As we wrap up another year, we’re taking a look back at the stories that resonated most with our readers. These are the top 20 articles you clicked, shared, and loved in 2024.
#20
From Grapes to Glass: How Ilias Mastrogiannis Reimagined Greek Spirits in Washington
Dive into the world of Mastriogiannis, where ancient Greek traditions meet the innovative spirit of the Pacific Northwest!
From exquisite grappa (tsipouro in Greek) to award-winning brandies, explore the artistry behind these unique spirits. Read the full article by clicking here and check out our featured recipes like the Hazy Floradora and Pomegranate French 75. Discover the passion fueling these bold flavors!
#19
A World of Wheat: Family, Farming and Craft Beer Unite at Wheat Head Brewing
Started by the father-daughter duo Tina Phillips and Loren Miller, Wheat Head Brewing Co. now open just outside of Kennewick. Sitting atop a 4,000-acre wheat farm, the space offers sprawling views of the Tri-Cities area. Learn more about this new family-friendly, dog-friendly Washington brewery in the full story here.
#18
Öömrang Winery and Distillery Unveils a Taste of Tradition
Öömrang Winery and Distillery owners Edmund and Christine Stoecklein moved to Washington in 2016 from New York, but both have strong German ties. Today, the winery and distillery crafts wine, eau de vie brandy and lesser-known geist brandy on an 85-acre farm outside of Stanwood. Read all about Öömrang’s process, production and fruit-forward products in the full story here.
#17
Visit the Lewis Clark Valley
Word is spreading about the excellence of Idaho wines, and the Lewis Clark Valley is the ideal destination for tasting. From downtown tasting rooms to tastings at estate vineyards with gorgeous views, you’ll experience a community vibe. Find recommendations on where to sip and eat during your visit in the full story here.
#16
Where to Sip, Shop, and Stay in Seabrook, WA
Gorgeous sunrises, plentiful sunshine, towering forests and wide-open beaches? Find it all in Seabrook, Washington! Go for the views but stay for the activities and excellent food and beverages. Find all the details you need to plan a trip to this coastal libation destination in the full story here.
#15
A tête-à-tête with Monique Tribble, Head cidermaker at Yonder Cider
Monique Tribble recalls an annual pressing of apples on the orchard land of her great-grandparents in Oregon. Now, she’s the head cidermaker for Yonder Cider, crafting inspired sips using fresh pressed Washington apples on a larger scale. Learn more about her journey in the full story here.
#14
McMinnville Unveiled: A Culinary and Wine Enthusiast’s Guide
Looking for a culinary experience? Head to McMinnville to pair Willamette Valley wines with equally delicious food. Find a full itinerary full of suggestions on how to spend a day in McMinnville in the full story here.
#13
Mongata Estate Winery: A Hidden Gem
We may have all dreamed of picking up and doing something completely different in midlife. In 2020 Scott and Vicki Nokleby of Mongata Winery found themselves doing just that!
They purchased a farm located in the Blue Mountain foothills near Milton-Freewater, Oregon. The property included a 17-acre vineyard planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Viognier grapes. It was also one of the few vineyards in the Walla Walla appellation growing Chardonnay.
And just like that, Mongata Estate Winery was born.
Find out how that first harvest became a new player in the Walla Walla wine scene in the full story here.
#12
Cozy Winter Patios in the Pacific Northwest
Where to warm up with a full glass this winter? From heated yurts and shipping containers to cozy bubbles, we’ve got you covered. Discover some of the warmest winter patios and options for outdoor drinking in the Pacific Northwest in the full story here.
#11
Exploring Oregon’s Hidden Gem: White Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley
Oregon is known for its exceptional Pinot Noir – but did you know there’s White Pinot Noir on the menu as well? Jim Prosser of J.K. Carriere Wines in the Willamette Valley was the first to make it in the U.S. Since then, the varietal has sparked continued curiosity in the area and beyond. Learn all about White Pinot Noir and find local recommendations to try in the full story here.
#10
Cabernet Chronicles – Tradition and Innovation in Walla Walla Valley
Nestled in the southeastern corner of Washington State, the Walla Walla Valley has become synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon, blending a rich history with a forward-looking approach to winemaking. Often dubbed the king of red wines, Cab Sauv, with its bold flavors and rich textures, finds its perfect home here. The valley’s warm days and cool nights, combined with deep, well-drained soils, create the ideal conditions for growing grapes with character and complexity. The result? Wines that are powerful yet elegant, with layers of dark fruit, spice, and a touch of earthiness.
But what makes Walla Walla’s Cab Sauv so special? It’s all about the people and the place. Read the full story here.
#9
48 Hours in Hoptown USA
Our very own Kristin Ackerman Bacon (@thisismysip) had an epically hoppy adventure with fellow beer buds Jackie Mallory (@thebeeroness), Kendall Jones from Washington Beer Blog (@beerblog), and Ezra Johnson-Greenough from New School Beer (@newschoolbeer) in Yakima—the hop capital of the world!
With so many breweries and brewers in town this season for hop harvest, you’ll meet some amazing characters everywhere you go. Check out our expertly curated 48-hour itinerary for the absolute hoppiest experience!
#8
5 Storybook Breweries with Spectacular Brews and Views
While we always love a brewery visit, some brewery visits are more picturesque than others, with epic backdrops including mountain peaks and lakeside views. To enjoy a pint with a view, we’ve rounded up 5 storybook breweries in the PNW. Read the full story here.
#7
8 Beers to Sip this Summer
Light brews with mild flavor and floral notes, like the wildflowers that fill the Cascade Mountains in spring and early summer, are excellent summer sippers. Pacific Northwest taps are flowing with post-hike taste-of-the-forest options such as saisons, farmhouse ales and funky brews that taste piney and wild.
Head to our site to find out our top picks for summer in the full lineup here.
#6
Top 5 Dog Friendly Northwest Drinking Destinations
We’ve rounded up 5 of the most dog-friendly drinking destinations in the Northwest. From beer gardens to patios for wine tasting, find these recommendations in the full story here.
#5
Uncorking Seattle: Your Ultimate Guide to the City’s Wine Bars
Looking to find a new favorite bottle or varietal? Seattle wine bars have you covered. These wine bars offer thoughtfully sourced wine served in spaces devoted to welcoming wine aficionados as well as newbies. Find 8 spots to check out in the full story here.
#4
Women Winemakers Revolutionizing Yakima Valley
Women in the Yakima Valley are making exceptional wines, carving out a slice of the estimated 90 labels from the expansive region. If you’re heading to the Yakima area, or looking for new women-led producers to try, find recommendations in the full story here.
#3
10 Kid-friendly Tasting Rooms in Washington
Wondering where you can taste Washington wine with the whole family in tow? We’ve got you covered! From tasting rooms with expansive grassy play areas to wineries with juice tasting flights, pizza and gelato and more, find 10 family-friendly tasting rooms in the full story here.
#2
Introducing the Northwest’s 2024 Sipfluencers
SIPfluencer
[ sip-floo-uhn-ser ]
(noun) An individual who has influence in the beverage industry.
Trailblazers. Changemakers. Innovators. Disruptors. Educators and Industry Champions.
You may have your own descriptors for the 38 names listed in our 2024 SIPfluencers feature – but there’s no debating that each one is reshaping their respective beverage industry through innovative techniques, refusal of the status quo, and genuine respect and love of the land.
Find out who made the list and proudly calls the Northwest home by clicking here.
#1
Bellingham: An Epicurean Epicenter
Heading to Bellingham means incredible views and excellent food. It also means a long list of must-visit producers for beer, cider and spirits. Smaller town joys with a big city drinks scene? That’s Bellingham. Find more details on how to plan the ultimate trip to this Washington libation destination in the full story here.
