Sip, Savour & Explore: A Vancouver WA Wine Adventure

As a Clark County local, nothing delights me more than showing off our side of the Columbia River. Recently a Redditor asked where to take out‑of‑towners for a great Vancouver WA winery experience. I jumped in, did some recon, and put together a guide that’s equal parts insider tips, day‑trip ideas and cheeky commentary. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a pinot‑noir nerd, these spots will have you swirling, sipping and snapping photos like a pro.

Ridgefield & Yacolt: Small‑town charm with serious flavour

Local winery	Key details	Why visit
14 Acres Vineyard & Winery (Ridgefield)	Family‑owned and operated; the vineyard is dedicated to handcrafted wines	Relax on the patio during their summer concert series and pair local music with estate wines.
Moulton Falls Winery (Yacolt)	Produces quality wines using grapes from Benton, Klickitat and Yakima Counties in eastern Washington.	A perfect post‑hike stop after exploring nearby Moulton Falls Park; they also specialise in cider.
Pomeroy Cellars (Lucia Valley)	Set on historic Pomeroy Farm, this serene tasting room makes award‑winning wines and produces less than 1,500 cases each year.	Enjoy small‑batch wines while overlooking pastoral fields; the farm hosts events and has a history dating back to 1910.
Stavalaura Vineyard (Ridgefield)	A small‑batch, family‑run winery just outside Ridgefield; wines from their grapes are unique in flavour, colour and style.	Perfect for a quiet picnic; the intimate tasting room offers vineyard views without the crowds.
Windy Hills Winery (Ridgefield)	A winery and event centre with an expansive tasting room just north of Vancouver.	Great for groups or special events; sip Northwest wines while taking in the scenic Ridgefield countryside.

Bonus stop: Moulton Falls Park & Chelatchie Prairie Railroad

Combine your wine tasting with an outdoor adventure. Moulton Falls Park boasts two waterfalls and trails; reward yourself afterwards at Moulton Falls Winery, which serves delicious wine and cider. Nearby, the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad offers scenic rides through the Lewis River Valley, nothing like sipping cabernet after a steam‑train excursion.

Vancouver Waterfront: Urban tasting rooms with river views

The newly revitalised Vancouver Waterfront has become a wine lover’s playground. Here’s your crawl:

• Maryhill Winery – The farthest west of the tasting rooms, Maryhill’s 5,000‑sq‑ft space offers direct views of the Columbia River. Sip a Proprietor’s Reserve Rosé on the patio or cosy up to the 1885 Brunswick bar with a Cabernet Franc and charcuterie. Maryhill’s original vineyard is in the Columbia River Gorge, but their Vancouver location brings the Gorge to you.

• Airfield Estates – A block east sits this Yakima Valley winery, steeped in aviation history. It’s housed in a building that once trained WWII pilots, and their wines—named after vintage aircraft—pay homage to those roots. The vibe is stylish yet warm, and the flight‑themed decor is Instagram gold.

• Brian Carter Cellars – Celebrated for European‑style blends, this Woodinville‑born winery pours “Solesce” (Latin for sun and essence) and the golden‑hued “Oriana”. Pair with soups or flatbreads for a flight‑and‑bite experience.

• Amavi Cellars & Pepper Bridge – These Walla Walla wineries share a polished tasting room where Bordeaux‑style wines shine. Knowledgeable servers explain the nuances of Amavi’s Syrah and Pepper Bridge’s Merlot.

• Valo Cellars – One of the newer kids on the block, Valo is earning rave reviews for lively Chardonnay and Bordeaux blends. Their moody, industrial space also pours Massalto wines.

• Barnard Griffin Winery – Known for quality and consistency, this family‑run winery offers signature Rob’s Red Blend and a playful sparkling Albariño dubbed “Gorge”. Sip at the glowing bar and toast to the view.

Willamette Valley & Dundee: Day‑trip heaven

Why the Willamette Valley deserves your time

Just an hour south of Vancouver, Oregon’s Willamette Valley is an oenophile’s dream. The region is producing some of the world’s finest cool‑climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, earning PGI status from the E.U. and beating out heavyweights on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list. With more than 700 wineries spread across rolling hills and hazelnut orchards, the valley offers year‑round experiences—lush greens in summer, golden vines in autumn and intimate cellar visits in winter.

Must‑visit wineries from the Reddit recs

• Anne Amie Vineyards (Yamhill‑Carlton/Dayton) – Pinot reigns supreme here. Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc form the heart of their production, complemented by estate Müller‑Thurgau planted in 1979. Their tasting room offers breathtaking views of the vineyards and the Pacific Coast Range. Plus, they’re dog‑friendly and picnic‑friendly.

• Durant Vineyards at Red Ridge Farms (Dundee Hills) – Perched above the dramatic Willamette Valley, Durant’s tasting room offers incredible views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson and miles of agricultural land. The estate produces wines and olive oil and pairs them with curated food selections. Reservations are recommended, but the vista alone is worth planning ahead.

• Hiyu Wine Farm (Hood River Valley) – For something truly wild, head east. This natural wine farm near Mount Hood cultivates over 100 grape varieties and uses Old World field‑blending techniques. Animals roam through the vines, fertilising and weeding naturally, giving the wines a sense of place you won’t find elsewhere. The farm is roughly an hour from Portland and offers an undulating 30‑acre landscape with views across the Hood River and pine‑covered hills.

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Don’t skip the Dundee Hills and Carlton

Many Redditors urged visitors to “go to Dundee” and “drive to Dayton”—and for good reason. The Dundee Hills, about an hour from Vancouver, are home to dozens of wineries. Sipping at places like Domaine Serene, Domaine Drouhin or Soter provides a taste of Oregon’s premier Pinot. Make a loop through McMinnville’s historic downtown for lunch and check out the charming shops mentioned by locals.

Practical Tips for Your Wine Tour

• Designate a driver or book a tour. Sipping responsibly means everyone enjoys the day. Companies like the Willamette Valley Tour offer full‑day experiences with transportation.

• Time your visit. Summer and early fall bring warm weather and lively crowds, while winter offers quieter tasting rooms and more one‑on‑one time with winemakers.

• Pack a picnic. Many local wineries (14 Acres, Stavalaura, Anne Amie) allow outside food. Bring local cheese and bread to complement your tastings.

• Explore beyond wine. Ride the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad or hike Moulton Falls Park between tastings. In Hood River, extend your day with waterfalls and fruit stands along the Columbia Gorge.

Vancouver WA’s wine scene is no longer a secret. From family‑run vineyards in Ridgefield to industrial‑chic tasting rooms on the waterfront and world‑class Oregon wineries just an hour away, there’s a sip and a view for every palate. So gather your friends, embrace the scenic drives and let the Couve be your launchpad into Pacific Northwest wine country. Cheers!