive, stop at the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center for maps, updates and local trip planning information (address and info listed below).

Timing is everything: Friday and Sunday tend to be quieter so visit on those days.

Do it differently: Go to wineries early and in the opposite direction as everyone else is traveling. Many folks start at one end of the Yakima Valley and head to the other so consider starting with wineries in the middle of the map.

Be realistic: It’s not a marathon race. Visit no more than 4-5 wineries per day. Your taste pallet will grow numb.

Be prepared: Bring a cooler filled with bottled water and snacks. Pack a picnic, as many of the Yakima Valley wineries have picnic grounds or plan on eating lunch at one of the wineries that will be serving food. A good meal helps you to regain your palate and provides a needed break. Plus, bring a wine glass per person or be prepared to purchase one at a winery. Wine glasses are required at most wineries during event weekends. Also, if it is warm, consider a cooler for your purchased wines. Heat is bad for wine.

Try something new: Tasting from the barrel is very different then trying a finished product out of a bottle. Talk to the winemaker and staff. Ask about the flavor, process and how the wine will taste when finished. It’s a great time to gain a greater appreciation of the wine-making process.

Be Patient: The weekend draws a lot of people and staff at the wineries are working as fast as they can.

Be Respectful…of other tasters and the staff. Try not to get too pushy or grouchy. Everyone is having fun and there are just a lot of people.

Be aware: When it is busy in the tasting room, it’s important that you step up to the bar and receive your taste, then step back and take your time smelling and tasting the wine. This allows others up to the bar to get a taste. In other words, don’t monopolize the bar space in front of others who are trying to participate.

Don’t wear it: 70 to 80% of our ability to perceive flavor comes from our sense of smell. So please do not wear perfume, cologne, aftershave or any other fragrance, as it interferes with everyone’s ability to smell, and hence taste the wines. You should also refrain from chewing gum and breath mints.

Spitting and dumping is good: Just because wine is in your glass doesn’t mean you should drink it all. Believe it or not, you will enjoy it more if you don’t drink every drop. Your mouth won’t fatigue, you won’t become as intoxicated, and you will have more fun. Dumping excess wine into the provided bucket is okay. If you like the wine, buy a bottle or two.

Leave it outside: All alcohol from outside the winery being visited is not permitted. This means beer, bloody Mary’s, screwdrivers, mimosas, cosmos, etc. The wineries can actually lose their license if there is outside alcohol brought into their facilities.

Have pets? Kids? Children are always welcome at the wineries, but the crowds and focus of the event may not be suited to them. And while a many wineries are dog friendly, for this event it’s best to leave the pups at home. For resources on traveling with your dog visit our website winedoggies.com

Buy-buy! No that is not a typo, it’s an encouragement to buy wine during the event. The wineries spend a lot of time and their resources to stage a great weekend. Show your gratitude by buying wine for another day. They’ll appreciate the business, and you’ll take home some premium wines, many of which are only available at the winery itself.

Twitter fans! Stay in touch with others during Spring Barrel events- use the hash tags #WAwine and #springbarrel

Resources to plan your trip:

Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center
101 North Fair Avenue, Yakima, WA 98901
Hours: Monday – Saturday 9-5, Sunday 10-4
(509) 573-3388 or 800-221-0751
Local map to Visitor Information Center
Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau
www.visityakimavalley.org
Click here for their Spring Barrel Tasting Website
For a handy interactive map of the wineries in the Yakima Valley click here.

For details on the wineries and their offerings, visit the Yakima Valley’s two winery associations.
Policies may vary from winery to winery

Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail
509-965-4521 or 888-375-7498
http://www.rattlesnakehills.org/
info@rattlesnakehills.com
Wine Yakima Valley
509-965-5201
http://www.wineyakimavalley.org
wineyakimavalley@msn.com

A Country Drive to Naches, WA

visityakima — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:44:49 +0000

Orchard blossoms in the spring and apples in the fall, plus sweet cherries, apricots, pears and peaches in season. Vineyards grown in the bio-dynamic manner and organic wine. This 29-mile circle driving tour (great bicycle or motorcycle ride) takes a little over an hour, starting at the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center, then circling through Naches Heights to the City of Naches, returning via the Old Naches Highway to Downtown Yakima. This tour is popular in apple blossom and harvest time, as well as the excellent vistas of the area at any time of the year.
Starting at the Yakima Valley Visitor Information Center at 101 North Fair Avenue:

Turn right out of the parking lot onto Fair Avenue, which becomes Lincoln Avenue, a one way street, continue on this route all the way to 40th Avenue.
Turn right at 40th Avenue, proceeding about 1.2 miles.
Turn left onto West Powerhouse Road and proceed on this road west for about 2.4 miles.
Turn left up the Naches Heights Road.

This route sends you up on top of the “Heights”, passing through one of the largest fruit growing areas and a newly designated in January of 2012, American Viticulture Area, Naches Heights, in the Yakima Valley. As you climb the steep Naches Heights road you will look out and across the Cowiche Canyon to the south and the Naches Valley to the north. After a short drive, located at the left side of Naches Heights Road is Ehler Road, leading to Wines of Washington-Yakima. This is a tasting room for Wilridge wines, in a 100 year old country house. Taste wine from biodynamic vineyards on the porch and enjoy the view. Naches Heights Winery will open their new tasting room for Spring Barrel Tasting in 2012. The new winery is within walking distance of Wines of Washington-Yakima.

At 5 miles, continue straight after stop sign on the Naches Heights Road.
Traveling 6.2 miles further, at the stop sign, turn right onto the Naches-Tieton road to begin the steep drop down into the valley below. Looking north across the valley to the lower hills, you will discover the many layers of sedimentary material resulting from the time when this area was under water. Mt. Cleman rises to almost 5,000 feet elevation to the northwest of the town of Naches.
Naches Grade joins the Naches-Tieton Road. Bear to the left and continue across the Naches River to the City of Naches and the junction with Highway 12.

Naches was first settled in 1853 by members of the Longmire Wagon Train that opted to stay in the milder climate on this side of the cascades, starting orchards and raising dairy cows and cattle. 1. Turn left at this intersection and you can visit the unique La Kat Gallery.

In May of 2006, after 50 year of operation, Layman Lumber Company ceased production. The management team and several key employees remained to retool the old mill into a woodshop, retraining the mill workers. The result was LaKat, a photo and crafts gallery featuring the skills of our talented craftsmen. All photographs are printed at Layman Lumber Studios and all frames are made from wood produced at the mill before it was closed. With few exceptions, the handicrafts use Layman Lumber wood. A testament to the commitment of the Naches business owner to their employees. The Naches Ranger Station, on the right side of Highway 12, is a short drive further on. There you will find information on the Okanogan and Wenatchee forests trails, camping, rock climbing, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, off road ORV trails and wilderness area information.

2. Turning right at the intersection, Thompson Farm Market will be on the right side of the road, offering local farm fresh produce, wine tasting, cider, jams and gifts. Visit their old fashioned soda fountain in the country store.

3. Proceeding straight through the intersection, you can visit the renovated Naches Train

Depot, the visitor information center for the town of Naches. The office of the Chamber of Commerceis located in the depot and is staffed by volunteers. The complex includes public restrooms and outdoor eating areas.

There is also an Art Deco historic gas station in the park near the restored depot.

Turn left onto Shafer Avenue, about.3 miles. Follow this for .3 mile, and then turn right onto the Old Naches Highway. Prior to 1935, this was part of the old route from Yakima over Chinook Pass to the west side of the state. Note the close-up view of the sedimentary layers you saw from the top of Naches Grade, on your right you will overlook many miles of fruit orchards, as well as views up to Naches Heights. The Thompson Family Farm is on this road offering U-pick opportunities in season featuring a pumpkin canon in the fall.

Continue on the Old Naches Highway from about 9.5 miles to a stop sign with its intersection with Highway 12. Turn left onto Hwy. 12.(bicyclists may perfer to go straight at this interesection, to connect with Powerhouse Road again.) As you proceed south and east, you may take the 40th Avenue exit, turning right and continuing to Summitview Avenue, returning the way you came. Or, you may continue on the freeway, bypassing the 40th Avenue exit, merge into the I-82 freeway, and take the Yakima Avenue exit 33B to return to downtown Yakima.

Bicycling to Naches, WA:

Bike Ride in Yakima Valley: Yakima to Naches. More Info.

Bicycle the 10 mile Yakima Greenway from Yakima Hotels. More Info.

Preparations for your ride Yakima Valley: Goat heads a low-growing weed with 2 sharp thorns that puncture bike tires. Use thorn proof tires, plastic thorn shields or bring extra tube and bicycle tire slime.

Spring Bicycle Touring in Washington Wine Country

visityakima — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:57:52 +0000

Cycling over rolling hills on scenic country roads, past fruit orchards in full bloom with acres of pink and white blossoms, during spring is a spectacular ride. The sun is shining, the weather is warm as you ride past vineyards, peach, pear and apple trees as well as acres of hops. Stop and taste the wines of the Yakima Valley. Choose a short (1), medium (a) or long (b) bike ride.

(1)Short Ride approximately 4 miles Two Mountain Winery is your starting point, allowing riders to park and unload bicycles at the winery. Want to get an early start? No problem! You do not have to wait for the winery to open, just park and go.
Two Mountain Winery: Established in 2002, this is a family-owned winery nestled in the Rattlesnake Hills within the Yakima Valley wine region of Washington State. Brothers Matthew and Patrick Rawn own and operate the winery and estate vineyard, drawing on the experience of three generations who have farmed the rich soil of the Yakima Valley.

As you leave Two Mountain Winery turn to the right on Cheyne Road then left onto Gilbert Road. Hyatt Winery will be on your left.

Hyatt Vineyards was established by Leland and Lynda Hyatt in 1983. Evolving from a modest estate vineyard surrounding the winery, Hyatt Vineyards has grown to 180 acres in four separate sites all within 3 miles of the original plantings.

From Hyatt continue on Gilbert Road, turn left onto Bonair Road, Wineglass cellars will be on your right.

Wineglass Cellars: Owners David and Linda Lowe, with son Jeff, say Wineglass Cellars is as much about having fun as it is about selling wine. A visit to the winery shows you what they mean. Stop by to make a friend and drink their award winning wine.
Tanjuli Winery: Yakima Valley’s newest winery building. The winemaker/owner, Tom Campbell brings 30 years of fine winemaking experience to the valley.

At intersection of Bonair Road and Highland go straight to visit Bonair Winery or turn left to continue on.

Bonair Winery (unpaved road): Bonair Winery farms 40 acres of estate vineyards in the Rattlesnake Hills of the Yakima Valley to ensure the quality grapes that make their wine. You pass the Morrison Vineyards on the way to The Château Puryear Vineyard and winery. Sit by their duck pond, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the day.

Leaving Bonair, turn right onto Highland. The short ride (1) proceeds along Highland to turn left at Cheyne, and return to Two Mountain winery.

…(a)Medium Ride approximately 12 Miles. Continuing along Highland, you will see 3 wineries. (for longest ride skip to (b)
Christopher Cellars: Abundant sunshine, late summer heat, the ability to apply just the right amount of water at the right time, all contribute to producing the perfect wine grape. Winemakers from around the state seek out grapes from the Zillah area.

Cultura Cellars: Handcrafted limited edition premium w. ines from the Yakima Valley in Zillah, Washington Fine wines can only be achieved by personally controlling the whole process from planting the vines, aging in French oak barrels, to bottling!

Paradisos del Sol:”Wine should be very pure and natural. The only thing synthetic about our wine is the plastic cork, so you never have to worry about getting a “corked” wine. We drink more of our wine than anyone else; we want it to be healthful and nutritious. We guarantee our wine. BUT . . . it has to be distinctive wine. Wine with full, rich flavor, Wine that makes food and friends better. Wine that makes music in the glass sings on the tongue to tell where it grew. Wine you can afford to drink. Wine made by Paradisos del Sol.”

Turn left on Vintage road and follow the upward slope to Silver Lake Winery.

Silver Lake Winery released its first vintage in the fall of 1989. In the past fifteen years the winery has grown from 2,000 cases to more than 50,000 cases of hand crafted wine annually. The winery began as the outgrowth of the passion for fine wines shared by three professors at the University of Washington and a local real estate investor. Today, Silver Lake is owned by over 1,200 wine enthusiasts who have pooled their resources together to make Silver Lake one of the state’s largest locally owned wineries. Roza Hills Vineyard, Silver Lake’s primary source of grapes, are located In Zillah, Washington, in the heart of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA.

Return back the same way to turn right on Highland. Turn right onto Roza Hill Drive passing Agate Field Winery turning left onto Gilbert Road and then left onto Cheyne and back to Two Mountain Winery.

…(b)Longest Ride (approximately 25 miles): Continue along Highland Turn right on Cheyne Road, left on the Yakima Valley Highway, left onto East Zillah Drive will bring you past Horizons Edge Winery.
Horizon’s Edge Winery sits among the winery’s 18-acre vineyard with panoramic views from the tasting room which include Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier.

Leaving Horizons Edge, turn left onto Beam and continue to work left on Houghton Road to Highland Drive.

Portteus Winery (unpaved road): Red-wine lovers’ destination for over 20 years! Now with indoor plumbing! Red Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Malbec, a Cabernet Port, and Chardonnay! Portteus Vineyards, established in 1981, is one of Washington’s only 100% Estate-bottled wineries and has recently been recognized as “One of America’s Great Cabernet Producers” by Wine Enthusiast magazine.

Take Vintage out to Silver Lake Winery. Return back the same way to Highland and turn right onto Roza Hill Drive passing Agate Field Vineyard.

Agate Field: A small family owned and operated vineyard and winery located on a hill overlooking Whiskey Canyon where the soil is optimal for growing wine grapes. The volcanic soil and the lay of the land make the perfect location for the best growing conditions. The fields are full of beautiful agates rich in color and clarity. The same is true of the wines produced from Agate Field Vineyards.
Leaving Agate Field turn right onto Roza Hill Drive turning left onto Gilbert and then left onto Cheyne and back to Two Mountain Winery.

Biking events and info:

Your Canyon For A Day! Bike Tour: The Yakima River Canyon is shut down to traffic for this family friendly event. Bike the Yakima River Canyon, a 35 mile Round trip the third weekend in May.

Apple Valley Kiwanis Wine Country Trek. A 2 day 120 miles of rolling hills, from Moxee, WA to Prosser, WA. Riders arrive in Prosser just in time to participate in Prosser’s Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Harvest Festival in Prosser. Event in late September More info.

Bike Ride in Yakima Valley: Yakima to Naches. More Info.

Bicycle the 10 mile Yakima Greenway from Yakima Hotels. More Info.

Preparations for your ride Yakima Valley: Goat heads a low-growing weed with 2 sharp thorns that puncture bike tires. Use thorn proof tires, plastic thorn shields or bring extra tube and bicycle tire slime.

Rock Climbing: The Royal Columns

visityakima — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:40:12 +0000

The Royal Columns are impressive volcanic columns of the Tieton lava flow. Located on the White Pass Scenic Byway,(mp 183.5) these vertical columns and other climbing locations along the Tieton River, offer 400 routes on 21 different formations over andesitic rock crags. This location is conveniently 15 minutes west of the city of Naches and 30 minutes from Yakima. To reach the Royal Columns, drive 3 miles on Hwy 12, west of the junction of Hwy 12 and Hwy. 410 to the Oak Creek Wildlife Area. The Tieton Nature Trail is located across the road from Oak Creek, and the columns are located just off this trail.

The Royal Columns may be seasonally closed for nesting raptors from February 1 to April 1 each year; if an active nest is near a crag, climbing may not be allowed until July 1.(for current Information call (509) 653-2390). Located on land administered by The Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife, a vehicle access permit is required to park at the Royal Columns ($10/year).

Camping is available in the area at the Windy Point Campground, which is the closest campground to the columns. There are many other campgrounds along Hwy 12.

For more technical information on the Royal Columns Climb: