7 Best Sights in North Central Washington, Washington

One of Chelan's several acclaimed operations with female founding winemakers, this upper North Shore winery with a bordello-inspired tasting room has helpful staff and a pretty outdoor picnic area. The winery's playful approach extends to the interesting lineup, including two crisp and bright rosés that feature Gamay Noir grapes grown in the Chelan Lake AVA, the Blanc de Noir sparkling wine called "Good in Bed," and the Shameless Hussy label with its red blend of Syrah and Merlot and its fresh and fruity Viognier. There's also an aromatic vermouth aperitif that pairs perfectly with light tapas. The winery has a tasting room in downtown Leavenworth, too. 

With a gracious patio, koi pond, and fireplace overlooking the lake as well as a dark and inviting wine cave, this first-rate winery on the South Shore stands out for its superb Brut de Brut Champagne-style wine as well as for its Alsatian grapes, including Gewürztraminer and Riesling. Sparkling wines predominate and are even offered by the can (handy for a picnic).

The excellent estate-grown wine is part of the reason to drop by this vineyard hugging a hillside on the north shore of the lake. You'll also want to soak up the sweeping Lake Chelan and mountain views from the tasting room—with its large south-facing windows—and the terrace. The patio is a pleasant setting to enjoy Neapolitan-style pizza, artisan sandwiches, and gelato from the on-site bistro, Cafe Myth.

Set on a hilltop just outside of Leavenworth, with gorgeous views over the valley, this winery is a must-stop for wine lovers. There's a tasting room where you can sample wine and learn more about the award-winning wines that Silvara makes with grapes sourced from more than a dozen Washington state vineyards. Outside there's an expansive patio with tables and firepits for socializing over wine, cheese, and other light bites. For an especially unique experience, reserve one of the clear dome "igloos" for your group.

Founded by fourth-generation farmers who have been growing fruit in the Wenatchee foothills since the 1890s, Stemilt Creek has developed a sterling reputation for its Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other Bordeaux-style wines. The tasting room in downtown Wenatchee is in the Pybus Public Market.

Home to the popular Winemaker's Grill restaurant, which serves dinner daily, this well-respected operation with a tasting room and wine bar is in the small North Shore town of Manson and makes a great stop whether you're thirsty, hungry, or both. In warm weather, have a seat on the patio and drink up the mountain views while enjoying a glass of wine. The winery won the top spot with its 2018 Cabernet Franc in the 2022 Sunset magazine International Wine Competition—the first Washington winery to win that honor.

Founded by acclaimed winemaker Angela Jacobs, WineGirl Wines changed hands in 2020 but continues to welcome wine lovers to its attractive downtown tasting room. Sourcing grapes from vineyards in the Columbia Valley and Lake Chelan (where there's a second tasting room), WineGirl makes several red wines, including Malbec, Syrah, two Merlots, and two port-style wines, along with whites, rosés, and sparkling wine. The Pin-Up Girl wines are adorned with colorful vintage-style labels and include a Gewürztraminer called "Pretzel Girl" in honor of the Leavenworth vibe; it's a perfect souvenir. You can do a special tasting with red wines and chocolate.