Distance from downtown Seattle:
190 miles; 3 hours

Take I-90 across the Cascades, turn southeast on I-82, and you’ll find yourself in Prosser, a Washington wine hub just three hours from Seattle. Prosser Vintner’s Village and Prosser Wine and Food Park are home to more than 20 exceptional wineries with meandering trails and beautiful landscaping. They’re right off the freeway and clustered for your convenience.

Visit the Winery that Topped the Top 100
Number one Wine in the World. Yes, you read that correctly. Wine Spectator named the Columbia Crest 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as the #1 Wine in the World for 2009, selected from more than 17,000 wines. Equally noteworthy is that it’s the first wine  produced in Washington State to occupy that illustrious top spot. Though this legendary wine has long since sold out, you’ll experience firsthand the quality and attention to detail that Columbia Crest pours into each and every one of their extraordinary wines when you visit the winery in Paterson, on the Columbia River. Just head south and cross over the Horse Heaven Hills for about 25 minutes.

Try Local Fare with a Spanish Flair
Once back in Prosser, a fabulous three-in-one retreat awaits as you are able to dine, stay and drink all in one location. A joint venture between the finest in Washington wines and food purveyors, Mojave by Picazo is the perfect spot for a casual lunch or elegant evening dinner. Housed in the Desert Wind Winery, Mojave is the new location for Chef-owner Frank Magaña's acclaimed cusine. Described as “local fare with a Spanish flair” courses may be paired with tantalizing varietals from in-house Desert Wind Winery and Duck Pond Cellars.

Unwind on Wine Country Road
Desert Wind Winery offers visitors more than a taste of their award winning wines and a culinary retreat. The third spoke in this wine country trio and two story mega-winery is a lovely inn. Showcasing four beautifully and individually decorated guest rooms, including a 1,200-squarefoot bridal suite, each luxurious room features a private balcony, gas fireplace, welcome bottle of wine, and a breakfast basket delivered to your door.

Reap the Rewards of the Season
From the sweet, blush red Rilands of mid-June to the delicate, orange Pattersons of late August, juicy, farm-fresh Washington State Apricots are the perfect summertime snack or unique ingredient for down-home baking, grilling, canning, and more. On your next road trip through Washington Wine Country, pick up a bushel of apricots to take home. The surprising combination of fresh Washington apricots, mascarpone cheese and balsamic vinegar makes a palate-pleasing appetizer or dessert. Easy yet elegant and just plain delicious, this recipe is lovely, paired with a glass of Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay.