The Wine Capital Of Washington Is One Of The Most Charming Small Towns You'll Ever Visit
By Rachel Raimondi|Updated on March 23, 2024(Originally published July 20, 2023)
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Rachel Raimondi
Author
Writer some days, editor other days, nerd all days. Love to travel to lesser-known spots and give them the love they deserve. Independently owned motor inns, Mom and Pop restaurants, uncrowded National Parks and trails.
In between these, spend my free time virtually adventuring through point-and-click games. Native New Yorker but can frequently be found roaming other parts of the United States.
When you think of wine in the U.S., the first few places you think of are probably California’s Napa Valley or Sonoma. While those are certainly wonderful wine regions, you might be missing out on an area of The Evergreen State that is equally as sweet (or dry, whichever wine you prefer). Prosser is home to more than 30 Washington wineries, thus the moniker of the “wine capital of Washington State.”
The Yakima River Valley is known for its fertile land and abundant sunshine. So it’s no wonder that it is such a popular area for wineries and vineyards in Washington.
Not only are these great places to visit for wine lovers, but they are also lovely spots to truly take in the gorgeous agricultural landscapes of the area.
The 267-acre vineyard and estate is located within Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Enjoy wine tastings here or visit and/or reserve one of their other spaces in Washington including Audacity Wine Bar in Seattle and the Woodin Creek Tasting Room.
Domanico Cellars has a Seattle location as well as a wine bar in Prosser, but the location off of North Crosby Road in Prosser is actually at the vineyard.
Domanico Cellars, 24901 N Crosby Rd, Prosser, WA 99350, USA
You can do a tour here with the winemaker and owner or schedule a tasting. Choose from a variety of wine types like Cabernet Franc, Old Vine Chardonnay, and Malbec, to name just a few.
Located on Frontier Road, 14 Hands Winery is named after the wild horses that used to roam this region of the state where grapes are now grown. They were described as being "14 hands high."
There are several options here when it comes to tastings, such as a large format tasting, which includes light fare, and a Bundt Bites and Wine experience, which pairs wine with bundt cakes from a local bakery. And that's just a few examples of experiences you can book here.
Worked up an appetite while tasting and touring? While you’re here, be sure to head downtown to check out the restaurant scene.
