Overlooking the depths of the Gorge, Cascade Cliffs Winery (8866 Hwy. 14, 509/767-1100, www.cascadecliffs.com, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily) produces some deliciously obscure red wines. The winery has the distinction of bringing the first Washington-grown Barbera wine to market and is one of the few Washington wineries to produce Nebbiolo. The exposed-beam warehouse tasting room (11 a.m.–5 p.m. Fri.–Sun. Apr.–Nov.) gives visitors the opportunity to sample wines.

The real centerpiece of the Gorge’s winery scene, Maryhill Winery (9774 Highway 14, Goldendale, 877/627-9445, www.maryhillwinery.com, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily) sits next door to the museum on a terraced cliff over Maryhill State Park’s lush vegetation. Its comfortable tasting room and patio afford the most breathtaking scenery at any winery in the state. Much of the vineyard sits on a level below the tasting room terrace, its rows seemingly extending to the very lip of the Gorge. The panoramic view of the vineyard, the Gorge, and Mt. Hood in the background make for unbelievable sunsets.

The patio is pleasant when the wind doesn’t whip up too much, and the tasting room itself is an elegant affair with a river-rock fireplace and an enormous 12-foot-high oak and inlaid mirror bar built during the turn of the 20th century. Also on the premises right next to the winery arbor and tasting room is the brand new, 4,000-seat Maryhill Winery Amphitheater, which draws summertime shows such as B. B. King and Crosby, Stills and Nash.