Start your adventure before you arrive with a slate of regional craft beverages aboard trains, planes and ferries
The Pacific Northwest has always celebrated a strong sense of place. That connection to local agriculture and craftsmanship doesn’t stop at wineries, breweries and cideries. It extends to the journey itself.
Whether you’re flying into Portland or Seattle, settling into an Amtrak Cascades seat, or watching the shoreline aboard a Washington State Ferry or the Victoria Clipper, regional producers are helping travelers experience the Northwest one sip at a time.
Raise a glass above the clouds
Vacation can begin the moment the cabin door closes.
Alaska Airlines has steadily expanded its lineup of Pacific Northwest beverages, giving travelers a taste of the region before they ever touch down. Washington wines lead the list with Waterbrook Winery Brut Sparkling Wine and Waterbrook White Blend available onboard. First-class passengers can also enjoy Browne Family Vineyards’ Gigi’s Gardens Red Blend and Gigi’s Gardens Sauvignon Blanc-Pinot Gris. There are also a few brews from Fremont Brewing, for those who prefer suds from Seattle’s much-loved brewery.
Cocktail drinkers have plenty of local options, too, such as Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka and select Straightaway Cocktails, including the Oregon Old Fashioned and Blanco Margarita on domestic flights. Travelers flying between the United States and Canada can also order Straightaway’s Last Word and Oregon Old Fashioned in the main cabin, or the Roma Spritz in first class.
Wine lovers heading home with a few bottles should also know about Alaska’s Wine Flies Free program. Atmos Rewards members can check a case of wine without paying a baggage fee.
Portland’s airport becomes a craft destination of its own
Portland International Airport has become an extension of the city’s food and beverage scene. As part of its recent renovation, all 27 new concessions were awarded to local businesses, including two well-known spirits brands.
Freeland Spirits operates a tasting room in the north concourse where travelers can sample cocktail flights, as well as purchase and mixers, cocktail kits and bottle. Those looking for a unique sip should try Freeland’s PDX Bourbon, an airport exclusive only available at their PDX airport tasting room. Across the terminal near the B Gates, Straightaway Cocktails has created a 1,000-square-foot 32-seat welcoming cocktail bar inspired by the golden days of airline travel. Travelers can settle in with an airport-exclusive Bloody Mary or the Roma Spritz, developed in partnership with Alaska Airlines, before picking up bottled or canned cocktails for the trip ahead.
The scenic route comes with a drink menu
Few travel experiences showcase the Pacific Northwest quite like Amtrak Cascades. The route extends from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seattle, Portland and finally, Eugene. (And, obviously, back again.) With views of Puget Sound, forests, farmland, mountain ranges and cityscapes, this type of travel is best enjoyed at a slower pace.
The Café Car complements that scenery with a beverage menu featuring Northwest producers. Sparkling mimosas made with Underwood bubbles are a popular choice, while wine drinkers can select Browne Family Vineyards Heritage Chardonnay, A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir or 14 Hands Pinot Grigio. Beer and cider fans will find familiar regional names, including Widmer Hefeweizen, Elysian Brewing Space Dust IPA, Deschutes Brewery Black Butte Porter and Tieton Cider Works North Ranch Hard Cider.
What has always been a great experience is only getting better. This fall, Amtrak Cascades plans to begin introducing its new fleet of Northwest-inspired trainsets, with all eight expected to be in service in early 2027. Along with panoramic windows, travelers can expect upgraded seating, personal power outlets, USB charging, improved Wi-Fi and other traveler-friendly perks while sipping those Northwest flavors.
Ferry rides and ferry pours
No mode of transportation feels more distinctly Pacific Northwest than the Washington State Ferry system. And here, too, you can get a lineup of regional beers, ciders and wine that reflects the communities connected by its routes.
Finnriver Dry Cider, crafted from 100% organic Northwest apples in Chimacum, Washington, has become one of the system’s signature offerings. Finnriver Head Cidermaker Chris Weir remembers the first time he enjoyed one of his own ciders onboard. “I’m used to tasting cider straight from the tank, so it’s always a little weird to have it somewhere else,” Weir says. “My first time drinking a cider I’d made while riding a ferry, I couldn’t imagine a better place for a cider that’s inspired by the Pacific Northwest.”
Seattle Cider Company and Schilling Cider also appear on ferry menus, alongside a rotating selection of regional breweries that includes Bale Breaker Brewing Co., Black Raven Brewing Co., Chainline Brewing Co., Georgetown Brewing, Silver City Brewery, Elysian Brewing, 10 Barrel Brewing and others.
Crossing the border in good taste
The Victoria Clipper has turned its 40th anniversary into a celebration of Vancouver Island producers.
Passengers can enjoy a commemorative Cowichan Dry Cider crafted from bio-certified apples grown on-site by Merridale Cidery & Distillery, a woman-owned producer in British Columbia’s Cowichan Valley. Also available is the special edition Coastality Pale Ale brewed by Victoria’s Whistle Buoy Brewing Company. The beer celebrates the shared craft beer culture connecting Seattle and Vancouver Island.
Seattle-based Kwanchai Liquor Company rounds out the onboard beverage program with a curated spirits selection for both Victoria Clipper vessels.
