Wineries

Although the Spokane [1] area doesn’t have vineyards, several local wineries produce wines from grapes grown in Yakima Valley [2] and elsewhere. Most of these offer tours and free tastings.

Enjoy a picnic with a bottle of award-winning wine at Wyvern Winery (W. 7217 45th, 509/455-7835, daily noon–5 p.m.) located in a log cabin on the outskirts of Spokane and open for tours and tastings.

Washington’s largest producer of merlot wines, Latah Creek Wine Cellars (I-90 exit 289 at E. 13030 Indiana Ave., 509/926-0164, www.latahcreek.com [3], Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday noon–5 p.m.) is an attractive Spanish mission–style winery that features tours, tastings, an art gallery, and a picnic courtyard.

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars (4705 N. Fruithill Rd., 509/927-9463, www.arborcrest.com [4], daily noon–5 p.m.) also has a tasting room and gift shop. The building, Cliff House, is a National Historic Site with a magnificent view and parklike grounds.

The small Caterina Winery (905 N. Washington, 509/328-5069, www.caterinawinery.com [5], daily noon–5 p.m.) is downtown in the historic Broadview Dairy Building.