Uncork the rich history and vibrant flavors of Vancouver, Washington’s downtown wine scene, where grape seeds first planted at Fort Vancouver in the 1800s have grown into a dynamic and diverse wine culture. Tied to the legacy of nearby Yakima Valley, this urban wine trail offers a blend of New World innovation and Old World elegance. As part of the nation’s second-largest wine-producing state, Vancouver invites wine lovers to explore its downtown tasting rooms and experience the best of Southwest Washington—one sip at a time.
Begin in Uptown Village and work your way down to the new Vancouver Waterfront to taste the bounty. Great news—most of these wineries are about a five-minute walk from each other!
Cellar 55
Nestled between uptown and downtown, Cellar 55 presents a charming tasting room that's perfect for year-round wine indulgence. In warmer seasons, their serene patio provides a delightful urban oasis, while the stylish interior offers a cozy retreat during cooler temperatures. This cooperative tasting room proudly showcases wines from Walla Walla and Eastern Washington, inviting guests to create their own personalized meat and cheese plates from the menu to complement their wine experience.
Burnt Bridge Cellars
Set within a refurbished 1930s auto garage in downtown Vancouver, Burnt Bridge Cellars takes its name from the adjacent creek, a beloved spot for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Focusing on small-batch wines crafted from meticulously hand-picked grapes, Burnt Bridge maintains a hands-on approach from vine to bottle. Each aspect of their winemaking process, including hand-filling, hand-corking, and hand-labeling, reflects their commitment to artisanal quality. Adding to the ambiance, live musicians often grace the winery's space on Friday and Saturday evenings, enhancing the tasting experience with lively entertainment.
Niche Wine Bar
Alongside an extensive selection of wines available by the glass, half glass, and bottle, Niche Wine Bar offers a delectable food menu to satiate your appetite. For those seeking a savory snack, indulge in their Alsatian tarte flambee, a delightful creation hailing from Northern France. This pizza-like treat features thin pastry dough adorned with crème fraiche, cheese, and an array of mouthwatering toppings. So, pull up a seat at the bar and treat yourself to this delectable delight as you continue your journey through the wine trail.
Willful Wine
Positioned within the historic Grant House, located on Officers Row, Willful Wine Bar exemplifies the spirit of determination and independence in every bottle. With a focus on Oregon grapes fermented using native 'wild' yeasts, Willful crafts wines that reflect the unruly essence of the terroir. Emphasizing minimal oak to accentuate the fruit, their Pinot Noir captures elegance and complexity, sourced from select vineyards across the north Willamette Valley. Beyond Pinot, their portfolio includes Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and red blends, each expressing Pam Walden's unwavering commitment to quality. With over two decades of winemaking experience, Pam's willful spirit drives Willful Wines, where each bottle tells a story of determination and passion.
Vancouver Waterfront
While this last group of wineries are just a bit more a trek, we promise it’s worth the extra steps to the Vancouver Waterfront! Enjoy the picturesque shores of the Columbia River, where a cluster of esteemed wineries. Concluding your Vancouver wine tour with a flourish, these waterfront destinations offer not only breathtaking views but also the acclaimed Maryhill Winery's Tasting Room, honored as the Washington State Winemaker of the Year in 2018. Indulge in the splendor of the river scenery as you sip on a luscious Cab Franc or sample the array of exceptional wines available. With renowned locations like Willamette Valley Vineyards, Evoke Winery, Valo Cellars, Barnard Griffin, Pepper Bridge Winery & Amavi Cellars, Brian Carter Cellars, and Airfield Estates gracing these trendy waterfront locations, your wine tour promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.