The Woodinville Wine Ride: Tastings on Two Wheels
Paul Tolmé
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Washington’s wine culture and bicycle culture have deep roots--and a reputation for excellence.
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Taste and ride our state's unique terroir on Sept. 11 during the Woodinville Wine Ride.
In addition to being recognized as one of the most bike-friendly states, Washington is the nation’s second-largest wine producer, with more than 80 grape varieties in cultivation and upwards of 1,000 wineries.
On Sept. 11, bike lovers and wine lovers can join together to celebrate these two cultures during Cascade Bicycle Club’s 7th annual Woodinville Wine Ride.
Woodinville is the epicenter of western Washington’s wine culture. It is also a community that has created a thriving outdoor recreation economy thanks to an abundance of bike trails.
A lovely ride through Woodinville's Hollywood District. Photo courtesy Woodinville Wine Country.
Wine Ride participants can pedal a 16- or 25-mile route, with stops to enjoy sample pours and food tastings, plus a full glass and food trucks at the finish. Seattle residents can pedal to Woodinville on the Burke-Gilman and Sammamish River trails, or drive to the start and finish location at Woodhouse Wine Estates.
“This is a great opportunity to enjoy beautiful late-summer riding conditions on a mostly flat and low-car route,” says Dave Douglas, rides and community engagement director. “At the same time, you’re supporting our region’s family-owned wineries and raising funds for Cascade’s bike advocacy, education, and community programming.”
Washington Wine 101
Washington’s first wine grapes are believed to have been planted in 1825 at Fort Vancouver. It wasn’t until the 1960s, however, that the state’s wine reputation took root when the first large commercial vineyards were planted in the Columbia River Valley. In the 1970s, just as Cascade was successfully pushing to create the Burke-Gilman Trail, Washington’s first 10 wineries opened.
In 1976, the state’s largest commercial winery, now named Chateau Ste. Michelle, moved to Woodinville. “Over time, other wineries congregated in this agrarian town and took advantage of office parks with roll-top doors that assisted with winemaking,” according to the Wine Enthusiast.
Riders get three two-ounce samples, plus a full pour. Photo courtesy Woodinville Wine Country.
Woodinville now has an abundance of wineries and tasting rooms. Wine Ride participants will pedal sections of the Sammamish River Trail as it winds through Woodinville and neighboring Bothell, passing farmland and open spaces ideal for bird watching.
Family Vineyards, Cascadian Terroir
Washington has an abundance of small, family-owned vineyards. Cascade partnered with multiple family wineries for the tour. In addition to Woodhouse Estates, participants will visit Cougar Crest Winery, Armstrong Family Winery, and Sol Stone Winery.
Washington state has an abundance of federally designated AVAs, or American Viticultural Areas, which are geographic regions that establish a wine’s terroir. Terroir is a word used to describe the flavor and characteristics imparted by the climate, soils, topography and environment of a region. Most of these AVAs are located in eastern Washington where the dry climate and weather provide ideal growing conditions.
Happy participants in a previous Wine Ride come in for a refill.
Cougar Crest Winery owns four vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley and the Milton-Freewater AVAs, and it has won many awards over the years. Cougar Crest is also women-owned. Its tasting room has a large deck and patio for outdoor seating, and it gets a lot of visitors on bikes because of its close proximity to the Sammamish River Trail.
Cascade encourages participants to buy a bottle or two from participating wineries to enjoy at a later date. Cascade will transport any bottles purchased during the ride to the finish line for participants to pick up. Participants also get snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, route and mechanical support, plus a Wine Ride souvenir.
As on all Cascade rides, electric bikes are welcomed. E-bikes are an ideal way to explore Woodinville Wine Country thanks to easy access from the Sammamish River Trail runs through the valley.
Let’s raise a toast to our state’s wine and bike cultures on Sunday, Sept. 11.
More Information and Sources:
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Wine lovers should register for our fall Walla Walla Tour Lite. The eastern Washington city has its own AVAs and many tasting rooms and nearby vineyards.
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