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Day Trip to Spokane Wine Country from Spokane

How to do Spokane wine country as a day trip from Spokane — the best wineries, routes, and tips for a Based in Spokane (Eastern Washington's largest city) adventure.

How to Do Spokane Wine Country as a Day Trip from Spokane

Spokane Wine Country is within Spokane (Eastern Washington's largest city), making it a feasible day trip for Spokane residents and visitors with a full day available. Leave Spokane by 9am to arrive in Spokane wine country before the tasting rooms reach peak weekend crowds. With a 7pm return, you have approximately 8 hours in wine country — enough for three winery visits, a proper lunch, and one spontaneous discovery. The return drive is easier than the morning journey; consider arriving in Spokane wine country before most tasting rooms open and using the extra time to walk the vineyard or explore the surrounding landscape.

Maximizing a Spokane Wine Country Day Trip

For a day trip to Spokane wine country, pre-book two appointments and leave the third tasting slot open for whatever looks interesting when you arrive. Pack a cooler for wine purchases — the drive from Spokane wine country to Spokane in summer heat is not ideal for unrefrigerated bottles. The most efficient day trip to Spokane wine country focuses on one geographic cluster rather than trying to cover the entire region; the Perry District and downtown Spokane tasting room cluster area allows three or four tasting room visits within a 10-minute drive of each other.

Day Trip Transport Options

Driving from Spokane to Spokane wine country and back without a designated non-drinking driver is not recommended — even responsible tasting across three winery visits adds up over an 8-hour day. Options: designate a driver in your group and plan their wine country experience around non-tasting activities; book a wine country shuttle service from Spokane (several operate regularly); or use the day trip as an excuse to stay overnight and return refreshed the following morning.

Winery Profiles

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

Spokane, WA

Clifftop basalt landmark — panoramic views, Columbia Valley wines, open daily

Barrister Winery

Spokane Downtown, WA

Critically acclaimed Spokane producer — Syrah, Merlot, collector red blends

Caterina Winery

Spokane, WA

Spokane landmark in a historic building — Italian-inspired Washington wines

Townshend Cellar

Spokane Valley, WA

Spokane Valley estate — Columbia Valley reds in a welcoming setting

Palouse Winery

Pullman, WA

University town winery near WSU — Eastern Washington wines

Latah Creek Wine Cellars

Spokane, WA

Spokane producer since 1982 — estate wines in the Lewis-Clark corridor

Liberty Lake Wine Cellars

Liberty Lake, WA

Suburban Spokane producer — Columbia Valley wines near Liberty Lake

Robert Karl Cellars

Spokane, WA

Spokane's most design-forward tasting room — notable red blends

Browse All Washington Wineries →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best wineries in Spokane Wine Country?

The most celebrated wineries in Spokane Wine Country include Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, Barrister Winery, Caterina Winery, Townshend Cellar, Palouse Winery. Each represents the region's commitment to world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot from Washington State.

How do I get to Spokane wine country?

Spokane wine country is Based in Spokane (Eastern Washington's largest city). Plan your route using I-90 for Seattle connections or US-97 for north-south travel through Eastern Washington. Most winery tasting rooms are accessible by car; some regions offer wine country shuttle services.

What is Spokane wine country known for?

Spokane Wine Country is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot — varieties that thrive in the region's unique climate of warm days, cold nights, and volcanic soils. Washington State has become one of America's premier wine regions, and Spokane Wine Country is at the heart of that reputation.