Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville combines Washington wine, garden experiences, tastings, and an iconic summer concert series just outside Seattle.
Just 45 minutes outside Seattle in Woodinville, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington’s oldest winery, has been welcoming visitors to its French-inspired estate since 1976. And while their acclaimed varietals are reason enough for a visit, I quickly realized they’re only part of the story: the estate is also home to one of Washington’s most iconic summer concert venues.
But before the music even starts, you can blend your own bottle alongside one of the winery’s head winemakers (my blend was lovingly named When Cab Met Franc, though 10 Things I Hate About Merlot came in a close second), or enjoy an afternoon “high tea” in the rose garden. Except, instead of tea, you guessed it, you’re sipping a curated wine flight paired with bites like smoked salmon mousse, lemon meringue tart, and one of the best butter scones I’ve ever had. It’s the most genius afternoon “tea” imaginable and the only version I’ll be participating in from here on out.
Watch the video to see what happens when this Washington winery trades tastings for a totally different kind of night out.
And if one afternoon somehow turns into an entire long weekend (don’t be surprised if it does!), you’re in luck. Woodinville is home to hundreds of tasting rooms and can’t miss restaurants like Sparrow, and The Shed on the rooftop of The SOMM, with Lake Washington nearby to rent Duffy Boats for an afternoon out on the water. Basically, long weekend perfection.
But what truly makes Chateau Ste. Michelle unlike anywhere else is their Summer Concert Series. For over 40 years, artists like Bob Dylan, Boyz II Men, Sarah McLachlan, and John Legend, and hundreds of other headliners have taken the amphitheater stage, transforming the estate into one of Western Washington’s most idyllic outdoor concert venues. Spend the afternoon wandering the gardens or hanging in the tasting room, before settling into your lawn seats. When the sun sets and the concert begins, cheers with another glass of Chateau Ste. Michelle in hand.
Chateau Ste. Michelle isn’t just a winery that happens to host concerts. It’s a total destination. I’m officially setting a calendar alert for next summer’s concert lineup because this definitely won’t be my last trip to Woodinville.