Are you visiting Seattle or a local who needs a weekend getaway to explore Washington’s wine country? You are in luck, for Woodinville is only a 30-minute drive from the Emerald City! With more than 100 tasting rooms and wineries, a trip to this small town is a wine lovers’ dream. While you might go for the wine, there is plenty of fun to be had with cabaret shows, aerial adventures, outdoor concerts, and a top-notch hotel withing walking and biking distance of wineries, breweries, distilleries, and restaurants in Woodinville.
If you are looking for a small town with plenty of charm, Woodinville, Washington is a fabulous place to wine, dine and have some fun. Here are six ways to have a blast in one of the best small towns in Washington State.
(Feature photo courtesy of Teatro ZinZanni.)
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Top 6 Things To Do In Woodinville, Washington
1. Maryhill Winery Tasting Room
Wine is a huge draw for the small town of Woodinville, and with more than 100 tasting rooms and wineries, there are plenty of ways to taste your way around Washington Wine Country and discover why it is the second-largest producer of wine in the US.
Recently, I had the opportunity to check out Maryhill Winery’s NEW tasting room. Located in the historic Hollywood Schoolhouse (circa 1912), the expansive first-floor features several tasting bars with knowledgable staff, a sit-down cafe with Mediterranean-inspired food, additional couches, and wine for purchase. The second floor is reserved for Wine Club Members and has more seating, including balconies on the front and back of the schoolhouse.
What particularly impressed me about their new tasting room is the wall of soil. Why did I love it? One of the reasons Washington produces such fabulous wines is because of its soil, much of which is due to a series of gigantic floods. With the soil map, you can see the soil from each Columbia Valley vineyard Maryhill Winery partners with and find its location on the map. It’s a fun way to dig a little deeper into Washington Wine Country.
Over the years, Mayhill Winery has earned many awards and accolades for their wines, and you’ll surely find a pour to your liking. Two I recommend, if available for tasting, are the Albarino and the Cinsault. The later is typically only reserved for Premium Wine Club members, and it is fabulous! Tasting fees are $15 and may be applied to a wine purchase of $25.
Maryhill Winery (Flagship location along the Gorge)
Maryhill Winery is located in one of the most beautiful places in Washington State, near the small town of Maryhill along the Columbia River Gorge. If you get a chance to visit their winery, you won’t be disappointed. The views are breathtaking and during the summer months, they have a popular outdoor concert series. Plus, there are some interesting attractions nearby such as the Maryhill Museum of Art, Stonehenge, and Maryhill Loops Road.
2. Teatro ZinZanni
Teatro ZinZanni recently moved its headquarters from Seattle to the small town of Woodinville. If you are looking for a night of pure entertainment, book a seat for one of their shows! The shows are a mix of cirque, cabaret, and dinner theater. We had an exceptional time, the food was great and dinner never felt rushed. Most importantly we laughed a ton!
Photos courtesy of Teatro ZinZanni.
I suggest arriving at least 30 minutes prior to opening to soak up the lively and magical atmosphere. The actors are in full character before the show starts, so be sure to watch what mischief they get into!
Tickets start at $99 per person (depending on where you sit) and come with a multi-course meal. Performances are held Wednesday through Sunday night, including a Sunday matinee. If attending a night performance, I highly recommend staying overnight, which leads me to my next stop.
See deals for Teatro ZinZanni on LivingSocial.
3. The Willows Lodge
Right in the heart of Woodinville Wine Country is the Willows Lodge. Nestled on five landscaped acres and within walking distance to many wineries, like Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Winery as well as Teatro Zin Zanni and Adventura, the Willows Lodge offers guests a relaxing home base while exploring Woodinville Wine Country.
The staff at the hotel are on top of their game, and guests of age are welcomed with a sample of wine at check-in. Guest amenities include an on-site spa, a heated relaxation pool, complimentary bicycles, a lounge with live music, garden pathways with seating arrangments, and an award-winning restaurant.
Photos courtesy of the Willows Lodge.
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4. Barking Frog
While staying at the Willows Lodge, dining at the Barking Frog is a must! I ate there for breakfast and dinner, and the food and service were excellent each time. For dinner, I highly recommend the four-course Barking Frog Tasting Menus, as it gives you an opportunity to sample a variety of dishes. You can also add on wine pairings, which Wine Director and Sommelier Tyler Alden, will pick out based on your pallet or you can opt for his savvy suggestions.
Discover more ways to wine around the Pacific Northwest.
For breakfast, I had the avocado toast. Yum!
5. Adventura
For those seeking some thrills during their getaway, Adventura is the place to go. The adventure park has a series of obstacles 50 feet off the ground. Each session begins with an in-depth training session that covers how to use the gear, how to stay safe and some hands-on practice. Then you head up to the course to test yourself! It is nerve-wracking at first, but the more challenges you work through the more confidence you become.
Photos courtesy of Adventura.
We had a blast at Adventure and were still talking about the aerial park for days after. Click to read about our experience and watch videos.
Adventura is open seasonally. If you are staying at the Willows Lodge, a path on the backside of the property leads to the aerial course.
See deals for Adventura on LivingSocial.
6. Concerts at Chateau Ste. Michelle
One activity that is high for many Washingtonians is seeing a summer concert at Chateau Ste Michelle. This winery is the oldest in Washington State, and their French-style chateau is grand with a tasting room, wine and gift shop, restaurant, and an expansive lawn. There are even resident peacocks!
We’ve seen a ton of great musicians here, and some of my favorites were Blondie, Jackson Brown, and Ray LaMontagne.
Here are some tips to make the day more enjoyable:
- Arrive between 2 or 3 pm to grab a spot in line (It’s early but it is worth it as traffic backs up!)
- Bring low-back chairs and blankets
- Bring glasses and a wine opener (If you plan to bring your own wine)
- Bring snacks, water, and drinks (You can bring Chateau Ste Michelle wine into the venue)
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and if it is a particularly hot day an umbrella
- Food and wine are available for purchase once the gates open
If you are not the concert-going kind of person, the winery features wine tastings ($15 per person), tours and tastings, wine classes, blending classes, food and wine pairing experiences, and more! Another perk is that it is within walking distance of the Willows Lodge!
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I saw winery and I was hooked! I also love the advneture park! I did one similar in Germany and it is so fun and exciting.
Samantha, The hubs and I had such a great time at the aerial park and were talking about it for days and days after. I’d love to go to one in Germany!
I have been to Woodinville but such a very long time ago. Looks like it has only gotten so much better, especially the wineries. I was laughing at the “guests of age” reference though. Ummm, you mean guests who are old enough to imbibe? Or really really old folks who need a drink before they age out? Just wondering. 😉
Michael, Ha! I could see it meaning both. If it has been a while since you’ve been there, I think you’ll definitely find it has blossomed.
The attractions around Maryhill Winery are amazing, the stone henge particularly. Love the options for night entertainment. Barking frog – what an unusual name for a restaurant. Great spread. I hope I can get there some day.
Indrani, The food that the Barking Frog is so yummy! A must when in Woodinville.
From the Stonehenge replica to the Maryhill Winery, this is my kind of sightseeing list!
Sage, That part of Washington is so beautiful. I hope you get to check it out!
I want to go to Teatro ZinZanni hands down! I love theater especially if there’s a cirque feel to it! Also the Willows Lodge is absolutely gorgeous and I love its elegant yet artsy feel!
Heather, You will love it! If you are in Washington and need someone to go with I’m so there! 🙂
OMG, I had no idea that Teatro ZinZanni moved to Woodinville – how did I miss that?! I thought it just shut down and we were so sad! Thanks so much for the tip!!
Stonehenge in Maryhill is awesome – it’s been years since I’ve visited, but I had so much fun running around there and chasing the peacocks at Maryhill Museum. And yes – Chateau St. Michelle is one of the BEST places to catch a summer concert. Fantastic write-up of some of the many awesome things to do in Woodinville!
Dani, Thanks so much for the vote of confidence! I’m so glad you now know Teatro ZinZannie moved their headquarters there. 🙂 The first time I heard the peacocks at the Chateau, I was like, is there a monkey around? Then we saw them and realized they were making the noise. Gave us a good laugh. Concerts there are magical, especially if the crowd is chill.
A visit to a high ropes course is something great. I am always available for this type of leisure!
Susanne, Aerial courses are so much fun! I agree!
Woodinville looks lovely! I always wish that I had spent more time exploring the surrounding towns when I lived in Seattle. If I’m back in town during the summer I would love to drive out here and check it out. The food from Barking Frog especially looks so delicious!
Kevin, Yes, come back and check it out in the summer! You won’t be disappointed!
I always love to find out about small towns bursting with things to do! Woodinville fits the bill! Local wineries are always fun to tour and the show, Teatro Zinzanni, appears to be well worth an evening! Sign me up for outdoor concerts! Woodinville… you are on my radar!
Alison, It is really such a fabulous town with so much to offer. I’d love to hear about your visit when you make it there!
We’ve never heard of Woodinville, but it looks like there are some interesting things to do! We’d love to stay at the Willows Lodge, it looks very beautiful! And we’d also like to eat at the Barking Frog. Thanks for this!
Hi! When I walked into the Willows Lodge my entire body went “ahhhh.” It also helped that they were having their annual spa bash and I got to try out the treatments. 🙂 I hope you get to experience for yourself one day soon!