Top Wineries Near Puget Sound, WA

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. 

5 Interesting Facts About Puget Sound, WA

(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

Photo courtesy of seattlepi.com.

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

Image courtesy of SteamboatIsland.org.

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!

Photo courtesy of patch.com.

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!