Looking for perfect pairings on your next trip to Yakima Valley wineries? We have the delicious list!
Many wineries throughout the valley offer an array of tasty small bites, charcuterie boards and specialty pairings. Keep an eye on your favorite winery’s social pages for locals’ favorite food trucks serving up specialties on rotation, holiday food events and pop-up events such as oyster and white wine pairings at Wilridge Vineyard, Winery and Distillery, a luxury picnic pop-up at Owen Row Winery or wood-fired pizza pop-ups from the outdoor oven at Dineen Cellars. Bonair Winery recently added a weekly small plate special and Gilbert Cellars recently added a retail fridge with tasty takeaway items in addition to scheduled food trucks. The new bistro at Roza Estates (Silver Lake) Wine & Spirits features pizzas.
If you’re looking for a full menu of foods to pair with your favorite wines, check out these seven stops!
You’ll find a variety of delicious choices from Treveri Cellars, Washington’s premier sparkling wine house. Their full menu features an array of boards and platters, flatbreads, paninis, salads and a savory bratwurst that reflects the founders’ heritage. They also host brunch every Sunday, offer happy hour specialties and feature to-go boxes complete with Treveri sparkling wines paired with fine cheeses, meats and crackers. Enjoy your pairings on their lovely outdoor patio with and take in the expansive valley views. Reservations are highly recommended Friday through Sunday, especially for Sunday brunch.
Freehand Cellars’ panoramic views of the valley and mountains, beautiful deck and expansive lawn make it an ideal stop for perfectly paired bites all summer. Their menu showcases a variety of shareable appetizers, served family-style, striking a balance between local, farm-fresh specialty items and crowd-pleasers like chicken skewers and flatbread. Additionally, they offer an array of wine-compatible snacks from their Market Corner selection. Highlights from the menu might include toasted artisan bread accompanied by a house-blended olive oil dip, or a fresh, local Peach Caprese drizzled with balsamic glaze. Keep an eye out for seasonal specialties, like their homemade spicy apricot jam (made from farm-fresh apricots) served with whipped goat cheese or their local, farm-fresh cold charred pea salad served with a mint chutney, and Dukkah (a salty nut and herb topping).
The outdoor patio and wood-fired oven at J. Bell Cellars and Lavender is a perennial favorite to gather and share perfectly paired bites. Covered by shade sails and lit by stands of lights, it’s a lovely, secluded getaway small bites such as charcuterie boards, flame roasted asparagus, sandwiches, tacos, salads and more. They plan to bring back their wood-fired dinner specialties soon, so keep an eye on their social channels for updates.
The Tin Roof Grill at VanArnam Vineyards is a delightful stop in the Zillah area, serving light fare featuring seasonal produce from the Yakima Valley. Enjoy paninis, salads, crostini and bruschetta as well as an abundant charcuterie board. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available. Linger and enjoy the view from the trellised patio with outdoor seating with orchard and vineyard views or sit inside at one of the classic barrel tables. Make a reservation for groups of 8 or more.
One of the Yakima Valley’s newest wineries, Whitman Hill Winery, recently completed a complete renovation of their new location. The lovely tasting room is surrounded by beautiful grounds with winding walkways, water features and a variety of cozy seating including private cabanas. They serve a menu of house specialties designed to pair with their wines. Menu highlights include their charcuterie boards, baked brie, whipped feta with roasted strawberries, dips, bruschetta and more.
Desert Wind Winery, Restaurant, Inn & Spa in Prosser proudly serves a full menu of chef-crafted, farm-to-table specialties. Start with a selection of shareable bites and then enjoy specialties from the garden and the grill, including salads, sandwiches and mouthwatering burgers. They offer a limited brunch selection on Sundays. Menu highlights include fried artichoke hearts, blackberry grilled cheese and the Wahluke Slope burger. Enjoy in the beautiful barrel room or on the spacious patio with views of the Yakima River. Keep an eye out for special winery dinner and pairing events.
Tucked into historic downtown Ellensburg, Gard Vintners serves up a selection of sharable plates, flatbreads and panini. Join them for food, wine and music every first and third Friday and other special events.
Categorized in: Food and Dining, Wine Country
