Lifestyle
Where to Take Out-of-Town Guests in Woodinville: A Wine Country Day
November 3, 2026 · 4 min read
Where should you take visitors in Woodinville?
Woodinville is my go-to when guests want a wine country day without leaving the Seattle area. Start with brunch at Barking Frog, then explore the new Harvest Woodinville and shop for gifts (with a glass of wine) at Houseguest. Spend the afternoon tasting at JM Cellars or Novelty Hill-Januik. End at Willows Lodge or the newer SOMM Hotel with a spa treatment or a drink by the fire. In summer, swap the evening for a concert at Chateau Ste. Michelle.
Woodinville is only about 30 minutes from Seattle, depending on traffic, but it feels like a getaway.
Brunch: Barking Frog
Barking Frog, at Willows Lodge, is a Woodinville institution for Pacific Northwest cooking and a serious wine list. Brunch is the easiest way to start a wine country day. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays.
Late morning: Harvest Woodinville and Houseguest
Harvest Woodinville is the new heart of the tourist district, about a block from Chateau Ste. Michelle. Its retail and dining area, The Yard, began opening in fall 2026 with tasting rooms, restaurants, and boutiques, next to The SOMM. Hotel & Spa.
Don't skip Houseguest. You can shop cute gifts and home goods and have a glass of wine while you browse. It's my favorite stop for a host gift or something guests can take home.
Afternoon: wine tasting
Pick one or two. Pacing matters more than volume here.
- JM Cellars: a beautiful, garden-like setting tucked into the hillside, perfect on a nice day. The tasting flight is always a good idea.
- Novelty Hill-Januik: a polished tasting room with two wineries under one roof.
Tip: book tastings ahead, especially on weekends and during the holidays.
Want more options? See my top 5 wineries to visit in Woodinville.
Evening: Willows Lodge or the SOMM Hotel (or a summer concert)
End the day at Willows Lodge. Book a treatment at the spa, or settle into the Fireside Lounge for a glass of Northwest wine by the fire. And did you know you can meet the pigs? Head out to the front of the hotel and meet the local pigs! Prefer something newer? The SOMM. Hotel & Spa at Harvest Woodinville has a full spa and two restaurants, Bin 47 and The Shed, steps from the new tasting rooms.
Visiting in summer? Check the Chateau Ste. Michelle summer concert series. A concert on the lawn is one of the best evenings in the region.
FAQ
What is there to do in Woodinville besides wine tasting?
Shopping at Harvest Woodinville and Houseguest, brunch at Barking Frog, a spa day at Willows Lodge or the SOMM Hotel, and summer concerts at Chateau Ste. Michelle.
What's new in Woodinville?
Harvest Woodinville, a mixed-use village near Chateau Ste. Michelle with The Yard's tasting rooms, restaurants, and shops, plus The SOMM. Hotel & Spa.
Do you need reservations for Woodinville wineries?
Many tasting rooms take walk-ins, but reservations are smart on weekends and for groups.
How far is Woodinville from Seattle?
About 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Thinking about living here?
Plenty of visitors leave Woodinville wondering what it would be like to live near wine country with a little more space. If that's you, let's talk.
