Vancouver Washington Wineries: Tastings on the Waterfront

Vancouver, Washington’s waterfront has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. An underutilized industrial zone along the Columbia River is now a renowned example of urban redevelopment.  It blends public parks, residential living, restaurants, hotels, and a growing number of riverside wineries and tasting rooms.

As I write this, I can count 10 wineries in this part of Vancouver, with other waterfront spaces in the expanding development likely to fill with more tasting rooms.

Vancouver’s waterfront development is a walkable area, adjacent to downtown Vancouver, right along the banks of the Columbia River.  It’s full of wineries, representing the different wine regions of Washington and Oregon.

They vary, with some focusing on fancier decor and views, while others provide a more personalized experience with tastings poured by the owners and people who’ve worked for the wineries for many years.  

Where to Stay Along Vancouver’s Waterfront

Vancouver’s an easy 15-minute drive from Portland’s recently upgraded airport.  It’s on the other side of the river, and is home to several great hotel options right along the waterfront. 

You can plug your dates into this interactive map to check the rates for your dates:

I’d suggest checking out Hotel Indigo, right on Vancouver’s Waterfront.

Map of Wineries on Vancouver’s Waterfront

You can see the cluster of wineries and tasting rooms on the waterfront, plus the proximity to other cellars and tasting rooms around downtown Vancouver.

Brian Carter Cellars

Brian Carter is a favorite of mine, with excellent wine and very friendly and knowledgeable staff.

• Location: 660 Waterfront Way

Brian Carter Cellars delivers European-style blended wines. This tasting room and wine bar offers a cozy atmosphere with views of the Columbia River.  When the weather cooperates, tastings spill out onto the sidewalk patio surrounding the building.

My favorites here include:

• Tuttorosso: A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. It’s a Tuscan-style blend, sourced from vineyards in the Yakima Valley.
• Byzance: A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise.  It evokes blends from the Rhone Valley, and is sourced from vineyards in the Columbia Valley.
• Solesce: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. It’s a Bordeaux-style blend from grapes grown in the Columbia Valley.

Valo Cellars

Valo is a great stop, a block away from the waterfront. It’s unpretentious and enjoyable. Plus, you’re likely to meet the owner working behind the counter, which is unique!

• Location: 671 W. Columbia Way

Valo’s Vancouver tasting room offers a variety of Washington wines. The setting is warm and inviting, with a sidewalk patio space outside.

The Valo wines are made of grapes from the Conner Lee vineyards in Washington, established nearly 50 years ago.

Some highlights from Valo:

• Tastings: $20 for 4 flights. They waive the fee if you buy two bottles.
• Conner Lee Pino Noir
• The almond spread with mint pesto was a big hit. They have other hummus and charcuterie options, too.

Valo has a second tasting room in Ellensburg, Washington, with plans to open more.

Maryhill Winery

Maryhill Winery was the first to open on the Vancouver Waterfront, and it’s still a favorite.  It occupies a nearly 5,000 square-foot tasting room, with riverfront views.

Location: 801 Waterfront Way

Maryhill’s Vancouver tasting room has indoor/outdoor seating, with scenic views of the Columbia River.

Some of the highlights include:

• Tastings: $25 per person, waived with a $30 bottled wine purchase.
• Wine Selection:  Albariño, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Elephant Mountain

The bistro menu complements the wine selection with regionally inspired dishes. Offerings include charcuterie boards, fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches, shareable plates, and desserts.  

Airfield Estates Winery

Airfield Estates is a 4th-generation winery with 800 acres and 21 varietals in the Yakima Valley. 

Location: 760 Waterfront Way

Their tasting room in Vancouver has indoor and outdoor seating, with a charcuterie board for snacking.

The last time I was there, it was toasty outside, so we were looking for something chilled. The sparkling wine was perfect for the hot, sunny day on the patio!

Some of the highlights:

• Tastings: $15
• Blanc de Noirs (sparkling white)
• Hellcat: A Spanish-style blend of Tempranillo and Syrah
• Sangiovese rose 

Airfield has tasting rooms in Prosser and Woodinville, too.

Willamette Valley Vineyards

Willamette might be the fanciest tasting room option on the Vancouver waterfront. It’s on the second floor of a large building, with an expansive indoor-outdoor space and views of the river.

• Location: 801 Waterfront Way

I loved some of the interior design, like the booths with barrel-shaped surrounds.

The vineyard was established around 40 years ago in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.  They have several tasting rooms around Washington and Oregon, including the one in Vancouver. 

Highlights include:

• The Taste of Oregon Trio: $30 for 3 Pinot Noirs

Willamette also offers full meals, in addition to snacks and charcuterie boards.

Evoke Winery

Evoke has a provocatively-branded line of wines, with a splashy riverside tasting room in Vancouver.

Location: 560 Waterfront Way

They source their wines from more than a dozen vineyards in Washington. Their bottles are produced and bottled in Hood River. 

Evoke’s blends include provocative labels and branding, like:

• Makeout Merlo
• Vixen Syrah
• Amor Primitivo

Highlights include:

• Tastings: $20 for 4 wines
• Flagship wine: Penetration Cabernet

Evoke offers charcuterie boards, cheese, and other snacks. The tasting room is attached to the beautiful Hotel Indigo.  Evoke has tasting rooms in Bend and Hood River.

Other Vancouver Waterfront Wineries

Here are the other wineries on the Vancouver Waterfront and in the downtown area:

• 14 Acres Vineyard and Winery – 2411 NE 244th Street
• Amavi Cellars & Pepper Bridge Winery –  677 W. Columbia Way
• Burnt Bridge Cellars – 1500 Broadway Street
• English Estate Winery – Vancouver’s oldest winery, situated on a historic farm
• Bernard Griffin – 665 W. Columbia Way
• SuLei Cellars – 614 E. Main Street
• Cellar 55 – 1812 Washington Street
• Willful Wine at the Grant House – 1101 Officers’ Row
• Niche Wine Bar – Riverview Tower

Washington & Oregon Vineyards & Wineries

Washington and Oregon are home to some of the most respected wine regions in the U.S., each with its own climate, terroir, and varietal strengths.

Washington is the second-largest wine producer in the U.S. The state’s wine regions are mostly east of the Cascade Mountains, where the climate is drier and sunnier.

Oregon is known for its Pinot Noir, especially from the Willamette Valley. Most of the state’s vineyards are in the cooler, western part of the state.

Columbia Valley, Washington AVA

• Washington’s largest AVA (covers about one-third of the state).
• Known for: Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay

Walla Walla Valley, Washington AVA

• Located in southeastern Washington (also extends into Oregon).
• Known for: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah

Yakima Valley, Washington AVA

• Washington’s first AVA (established in 1983).
• Known for: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Riesling, Chardonnay

Red Mountain, Washington, AVA

• Smallest AVA in Washington but highly regarded.
• Known for: Powerful, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah

Columbia Gorge AVA

• It straddles Washington and Oregon.
• Known for: A wide variety, including Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, Syrah

Willamette Valley AVA

• Oregon’s most famous and largest AVA.
• Known for: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay

Rogue Valley AVA

• Located in southern Oregon.
• Known for: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah

Umpqua Valley AVA

• Between the Willamette and Rogue Valleys.
• Known for: Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Riesling

Snake River Valley AVA (near Idaho)

• Known for: Riesling, Syrah, Cabernet

Wrap: Vancouver Wineries

There’s really something for everyone on the waterfront when it comes to tasting rooms and wines.

I loved how refreshing the sparkling white wine was at Airfield, and the friendly service at Brian Carter was another highlight. Plus, the snacks at Valo were delicious and paired perfectly.

We definitely made the rounds! The convenience factor is high here, too, with so many options within a few-block radius.

I also like that the tasting rooms are open late. Some serve until 9 or 10 on weekend nights, which is much later than I’ve seen at other wineries.

It makes Vancouver a well-rounded destination, with the expansive farmers market in the morning, a hiking adventure like Ape Cave during the day, with relaxation on one of the winery patios at night.