Looking for day trips from Redmond that don’t involve hours of driving? Woodinville wine country sits right in your backyard—literally 15 minutes down the road. Even short trips need smart planning though, especially if you want to hit three wineries, enjoy lunch, and get home before dinner without feeling like you just ran a marathon.
I’ve mapped out the timing that actually works, plus a flexible itinerary you can adjust based on your group’s pace. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just need a Saturday that doesn’t involve screens, this guide covers what you need to know.
Why Woodinville Wineries Make the Perfect Day Trip
Woodinville packs over 130 wineries and tasting rooms into a compact area that’s incredibly easy to navigate. Unlike Walla Walla or the Yakima Valley, you’re not dealing with long drives between stops. Most tasting rooms cluster around two main areas: the Hollywood District and the Warehouse District, so you can walk between several spots if you want.
The quality here surprises people. These aren’t tourist traps serving mediocre wine—many Woodinville wineries source grapes from Washington’s best vineyards in Eastern Washington, then age and bottle right here. You’ll find everything from small-batch producers making 500 cases annually to well-known names like Chateau Ste. Michelle.
Woodinville feels relaxed without being overly formal. You can show up in jeans, bring friends who aren’t wine experts, and nobody’s going to judge if you prefer their rosé over the $80 reserve cab. Plus, the food scene has gotten seriously good—we’re talking wood-fired pizza, farm-to-table bistros, and cheese shops that’ll ruin grocery store cheddar for you forever.
Best Departure Time (and When to Return)
Leave Redmond around 11:00 AM. Gets you to your first tasting room by 11:30, which means you’ll dodge the peak 2-4 PM crowds when every bachelorette party in Seattle shows up.
Most people follow something like this: leave at 11, first tasting by 11:30 (give it 60-75 minutes), lunch around 1:00 (take 90 minutes if you actually want to enjoy it), second tasting at 2:30, third one around 3:45, then head back by 5. You’re home by 5:30, which leaves your evening open for dinner plans or just collapsing on the couch.
Some groups start even earlier—around 10:00 AM—which works great if you want to fit in four tastings or linger longer at lunch. Really depends on your group’s speed.
The mistake I see constantly? Trying to cram in five or six wineries. You end up spending more time driving and checking in than actually tasting wine. Three solid stops with proper time to enjoy each one beats rushing through six any day.
Suggested Itinerary (3-Stop + Flexible)
This route prioritizes variety and convenience, with built-in flexibility depending on what your group’s into.
Stop 1: JM Cellars (11:30 AM)
Start here for two reasons: their tasting room sits right off 175th, making it an easy first stop, and they pour generous samples without the pretension. The Longevity Red blend consistently wins people over, even the “I don’t like red wine” crowd. If the weather’s decent, grab a spot on their patio.
Lunch: The Commons (1:00 PM)
Located in the Warehouse District, this is your casual, order-at-the-counter spot with genuinely good food. The smoked brisket sandwich and seasonal salads hold up whether you’re starving or just need something to soak up the wine. It’s never overly crowded, and you can sit outside if the sun’s out.
Stop 2: Mark Ryan Winery (2:30 PM)
Their tasting room in the Warehouse District focuses on bold reds—think Syrah, Cabernet, and blends with serious structure. The space itself is low-key warehouse chic, and the staff actually knows their stuff without making you feel dumb for asking questions. If you’re more into whites or lighter wines, swap this for Facelli Winery instead.
Stop 3: DeLille Cellars (3:45 PM)
End with DeLille because their estate tasting room offers a different vibe—more polished, beautiful grounds, and their Bordeaux-style blends are worth the splurge if you’re buying bottles to take home. The D2 red blend rarely disappoints. Plus, their patio situation is prime for wrapping up the afternoon.
Want to adjust? If your group leans toward sparkling wine or rosé, sub in Girard Winery. If you’d rather do all three stops within walking distance, stick to the Warehouse District and hit Mark Ryan, Sparkman Cellars, and Guardian Cellars back-to-back.
Weather and Season Notes
Woodinville works year-round, but each season brings different experiences.
Spring (March-May) gets you perfect temperatures and everything blooming, but weekends can get absolutely mobbed as people emerge from winter hibernation. Book reservations ahead or risk waiting.
Summer (June-August) is peak season. Packed tasting rooms, especially Saturday afternoons. But you get live music, extended hours, and most wineries have outdoor seating going. Go earlier in the day or—better yet—hit it on a weekday if you can swing it.
Fall (September-November) brings harvest season, cooler weather, gorgeous colors. Honestly my favorite time to go. Crowds thin out after Labor Day but you still get decent weather through October. Just pack a light jacket because evenings get chilly.
Winter (December-February) means cozy indoor tastings by the fireplace, and you’ll practically have places to yourself. Some smaller tasting rooms reduce their hours though, so double-check before going. Rain’s always a possibility here—obviously. Most tasting rooms are indoors, so light rain isn’t a dealbreaker. Just know that if you’re planning to walk between spots in the Warehouse District, you’ll want an umbrella or a good rain jacket.
Hourly vs Point-to-Point: What to Book
Two main options for transportation, and the right choice depends on how structured you want your day.
Point-to-point service makes sense if you know exactly where you’re going and want to stick to a set plan. You book pickup and dropoff times, visit your three chosen wineries, head home. It’s more affordable because you’re only paying for drive time, not waiting time. Good for groups that don’t mind a bit of structure and won’t suddenly decide to add an extra stop.
Hourly service gives you complete flexibility. Want to skip a winery that looks too crowded? Done. Feel like lingering an extra 30 minutes because you’re having a great conversation with the winemaker? No problem. You’re essentially renting the driver for 5-6 hours, so the meter’s running whether you’re inside tasting or deciding where to go next. Costs more, but eliminates any pressure to rush.
For most day trips from Redmond to Woodinville, I’d lean toward point-to-point. The distance is short enough that if you need to adjust, you’re not far from home anyway. But if you’re celebrating something special or you’ve got a group that’s notoriously indecisive, hourly service removes all stress.
One thing to confirm: if you’re booking a Redmond town car service for this trip, make sure they’re familiar with Woodinville’s tasting room locations. The Warehouse District can be tricky to navigate with multiple businesses sharing addresses, and you don’t want to waste time hunting for entrances.
Groups specifically planning multiple winery stops might want to check out Woodinville wine tours that include pre-set itineraries with reserved tastings. Removes the guesswork entirely if you’d rather have someone else handle the logistics.
FAQ
How much should I budget for tastings?
Most Woodinville tasting rooms charge $20-30 for their standard flight, though some waive the fee if you buy bottles. Plan $25-40 per person per winery to be safe. Lunch adds another $15-25 per person. All in? Expect $100-150 per person for tastings, food, and whatever wine you end up buying.
Do I need reservations?
Yeah, increasingly you do. Many wineries now require them, especially on weekends. Some still accept walk-ins, but you might wait 30+ minutes during busy times. Just book ahead—takes five minutes and you’re guaranteed a spot.
Can I bring kids?
Our travel packages typically include accommodation, transportation, and some guided tours. Check the details to see what’s specifically covered for each package.
What if someone in our group doesn’t drink?
Several tasting rooms offer non-alcoholic options—sparkling cider, fancy sodas, water. The bigger question is whether non-drinkers will enjoy sitting through hour-long tastings. If you’ve got a mixed group, pick wineries with nice grounds to walk around or plan shorter sessions.
How many wineries can we realistically visit?
Three is the sweet spot. Four pushes it unless you’re doing shorter tastings or skipping lunch. Five or more? You’re gonna turn it into a rushed blur where you won’t remember what you tasted or why you liked it.
Is Woodinville busy on weekdays?
Way quieter, especially Tuesday-Thursday. If your schedule allows a weekday visit, you’ll have a much more relaxed experience. Plus you get better access to staff who can actually spend time talking about the wines instead of rushing to the next group.
