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Top Wineries Near Puget Sound, WA

Posted on September 9, 2022December 15, 2022 Lacey Spear

Grape producers in Washington near Puget Sound — Photo Courtesy of Discover Washington Wine

The Puget Sound AVA (American Viticultural Area) yields only one percent of all grapes grown in Washington, so what’s the draw of visiting wineries near this unique body of water? As the only grape-growing region in western Washington, the Puget Sound AVA features a milder climate than its eastern counterparts. Consequently, it is the ideal location to grow Pinot Noir, Riesling, and lesser-known white grapes, such as Madeleine Angevine and Siegerrebe. However, not all wineries in the area use grapes grown in the Puget Sound AVA, with some preferring grapes from eastern Washington regions that produce deeper reds. Journey with us as we visit various Puget Sound wineries and taste the robust flavor of Washington wines!

Wineries Using Grapes from the Puget Sound AVA

Bainbridge Vineyards

Man using horse power to plow vineyard to produce Washington wines. — Photo Courtesy of Bainbridge Vineyards

If green, local, and sustainable appeal to you, Bainbridge Vineyards is a must-visit. Certified organic in 2014, Bainbridge Vineyards craft their wines solely from grapes grown in their vineyards. They prize a hands-on approach to winemaking, using draft horses and human-powered fieldwork. They also host internship programs to educate and train future farmers. If you get a chance to peruse the enchanting Bainbridge Vineyards, make sure to try the Siegerrebe, Madeleine Angevine, and Raspberry Dessert Wine.

Lopez Island Vineyards

A mixture of white and red wines made by a local vineyard in Washington. — Photo Courtesy of Lopez Island Vineyards

Lopez Island Vineyards may be a small winery, but its reputation is hard to beat. Nestled on the northwest end of Lopez Island, only 55 miles from Lake Whatcom, this family-run vineyard has formulated praiseworthy whites for over 30 years. You don’t want to skip their tasting room: a wood and stone chalet resembling a Medieval mead hall overlooking charming gardens and vast vineyards. Once inside—after you take a moment to soak in these remarkable views—be sure to order the Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine.

Spoiled Dog Winery

Large vineyard with foggy mountains in the distance near a local Washington winery. — Photo Courtesy of Spoiled Dog Winery

The barn-style tasting room, surrounding forest, and the beloved vineyard dogs make Spoiled Dog Winery the ideal outdoor oasis. Spoiled Dog differs from other Puget Sound wineries that use estate-grown grapes, as it specializes in Pinot Noir. The owner, Karen, has a law and engineering background. So she loves to merge her brain’s left and right sides into a creative montage to produce stellar Pinot Noirs in a challenging climate. In addition to the Pinot Noir, the Pomo di Moro pear wine, the Deception Red Blend, and the lavender-infused Verjus are must-tries!

Wineries Using Grapes from Eastern Washington AVAs

Chateau Ste. Michelle

A French chateau-style building in Washington, specializes in Riesling. — Photo Courtesy of Chateau Ste. Michelle

Now one of the most renowned wineries in Washington, Chateau Ste. Michelle’s initial goal was to debunk the theory that quality wine only originates from Italy or California. Only 13 miles from Lake Washington, Chateau Ste. Michelle boasts the fullness of Washington flavors. Accordingly, it features two avant-garde wineries, one for whites in the Puget Sound AVA and one for reds in the eastern Canoe Ridge Estate. If you find yourself at Chateau Ste. Michelle, spend time exploring the outdoor gardens, marveling at the architecture, and sipping the unbeatable Riesling varieties.

Structure Cellars

Two winemakers smiling and standing in front of a wall of locally-made wine. — Photo Courtesy of Discover Washington Wine

With an urban location, winery dogs, casual ambiance, and throwback hip-hop music, Structure Cellars is not your typical winery. When the owners, Brian and Brandee, opened Structure Cellars, they said: “Seattle [has] found the tasting room it didn’t know it was missing.” Customers commend Brian and Brandee for their involvement, friendly attitudes, and ability to make anyone feel like family. If you get a chance to visit, you can’t go wrong with the Red Hills Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot.

DeLille Cellars

A modern three-story building located near Seattle Washington. — Photo Courtesy of Eater Seattle

Showcasing a chic three-story tasting room, DeLille Cellars was one of the first wineries in Washington to achieve Robert Parker’s five-star excellence rating. In 1994, DeLille Cellars purchased the rights to Harrison Hill Vineyard, obtaining some of Washington’s oldest and most coveted vines. Located 12 miles from Lake Sammamish, DeLille Cellars was the first winery in Washington to specialize in both red and white Bordeaux-style blends. Their founders’ philosophy is that “all good blends transcend the sum of their individual parts.” So a visit to DeLille Cellars is not complete without trying their Bordeaux-style blends!

While the Puget Sound region is known for its white wines, the local wineries produce a myriad of flavors, solidifying Chateau Ste. Michelle’s theory: Washington can indeed compete with the wine giants of the world.

Best Lakes for Ice Fishing in the U.S.

Posted on February 5, 2021February 4, 2021 Camille Smith

Now that we’re deep into the winter season, everyone is looking for socially distant outdoor activities to get out of the house. Thankfully, living on the lake makes this feat easier. From cold-weather camping to snow skiing, there’s no shortage of winter activities when you reside in a remote location.

For those who love fishing in the summertime, a popular winter variation of this sport is ice fishing. If you aren’t familiar, ice fishing involves choosing a frozen lake, drilling a hole in the lake (using power tools called augers or manual devices), and waiting for a bite. Regardless of your location, there’s bound to be an ice-fishing lake near you. Here are our top picks for the best ice-fishing lakes in the country.

Lake Michigan

Somehow, Lake Michigan always appears on a list of “top lakes” in many respects. It’s no wonder why. For one, this Great Lake is one of the country’s largest lakes, bordering multiple states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois.

Lake Michigan also boasts spectacular views with its beachy shoreline. When it comes to ice fishing, Lake Michigan is undoubtedly one of the country’s top ice-fishing lakes. Its many marinas, bays, and harbors offer plenty of options for anglers to set up camp. For spectacular views, while you wait to reel in a walleye or whitefish beneath the ice, look no further than Lake Michigan.

Lake Champlain

This iconic lake is a top fishing spot in Vermont, New York, and Quebec. Lake Champlain is home to plenty of walleye, yellow perch salmon, and lake trout with hundreds of shoreline miles. In fact, the lake is so long that there are different hotspots for various fish species.

Port Henry and Champlain Bridge are popular spots for catching salmon and lake trout, while you’ll have luck reeling in white perch and bluegill at Bulwagga Bay. Due to this location’s long winters, you can fish here through mid-March.

If these criteria aren’t enough to sell you, Lake Champlain is also home to the alleged lake monster, Champy. To make your permanent residence on one of the top ice-fishing lakes, check out our listings on Lake Champlain.

Devil’s Lake, North Dakota

If you’re looking for one of the best ice-fishing lakes for social distancing, Devil’s Lake takes the cake. With 100,000 acres of frozen water, this large body of water has plenty of space for every angler.

Minnewaukan Flats, Cactus Point, and Rocky Point are some popular spots. Although it’s known as the “perch capital of the world,” you can also catch a variety of fish of surprisingly large sizes. Many anglers report coming home with a perch, pike, and walleye all in one fishing trip!

The region’s long winters offer a perfect opportunity to fish for multiple weekends. Just keep in mind that Devil’s Lake isn’t for beginners. Fishing here requires a license, so be sure to get your credentials sorted before planning a trip!

Lake Washington, Minnesota

With a depth of 50 feet and spanning 1,487 acres, Lake Washington is one of the largest lakes in southern Minnesota. It’s a popular fishing destination in summer and winter, and anglers flock to locations like Baker’s Bay, Squirrel’s Point, and Crystal Bay to reel in the seasonal catch.

Specifically, it’s a great place to catch crappie, black bullhead, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Although fishing enthusiasts flock to Lake Washington from everywhere, it’s especially beloved among nearby Minneapolis residents. This winter, Lake Washington is definitely worth the journey.

Silver Lake, California

California didn’t earn its reputation as the “Golden State” by coincidence. With more clear days than rainy days on average, the state home to Los Angeles and San Francisco is practically synonymous with sunshine. As such, it may come as a surprise that California is home to one of the best ice-fishing lakes.

Silver Lake, California, is the best of both worlds. Gorgeous in summer and winter, it’s an incredibly scenic spot situated at Carson Mountain’s base. The lake is known for catching large fish — some anglers have reportedly caught trout up to 12 pounds, 30 inches long. It’s also home to one of the oldest fishing retreats in the nation, the Silver Lake Resort. If you live out west, Silver Lake is certainly worth the trip.

Clear Lake, Iowa

Photo courtesy of The Working Mom’s Travels.

Located in the 60-acre McIntosh Woods State Park, Clear Lake is one of the Midwest’s most popular ice-fishing destinations. As the runner-up for Iowa’s second-largest natural lake (second to Big Spirit Lake), there’s plenty of space for anglers all winter long. When you’re not sitting on ice hoping to catch bluegill or crappie, you can also check out the skiing and snowshoeing opportunities at this park. Plus, you can stay for the annual wind kite festival to witness some colorful skies over the frozen water.

Moses Lake, Washington

Photo courtesy of Kevin Roylance Photography.

Although winters in the Pacific Northwest are sometimes too mild to produce the best ice-fishing lakes, Moses Lake is a prime destination for anglers when it does freeze over. It’s especially popular for perch fishing, as a vast population typically shows up each winter. There’s plenty of public access to this large, man-made lake, making it easy to find an ice- fishing spot. If you’re a Seattle resident, ice fishing at Moses lake is the perfect winter day trip.

Have you tried ice fishing this winter? If so, let us know what you think!

5 Interesting Facts About Puget Sound, WA

Posted on November 2, 2020October 30, 2020 Camille Smith

(ALL INTERNAL & LIMITED EXTERNAL RIGHTS) Breaching orca near the San Juan Islands, Washington. Photo Credit: © Walt Kochan

If you’ve been to the Pacific Northwest and skipped Puget Sound, you’re missing out. It’s simply magnificent. Stretching along Washington state’s northwest coast, this expansive inlet borders large cities like Seattle and natural attractions like Mount Rainier.

As Lake Homes Realty moves into Washington State, we’re excited to announce our presence on Puget Sound. To celebrate our launch in this region, check out these five facts!

It’s Actually Not a Lake

Image courtesy of Encyclopedia of Puget Sound.

Although Puget Sound is one of our lake markets, it’s not technically a lake. Instead, it is a 100-mile system of islands, channels, inlets, and estuaries fed by freshwater from the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Its 2,500-mile shoreline extends from the northern Deception Path to the southernmost Olympia, making it the second-largest estuary in the U.S. just after the Chesapeake Bay.

It’s also a considerably deep body of water. The deepest point, between Whidbey Island and Tacoma, is 600 feet. That’s deep enough to submerge the entire Washington Monument!

It’s Home to Unique Marine Life

Marine life is abundant in Puget Sound. On the small (animal) end of the scale, it’s home to more than 3,000 types of invertebrates, including clams, oysters, sea urchins, and octopus. On the larger end, 13 types of sea mammals live in the sound. Every year, visitors flock to Puget Sound for whale watching and excitedly wait to see orca whales, sea otters, and seals. For anglers, the sound’s various species of salmon are attractive.

Overall, Puget Sound has a thriving ecosystem. In part, this is due to the abundance of underwater nutrients from plants like seagrass and kelp—fun fact — the latter is a superfood for humans and fish.

It was Named for a British Lieutenant

In the late 1700s, British explorer George Vancouver completed an expedition to the Pacific Northwest. Along his journey, he named 75 islands and water bodies, one of them being Puget Sound. He named this particular waterway in honor of Peter Puget, a Royal Navy lieutenant who accompanied him on the expedition.

However, this is not the only name for Puget Sound. Native Americans indigenous to the area referred to the sound as Whulge or Whulj, long before Peter Puget’s arrival. The name comes from the Lushootseed word meaning “sea, saltwater, or ocean.” A third name for the sound is the “Salish Sea.” By definition, the Salish Sea encompasses the San Juan Islands and a few Vancouver waterways and Puget Sound.

It’s Not Just Water– It’s a Whole Region

Photo courtesy of Puget Sound Regional Council.

The term “Puget Sound” refers to this body of water and the surrounding region. It’s no small town. Puget Sound borders four major Washington cities — Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Everett. Due to its popularity in the state, two-thirds of Washington’s population lives in the Puget Sound area.

At the southern end, the capital, Olympia, is known for government landmarks, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, and the Percival Landing Park with a public art boardwalk.

Although Olympia has several notable attractions, it’s often overshadowed by Seattle, the state’s largest city. Seattle is a favorite among Puget Sound residents and visitors alike. Notably, it’s known for its culinary scene, world-class museums like the Seattle Art Museum and Glass Museum, and the iconic Space Needle.

If you relocate to the area, you’ll have access to quality education, as the University of Washington and the University of Puget Sound are top schools in the region. The former even has a nationally ranked medical center.

Yes, You Can Swim in Puget Sound!

Seattle residents love the urban beach lifestyle. Although boating and kayaking are most popular, Washingtonians also enjoy swimming in some regions of Puget Sound. One popular destination is Deception Pass State Park on the waterway’s northern tip. Of course, keep in mind that Puget Sound’s salty water and currents make it more akin to ocean swimming. Plus, you’ll need to keep a watch out for predators like jellyfish and sharks. Not sure of the safest places to swim? Check out Swim Guide, an app that integrates public data to determine Northwest residents’ best swimming spots.

Puget Sound is worth considering if you’re seeking the best in city life combined with stunning natural features. From its unique wildlife to incredible mountain views, there’s simply nothing else like it. Check out our Puget Sound listings today!

Lake Homes Realty Makes its Way to the West Coast

Posted on August 14, 2020October 22, 2020 Mark Griggs

Lake Homes Realty has added The Evergreen State to our business footprint! We’ve added our first beachhead on the west coast in Washington in our march to the Pacific Ocean. We’ve been searching for the right broker to join our team, and we’ve found him. Kelly Larson became our newest team member and is working hard to build his team.

We’ll be adding the beautiful lakes of Washington to LakeHomes.com in the coming days and weeks. As we have done with all the states and lakes that we serve, we’ll display all the homes and land listed for sale across the state. Listings that are added by Lake Homes Realty’s agents will always be featured on the website.

From Lake Washington, one of the largest natural lakes in the state, to the metropolitan Lake Union in Seattle, Washington’s lakes are stunning. We’ll be adding profiles for every lake in the state to inform our readers about the style of living available on each. From the size and depth of each lake to the type of fishing and boating available, you will have all the information you need to decide which lake best fits your lifestyle.

Keep a watch here on LakeHomes.com for more information on the lakes of Washington and more new states very soon. Our goal is to be your nationwide lake resource!