Just a few rough-edged blocks from Pike Place Market, the Elysian Bar (1516 Second Ave.; 206.467.4458; elysianbrewing.com) moves away from the company’s standard brewpubs, breaking new ground by combining its extensive beer expertise with well-crafted cocktails and classic men’s club glamour.  Walking past the friendly bouncer into the 8,000-square-foot space (once home to the…

Eastern Washington is loaded with natural beauty: Rolling fields of onions, wheat and hops, and lush terraced vineyards cut into high desert plateaus, all carved by the majestic Columbia River—what could be better? Consider taking in that view from the veranda of a winery tasting room with a smooth Cabernet or a crisp Gewürztraminer in…

The forklift speeds a huge plastic tote to the crusher, twirls it like a toy and dumps the finest Merlot grapes into the gleaming stainless steel maw of the crushing machine. The whirring gears separate the stems, squish the grapes and send them bouncing down the sorting table. Now it’s up to me and seven…

IN THE CASCADES:Located on the main drag in Roslyn, the tiny town located just a few miles from Suncadia Resort, Wild Earth Brewing Company invites you to visit its intimate beer-only tasting room, where thirsty locals and beer tourists vie for barstools or a seat at one of just three tables. Sip a pint of…

DAY 7: ROLL ON COLUMBIA Cross over the Columbia onto State Route 14, which will be your path for the day as you head east toward Portland along the northern banks of the river, and along the southern edge of Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The first stop today comes quickly (hook a right on State…

DAY 5: THE BEATING HEART OF WASHINGTON WINE Staying at the Inn At Abeja is the only way to score an appointment at this stalwart Walla Walla producer (unless you’re on the mailing list). It’s best known for its Cabernets, but the Syrah and Viognier—both made from estate vines right on the winery property—are outstanding…

It has been more than a year, but Allen Schauffler’s ninth-floor office overlooking South Lake Union still looks like he just moved in. There is almost nothing hanging from the stark white walls—nary a dent or ding, either. Taped on the glass window at the entrance is a white sheet of copier paper that states…

DAY 4: CLASSICISM, MODERNITY AND ITALIAN MONEY You’re spending the entire day on Red Mountain, one of Washington’s smallest and most prestigious wine-growing areas. Traditionally, this has been an area long on vineyards and short on tourism infrastructure (read: you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere), but that is slowly changing. Best to…

DAY 2: APPLES, BASALT AND MINI STORAGE Heading east out of Leavenworth, you catch your first glimpse of the mighty Columbia near Wenatchee, where you turn north along the river toward Lake Chelan. On the south shore of the lake, you’ll find Nefarious Cellars (Chelan, 495 S Lakeshore Road; 509.682.9505; nefariouscellars.com), where Heather Neff makes…

DAY 1: FOLLOWING THE MISSOULA FLOODS There’s nothing like dodging weaving semis on Snoqualmie Pass to make a person thirsty. Fortunately, by the time you descend the eastern flanks of the Cascades, it’s time to exit Interstate 90 and head toward Suncadia Resort, where you’ll find Swiftwater Cellars (Cle Elum, 301 Rope Rider Drive; 509.674.6555;…