It’s National Wine Day! And if you’re newly stationed at Bangor (or haven’t ventured out yet), do yourself a favor and experience some Washington state wine. If you didn’t know, Washington is the second largest premium wine producer in the United States, second to only California. The state has more than 1,000 wineries that produce more than 70 varieties and 17 million cases. State-wide there are oven a dozen designated wine regions, which are worth a weekend getaway all their own.
But closer to home, there are some great wineries and tasting rooms in Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island. Here’s a list to get you started:
Hard Hat Winery
Veteran owned and operated Hard Hat Winery is located in Poulsbo, established in 2018 by friends Jim Davenport, Navy Diver and Greg Lone, an Army veteran.
Eleven Winery
Eleven Winery has two locations on Bainbridge Island, a winery and tasting room. With the motto “the better the wine, the more fun you’ll have,” Eleven produces a wide range of wines for every palate.
Rolling Bay Winery
Rolling Bay is a small, artisan winery located on Bainbridge Island. The winery produces limited quantities of hand-crafted premium wines, from many grapes planted in 1979 – some of the oldest in the state.
Fletcher Bay Winery
Fletcher Bay Winery is a boutique style winery on Bainbridge Island, offering single varietals and unique blends. The tasting room is located in the heart of downtown, and prides ittself on being family-friendly and dog-friendly (outside).
Perennial Vintners
Perennial Vintners specializes in the delicate wines from the maritime-influenced cool climate viticulture of the Puget Sound AVA, many grapes that are not well known. The winery is also family-friendly.
Bainbridge Vineyards
Bainbridge Vineyards produces 1,200 cases of wine every year, exclusiely from their certified organic estate vineyards. The winery specializes in a delicate, award-winning white wines.
State 42 Wines
Located in downtown Poulsbo on Front Street, State 42 Wines is a small production, family-owned tasting room (winery in Hood Canal). The company specializes in sustainably grown grapes from small growers.
Eagle Harbor Wine Co.
Eagle Harbor Wine Co. was founded in 2005, with a vision to crafct artisanal old-world wine styles. Today th ewinery continues their tradition of making elegant, balanced and approachable wines.
What are some of your favorite wineries? Comment below!