5 Best Sights in Spokane and Eastern Washington, Washington

On the grounds of the eclectic 1924 mansion of Royal Riblet, the inventor of a square-wheel tractor and the poles that hold up ski lifts, you can sample Arbor Crest wines, enjoy the striking view of the Spokane River, or meander through the impeccably kept grounds (the house isn't open to tours). Note that no minors or pets are allowed on the Estate grounds. Arbor Crest's wines include Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnays from the Columbia Valley. Enjoy Sunday evening concerts (5:30–7:30) outside from early May through September; in winter there's live music by the fireside in the Wine Bar on Thursday through Saturday nights (6–8).

Owners Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard offer a variety of fine wines, including excellent Merlot and Cabernet. The art gallery adds class to the wine-tasting experience.

Next door to Barnard Griffin Winery, Bookwalter produces red wines aged in French oak barrels and whites that are 100% stainless-steel fermented. The classic Merlot is celebrated. Blends are prevalent in both reds and whites. The on-site restaurant, Fiction, has made the top 10 on several "best winery restaurant" lists.

Owner Casey McClellan makes well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and other reds, as well as Sauvignon Blanc and a dry Rosé. The winery is in Walla Walla's historic Whitehouse-Crawford building and tastings are by reservation only.

Over the years, this winery—founded by Don Townshend in Green Bluff—won awards for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Now a second-generation winery, current owner Brendon Townshend moved it to Spokane in 2022 and opened a tasting room in the midst of the wine-making operations, giving visitors a closer look at the process.