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Wine Tasting & Lunch at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville, Washington

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If you’re ever in Woodinville and looking for a fun, relaxing day out, you’ve got to check out Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. I went recently with a few friends and had such a great time, so I wanted to share my experience with you.

A Bit of History About the Chateau

Chateau Ste. Michelle has a fascinating history. The winery is built on the 1912 estate that once belonged to Seattle lumber baron Frederick Stimson. The winery’s roots actually go back to the time when Prohibition was repealed. It’s pretty cool to think about all the history that’s taken place on these beautiful grounds.

Practical Info When Visiting Chateau St. Michelle

Cheateau St. Michelle’s tasting room is open from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Sunday through Thursday, and until 7:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

You can make reservations, but they also accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Just keep in mind that summer concerts and private events might affect the operating hours, so it’s a good idea to check their events calendar before you go.

The Wines

Let’s start with the wine because, let’s be honest, that’s why we’re all here. Chateau Ste. Michelle has an amazing selection. I did the Feature Flight Tasting, which is $30 for non-members and $24 for VRC members. With this option, I got to enjoy a sampling of four different wines from their Reserve and limited-release collections of red and white wines. My favorite during my visit was a bold Cabernet Sauvignon – rich and full-bodied, just the way I like it.

FYI: The wine flight menu changes monthly, which is a fun way to try something new each time you visit. To add to your tasting, you can also add their optional Flight Bites. For an extra $18, they’ll serve a selection of small bites crafted to pair with the current wine flight menu. Keep in mind that each of the bites is literally 1-2 bites-sized!

This tasting is offered daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and lasts about 75 minutes, but I personally didn’t feel rushed when I was there.

I recommend making a reservation if you plan to go on the weekends – just know that you’ll need to prepay for the tasting online to secure your spot. If you go during the weekdays, you can typically get a seat as a walk-in!

The Chateau Grounds

The place itself is absolutely beautiful. The chateau’s grounds are lush and green, and it feels like you’ve escaped to a little paradise. The Chateau itself, Washington State’s oldest winery, is surrounded by 105 wooded acres and features unique craftsman-style architecture. It’s truly an oasis for everyone who visits. With all there is to experience, an hour can quickly become three.

If you want to sit on the outdoor patio (which I highly recommend), make sure to book a reservation online. The patio is reserved for wine tastings, and it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy your wine. Plus, there’s a gorgeous rose garden at the Chateau that you won’t want to miss.

Does Cheateau St. Michelle Have Good Food?

Now, let’s talk about the food. I was really happy with the prices – they’re pretty reasonable for the area (around $20) – and the portions are big.

They have a seasonal lunch menu, so the offerings will look different depending on when you go.

Our table tried the Jidori chicken katsu, shrimp and grits, pastas, and truffle fries (not pictured). The chicken katsu was a bit too salty because of the miso sauce, but the shrimp and grits and pasta were delicious. Creamy and savory, just perfect.

And the truffle fries? So good! Crispy and full of truffle flavor. I heard their flatbread is also yummy!

Summer Concerts and Special Events

One of the coolest things about Chateau Ste. Michelle is that they host different outdoor concerts in the summer! Just a heads up, though, concert parking is $50, which is kind of steep. But it’s still a super fun experience especially if you carpool with friends 🙂

If you’re just going for the wine and food, parking is free on regular days!

The winery also hosts different private events, making it a great spot for bachelorette parties, wedding or bridal showers, and more.

Photo Credit: Chateau Ste Michelle

Vintage Reserve Club

For a fee and open to anyone, Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Vintage Reserve Club allows members to enjoy rare, limited-production wines, priority access to winery events, and exclusive club member discounts in the Woodinville tasting room and online.

Heritage Reserve Tier

  • 6 or 12 Bottles – 4 Times Per Year
    • 6-Bottle Tier: $175-$270 per release
    • 12-Bottle Tier: $350-$550 per release

Benefits:

  • Discounts on wine purchases, shipping, and more
  • Tasting for 4 (member + 3 guests) in the chateau’s exclusive club spaces
  • Dedicated concierge service
  • Six annual guest passes
  • Invitation to the annual Heritage Reserve Club event
  • Luxurious Grand Vin Lounge tasting experience twice per year
  • Access to exclusive wine releases and events
  • Special pricing and priority access to experiences, events, and winemaker dinners
  • Quarterly newsletter with winemaker tasting notes, recipe pairings, and more

Estate Tier

  • 4 Bottles – 4 Times Per Year
    • Estate: $100-$160 per release (2 reds, 2 whites/rosé/sparkling)
    • Estate Rouge: $120-$250 per release (4 reds)
    • Estate Blanc: $90-$125 per release (4 whites/rosé/sparkling)

Benefits:

  • Discounts on wine purchases and more
  • Tasting for 2 (member + 1 guest) in exclusive club spaces
  • Dedicated concierge service
  • Access to exclusive wine releases and events
  • Quarterly newsletter with winemaker tasting notes, recipe pairings, and more

Other Must-Visit Wineries in Woodinville

If you’re in Woodinville and want to explore more wineries, you’re in luck – there are plenty of great options nearby:

  1. Columbia Winery: Just down the road from Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Winery has a cozy tasting room and a lovely selection of wines. Their staff is super friendly and knowledgeable too – a great place to learn more about local wines.
  2. Novelty Hill-Januik Winery: This modern winery is known for its stylish architecture and fantastic wines. They have a beautiful outdoor patio which is one of my personal favorites of all the wineries in Woodinville and just perfect for a sunny day! Plus, their tasting room is spacious and welcoming – and they offer delicious wood-fired pizzas on the weekends!
  3. Silver Lake Winery: A bit smaller and more intimate, Silver Lake Winery has more of a laid-back vibe but they still have great wines. It’s a nice spot to relax and enjoy a quieter tasting experience.
  4. Goose Ridge Estate Winery: Known for their award-winning wines and beautiful tasting room, Goose Ridge is another must-visit winery in Woodinville, WA. They also have a fun selection of local products and gifts if you want to pick up a souvenir.

Overall, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. Just remember to book your tasting in advance and maybe carpool if you’re going to a concert to save on parking.

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Have you visited Chateau Ste Michelle in Woodinville, WA? Feel free to leave a comment below!

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