Best Picnic Wineries in Yakima Valley Wine Country
The top wineries in Yakima Valley Wine Country with picnic grounds, beautiful outdoor spaces, and permission to bring food and enjoy the vineyard.
Picnicking in Yakima Valley Wine Country
A vineyard picnic in Yakima Valley wine country is one of the most satisfying Pacific Northwest wine experiences — the combination of outdoor setting, estate wines by the glass or bottle, and food sourced from local markets or farms creates something genuinely memorable. Most Yakima Valley wine country producers with outdoor space permit picnics with wines purchased on-site; some also allow outside food. Call ahead to confirm the specific policy and reserve a table if outdoor seating fills on summer weekends.
Where to Source a Yakima Valley Wine Country Picnic
The best Yakima Valley wine country picnic starts with shopping at a local farmers market or specialty food store in Seattle or the nearest wine country town. Look for: charcuterie and cheese from regional producers; seasonal fruit from local farms; artisan bread; and something sweet for the end. The combination of locally sourced food with estate wine from the vineyard you're sitting in is the kind of terroir-complete experience that wine country was made for.
Best Picnic Spots in Yakima Valley Wine Country
Yakima Valley Wine Country picnic-friendly wineries generally have: shaded outdoor seating (essential for Eastern Washington summer heat); a relaxed atmosphere that doesn't rush visitors; and enough space that your group can spread out without feeling crowded. The Prosser Wine Village and Red Mountain AVA area has the most concentrated options. Arrive early on summer weekends for the best outdoor tables — the most scenic spots fill quickly after opening.
Winery Profiles
Airfield Estates Winery
Prosser, WA
WWII-themed Yakima Valley estate — approachable wines, open daily
Two Mountain Winery
Zillah, WA
Rattlesnake Hills family estate — estate Cabernet and Syrah
Terra Blanca Winery
Red Mountain, WA
Red Mountain estate — Arch Terrace Cabernet from iconic slopes
Kiona Vineyards & Winery
Red Mountain, WA
Red Mountain pioneer since 1979 — original estate on the mountain
Mercer Wine Estates
Prosser, WA
Family farming estate — Columbia Valley and Horse Heaven Hills
Hedges Family Estate
Red Mountain, WA
Red Mountain estate wines — sustainable farming, open for tasting
Chinook Wines
Prosser, WA
Yakima Valley pioneer — Sauvignon Blanc and red wines by husband and wife team
Hightower Cellars
Red Mountain, WA
Red Mountain estate specializing in Cabernet and Merlot blends
Browse All Washington Wineries →
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best wineries in Yakima Valley Wine Country?
The most celebrated wineries in Yakima Valley Wine Country include Airfield Estates Winery, Two Mountain Winery, Terra Blanca Winery, Kiona Vineyards & Winery, Mercer Wine Estates. Each represents the region's commitment to world-class Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Red Mountain Merlot from Washington State.
How do I get to Yakima Valley wine country?
Yakima Valley wine country is 2 hours from Seattle. 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 Yakima Valley wine country known for?
Yakima Valley Wine Country is known for Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Red Mountain 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 Yakima Valley Wine Country is at the heart of that reputation.