Washington is known for its craft beverage production, from growing countless acres of grapes for wine to producing exceptional cider. But there’s one spot where you can go straight to the source, tasting all of your favorite craft beverages in the same place where the ingredients needed to make them are grown. You’ll find it all in Yakima.
Centrally located in the middle of the state, the city and surrounding area is easily accessible from Seattle, Spokane, Portland and everywhere in between. If you approach from the south, you’re likely to drive past hop fields and vineyards. Approaching from the north along Interstate 82 offers picturesque orchard views just before making your way into Yakima. It’s the perfect way to welcome you to the ideal destination for discovering your new favorite wine, beer, spirits and cider.
Brews with a view
Bale Breaker Brewing Company was one of the first breweries in the area, opening in 2013. Since then, the number of breweries embracing nearby access to brewing ingredients has grown tremendously. After all, 75% of the nation’s hops are grown in the area. It was high time more brewing was happening to go alongside that impressive crop.
With four generations of hop farming, starting a brewery that made use of the hops grown on the family farm just made sense to Bale Breaker sibling-owners Meghann Quinn, Kevin Smith and Patrick Smith. The brewery’s family-friendly taproom sits in the middle of the hop farm, with Field 41 in view from the expansive grassy lawn with plenty of seating. Of course, they’re known for hop-forward IPAs, but the brewery’s pale ales and pilsner are just as delicious and thirst-quenching on a sunny Yakima day.
Cowiche Creek Brewing Company came on the scene with the opening of its taproom in 2017. After time spent homebrewing — and plenty of research and development — owners Derrick and Maria Nordberg opened to the public and have continued to grow, making use of their farming knowledge to brew with estate-grown hops. A visit to their Home 40 Taproom provides some of the best views of the Yakima Valley, just waiting for you to soak it all in with a beer in your hand. Plus, now you can grab a meal to pair with it, including prime chuck and brisket burgers, crispy wings and housemade ice cream.
For more great outdoor seating with plenty of room for the whole family, Outskirts Brewing Company offers a full restaurant and brewery, while Single Hill Brewing Company in downtown Yakima highlights local food trucks on their patio. In Sunnyside, you can spot hops growing near the big lawn at Varietal Beer Co., making it a great spot to grab a beer and pair it with a meal from a food truck or your own picnic.
Washington-grown wines
Prefer a wine tasting experience instead, or a mixture of beverages on your travel itinerary? The Yakima Valley is a top grape-growing region in Washington, and nearby wineries certainly make use of the fruit available. Stick around downtown with a visit to Antolin Cellars, Adelia Wine Cellars and Kana Winery, just a few blocks from each other. For tastings with a view, reserve a spot at Gilbert Cellars or sit out on the lawn next to the certified organic and biodynamic vineyard at Wilridge Winery. On a hot day, nothing beats a glass of refreshing bubbles at dedicated sparkling wine house Treveri Cellars.
Local Cider and Spirits
For cider lovers, Tieton Cider Works is a must-visit to sample ciders made from pressed apples grown just a few miles away. The cidery has the largest acreage of cider apples and perry pears for pressing in the state, but they also make good use of lavender grown on the family farm in their popular Lavender Honey Cider, along with harnessing the flavor of juicy Northwest berries such as raspberries, blueberries and huckleberries in their year-round ciders.
As you’re mapping out a visit, be sure to add The Distillarium to your itinerary for dinner and drinks where spirits are made from Washington-grown corn, grains and fruit. Try a flight with rhubarb vodka, 4-year single-barrel bourbon, brandy and more, or mix it up with a classic cocktail such as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan crafted with the spirits distilled on-site.
Looking for more craft beverage inspiration in Yakima? Find itineraries and opportunities for behind-the-scenes tours at local producers at Drink Yakima.
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