Located in the heart of Washington Wine Country, the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco and Richland) are nestled in the southeastern corner of the state and offer a sun-drenched retreat for exploration and rejuvenation. You can find waterfront hotels, relaxing spas, delicious local eateries and farmers markets — and, of course, award-winning wineries. This underrated Washington destination is beautiful any time of year, and is just a short three-hour drive from both Seattle and Portland. You can also fly into the Tri-Cities Airport, with direct flights to and from 10 major hubs.
Where to Stay
The Lodge at Columbia Point is a beautiful 82-room boutique hotel situated at the Columbia Point Marina. This riverfront hotel is one of Richland’s best hotels, and the area’s only 4-star property. The Lodge is warm and welcoming, with timeless architecture and stunning water views. It’s centrally located, making for the perfect central hub in the Tri-Cities region, whether you’re traveling for leisure or business. Amenities include an onsite restaurant, a full bar with an extensive wine list, spa services, a gym, an outdoor covered pool and hot tub, and the adjacent River Walk (the Lodge offers complimentary cruiser bikes for guests if interested). The Lodge at Columbia Point is also dog friendly. Another fun touch is that in honor of being in the heart of wine country, every room at The Lodge at Columbia Point is dedicated to a different winery or vineyard within Washington state. With all of these special touches and amenities, you’ll feel right at home at this cozy hotel.
Where to Eat + Drink
Dovetail Joint is located in Richland and offers a diverse, seasonally inspired menu emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has a relaxed, modern ambiance and is praised for bringing a metropolitan dining experience to the Tri-Cities. Dovetail Joint is known for its innovative small plates and entrees, ranging from Louisiana-style gumbo and house-made gemelli pasta to creative pizzas with unique toppings. Popular menu items include the spicy Korean tacos, the mezze platter with lamb or falafel, and the Sicilian donuts. Dovetail Joint has a well-curated selection of wines, craft beers and inventive cocktails, as well as zero-proof options.
Frichette Winery, located in the heart of Washington’s Red Mountain AVA, is a boutique winery known for their warm hospitality and focus on premium Bordeaux-style wines. Founded by husband and wife Greg and Shae Frichette in 2013, the winery reflects the couple’s shared passion for wine, community and adventure. Their story began when Greg and Shae met in California and eventually decided to return to Shae’s roots in Washington’s wine country. Inspired by the unique terroir of the Red Mountain AVA, one of the state’s premier wine regions, they set out to craft wines that embody the richness and complexity of the area. Frichette Winery quickly gained a reputation for their bold reds, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
The winery’s intimate setting allows for a welcoming and educational experience, with tastings often hosted by Greg and Shae themselves. They emphasize sustainability in their winemaking practices, drawing on the Red Mountain’s ideal growing conditions to produce limited-production wines with a true sense of place. In addition to producing award-winning wines, Frichette Winery is deeply engaged with the local community, hosting events and supporting regional initiatives.
Hedges Family Estate is a distinctive winery located in the Red Mountain AVA. Founded by Tom and Anne-Marie Hedges in 1987, it is a family-run estate with a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable, biodynamic farming and a dedication to creating wines that capture the essence of Red Mountain’s terroir. What makes Hedges unique is their Old World approach to winemaking, prioritizing the expression of place over varietal characteristics, which sets them apart in an area often focused on bold, New World styles.
The estate itself feels like a European chateau, with the family’s French influences apparent in everything from their winemaking philosophy to the design of the estate. The Hedges family views wine as an expression of culture, aiming for balanced, terroir-driven wines that emphasize earthiness and complexity over fruitiness. Their portfolio includes Bordeaux-inspired blends and single-varietal wines that age beautifully and showcase the minerality and structure unique to Red Mountain. Hedges places a strong emphasis on authenticity and transparency, avoiding commercial additives and using minimal intervention methods.
Fidelitas is a family-owned, multigenerational winery in the Red Mountain AVA that is known for its focus on Bordeaux-style wines and has been around for more than 20 years. Situated just outside Benton City, Fidelitas offers a contemporary and welcoming space with expansive views of the vineyards and the surrounding hills. Visitors can enjoy seated tastings on the outdoor patio or inside the sleek, modern tasting room.
Fidelitas is particularly celebrated for its estate-grown wines, showcasing the power and structure that Red Mountain is known for, balanced with elegance and complexity. The winery is a favorite destination for wine enthusiasts who appreciate small production, high-quality wines.
Kiona Vineyards and Winery, established in 1975, was among the first vineyards planted in the renowned Red Mountain AVA and played a pivotal role in putting the wine region on the map as a top-tier wine-growing area. Also family owned, Kiona specializes in a wide range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and unique offerings like Lemberger, which has become one of its signature wines. Kiona is known for its exceptional estate-grown wines, emphasizing balance, complexity, and the distinct characteristics of the Red Mountain terroir.
The tasting room offers a laid-back and approachable atmosphere with panoramic views of the vineyards and the Yakima Valley. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy a tasting flight or a glass of wine while learning about the winery’s history and the region’s evolution. Kiona’s welcoming vibe and high-quality wines make it a must-visit destination for wine lovers exploring the Tri-Cities.
Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard is a stunning winery located on Red Mountain near the Tri-Cities. Known for its expansive estate and premium wines, Terra Blanca offers a luxurious yet approachable experience for wine lovers. Founded in 1993 by Keith and ReNae Pilgrim, the winery focuses on Bordeaux-style blends, Syrah, and other varietals that thrive in the warm, arid climate of Red Mountain. In addition to their award-winning wines, Terra Blanca has an on-site restaurant that offers a curated menu of seasonal dishes designed to pair perfectly with their wines.
The property features a Tuscan-inspired design with beautifully landscaped grounds, a picturesque courtyard, and sweeping views of the Yakima River Valley. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the elegant tasting room or on the outdoor patio, which overlooks the vineyard. Terra Blanca also has a wine cave, one of the largest in Washington state, which provides a fascinating look at the aging process.
Activities
A winery bike tour with Red Mountain Trails is an adventurous yet leisurely way to explore the scenic Red Mountain AVA. This guided tour through picturesque vineyards includes stops at some of the region’s premier wineries, offering a perfect blend of outdoor activity and wine tasting. The tour typically includes a comfortable cruiser bike or e-bike. Along the way, you’ll visit a curated selection of wineries, such as Fidelitas, Kiona or Hedges Family Estate, where you can enjoy tastings of Red Mountain’s renowned Bordeaux-style wines and learn about the area’s unique terroir.
Red Mountain Trails ensures a relaxed pace, making the experience accessible for riders of various fitness levels. Many tours include personalized guidance, transportation for your wine purchases, and optional picnic add-ons for a complete day of adventure and indulgence. It’s an ideal way to connect with nature, savor exceptional wines, and discover one of Washington’s most celebrated wine regions.
Biking along the Columbia River with Pedego Electric Bikes is a fun and scenic way to explore the area’s natural beauty and outdoor attractions. The Tri-Cities are interconnected by the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, a 23-mile paved loop that runs along the Columbia River, offering breathtaking water views, parks, and wildlife sightings. With a Pedego e-bike, you can effortlessly navigate the trail, enjoying the benefits of pedal assist or full electric power for an easier ride. Key highlights along the route include Howard Amon Park in Richland, Chiawana Park in Pasco and Clover Island in Kennewick.
Pedego’s e-bikes are comfortable and beginner-friendly, making this a great activity for individuals, couples, or groups of all fitness levels. It’s a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation in one of Washington’s most picturesque regions.
