Washington wineries are in abundance across the state, but tasting in Tacoma lacks a real trail despite new rooms and wine bars popping corks around the city. Fear not, though, because this writer is also a wine lover, and I’ve made it my mission to create your guide to enjoying an eventful, purple lip-staining trip, with the most productive route for execution and all the details you need to make it happen. Serious tasters or social cheers -ers, read on for the ultimate guide to tasting wine in Tacoma, all in one day.
Tactical Tasting Trail
The trail is 6.1 miles total and includes nine stops along the way, all within walking distance.
We have a claim to fame, so let’s celebrate local accomplishments. The Puget Sound is the only officially recognized wine region this side of the Cascade Mountain Range by the Washington AVA (American Viticultural Area). The cool climate we hate-to-love makes for a distinct grape and special taste unique to the region. So book a bouquet-loving bud and clear all afternoon plans. You’re going on a wine tasting adventure, and all you have to do is put on some comfy shoes and follow these directions (pre-hydration is also highly recommended).
Start Your Journey
All liquid inspired adventures should begin on a full stomach, and these two spots are the perfect places to begin: STINK! Cheese – Meat and El Tufo Wine Bar or Abby’s on Broadway. Both offer unique Northwest charm and subtle romance and are known for their eclectic menus and exquisite. So whether you begin at 11:00 a.m. and fuel up on a STINK! lunch of tasty mac n cheese, take the more traditional route with tapas at EL TUFO WINE BAR after 4:00 p.m., or snuggle into Amy’s charm for a personalized pairing experience, you can be certain that outstanding wines, great food and charming ambiance will all be part of the experience.
STINK Cheese–Meat and El Tufo Wine Bar
628 St Helens Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-426-1347
Abby’s on Broadway
783 Broadway
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-272-2902
Have Your First Flight: Entoca Wine Bar
With a full stomach, head north for a half-mile trek and enjoy your first flight at Entoca Wine Bar, nestled next door to a local wine shop favorite: Tacoma Wine Merchants. Here, guests can enjoy taste, glass, and bottle options in a subtle and relaxed coffee shop environment.
Insider tip: The wine selection frequently changes, so chances of boredom for a repeat offender are slimmer than the cozy environment.
Entoca Wine Bar
21 N Tacoma Ave
Tacoma, WA 98403
253-779-8258
Trek and Taste Again
Your next sipping spot is less than 1.5 miles away in Tacoma’s fun and charming Old Town District. After the (minimal) mileage leaves you running on only fumes from the last glass, stop in at Ginkgo Forest Winery. This tasting room is so inviting, and it’s no wonder Ginkgo has such great hours — everyone wants to visit and taste. Enjoy by the glass or sample Gingko’s intriguing selection.
Ginkgo Forest Winery
2221 N 30th St
Tacoma, WA 98406
253-301-4372
Take a Break or Sip Again
Need a boost? Let’s face it, wine is relaxing, and vino-hiking is exhausting. Most Pacific Northwest residents can testify, if you love to sample wine in Washington, you are undoubtedly a fan of coffee, too. Just a couple doors down from Ginkgo Forest Winery, sneak into Treos for some much-needed caffeine. This popular coffee shop defies corporate chains with an authentic Old Town Tacoma vibe, stocked full of liquid options well beyond mug filled beverages. Sample famous local wines or draft beers and re-energize in this calm and comfortable space mid-trip, which often features live music from local artists.
Treos
2312 N 30th St
Tacoma, WA 98403
253-212-2287
Worth the Trek
It’s time to circle back and head south now that you’ve accomplished three-fourths of this excursion. A short half-mile walk and you’ll find yourself at G. Donnalson’s and its impressive selection of more than 90 different wines. G. Donnalson’s offers tastings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. But if your journey falls on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, you get to enjoy live blues and jazz along with the glass (or bottle) of your choice.
G. Donnalson’s
3814 N 26th St
Tacoma, WA 98407
253-761-8015
Final Peak
Still standing? Or perhaps you’re seasoned with the swirl and spit? If so, the second to last destination is just one mile west. 21 Cellars Winery is an absolute must if you can fit it in. Visitors can taste with 21 Cellars every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., but be forewarned, the probability you leave as a wine club member is high after your first visit. Many find 21 Cellars as comfortable as a living room filled with family and friends.
21 Cellars Winery
2625 N 21st St
Tacoma, WA 98406
253-220-7752
The Trail Continues
Travel a short mile south of 21 Cellars and you will reach the end of this exciting excursion. Finnish off the tasting trail at Cork! Wine Bar, where regardless of the day, you’ll find a reason a good reason to sip. Cork! Wine Bar’s menu includes an extensive selection of wines and more, offering all-night happy hours, wine tastings and live music — not to mention appetizers and tapas should your stomach need a little more substance once you’ve reached the end.
Cork! A Wine Bar
606 N State St
Tacoma, WA 98403
253-212-5593
Last Stop
Just over a mile away, past Puget Natural Park, stop to sip at the Black Door Wine Company. Recently relocated to Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood, the Black Door Wine Company carries a reputation of knowledge and personal care along with the great bottles, vintages and more. Call ahead or stop in last-minute on weekdays between 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and casually taste an open bottle (or two) for only $5 per person.
Black Door Wine Company
3906 N 34th St
Tacoma, WA 98407
206-250-2854
The South Sound is full of amazing and unique destinations for wine lovers. Use the map below and get ready to experience a different side of Tacoma while indulging in its many offerings of red, white and rosé. Cheers!