Woodinville is undergoing a renaissance. New restaurants, wineries, and shops are opening nearly every week.

Woodinville is famous for its wineries, breweries, and distilleries — there are more than 130 in the city — and bouncing between tasting rooms could easily eat up a full weekend and then some. Woodinville has more wineries than any other city in the state except for Walla Walla.

New tasting rooms have opened or expanded in the last year, including some hot spots in the Hollywood District. For a high-end experience, check out the luxe new Mark Ryan space in the Old Redhook Brewery complex. One of Washington state’s pre-eminent wineries, this is the place to taste the myriad flavors of Red Mountain and come away singing the praises of this region’s complex wines.

For a fun, lighthearted vibe with a musical twist, pop into Sleight of Hand Cellars’ new space, also in the Hollywood District, and taste wines that Wine Advocate called “the crème del la crème of the state (and beyond).” The small, family-owned winery matches taste with tunes, for a unique take on some Walla Walla flavors. It also boasts some of the best winery T-shirts in town.

If you want to try something different from an exciting, new winery, stop by Damsel Cellars, where winemaker and owner Mari Womack showcases her vintages as well as her sense of humor from her new tasting room on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.

For bubbles and bites, go downtown to McQueen Champagne Bar in the District Flats Wine Alley and taste a wide selection of more than 110 champagne and sparkling wines from around the world. McQueen even boasts some excellent non-alcoholic cocktails and snacks to keep you going.

When you’re ready to venture beyond wine, head to Glass Vodka and Northwest Spirits, whose new tasting rooms are in the West Valley and should not be missed.

And, of course, a visit to Woodinville isn’t complete without a stop by the flagship Chateau Ste. Michelle tasting room. Wander around the beautiful grounds and watch the ducks while you sip. The recreated Grand Estate Tour includes a fascinating history of the Manor House, as well as a lively tale about how lumber and dairy led to the creation of the state’s most iconic winery.

For a classic dinner, head to The Restaurant at DeLille, which was named the No. 4 winery restaurant in America by USA Today in 2023 and awarded the 2023 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Part of the charm with DeLille, though, is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The menu includes nachos and poutine, alongside classic charcuterie plates and handmade pastas.

Delicious food and beverages aren’t the only reason that more than 800,000 people visit Woodinville every year.

Unique experiences include Over the Rainbow Hot Air Balloon flights, which are available when the weather cooperates between June and September. Take a sunset flight to cap a beautiful day and enjoy breathtaking views of the Cascades, Olympics, and Mount Rainier and Mount Baker, all from a rainbowcolored balloon that will reveal your inner Steve Fossett — who completed the first solo, nonstop balloon flight around the world.

Hike or bike through all or part of the new 42-mile, paved Eastrail trail to an easy hike through Wetland Plateau to a casual walk through the stunning Arborea Falls’ private trails.

For more outdoor adventure, Woodinville Lavender and Frye Sauna have joined together to offer an exclusive sauna residency to help us all beat those cold, rainy days with an unforgettable experience featuring a mobile woodfired sauna that leaves visitors rejuvenated and relaxed.

The Washington State Spa at Willows Lodge will take care of the rest. This is the true resort experience, complete with hydrotherapy pool, relaxation rooms, stunning gardens, and the latest high-end body treatments. The facility is worth the trip to Woodinville by itself, but is also a great excuse to slow down, take a few deep breaths, and get centered in one of this region’s most eclectic and exciting neighborhoods.

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Known for: The Herbfarm
Best place to escape the work from home blues: Bobae Coffee & Tea
Walkability: 73
Median home price: $1.2 million
Surprising fact: The area was first inhabited by the Sammamish people.