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Willows Lodge ideal complement Woodinville wineries
Woodinvile has always been a cherished getaway for prominent families Stimsons Seattle as the CD – and now this area is attracting wine lovers from around the world.
Woodinville was a true getaway experience the sultans of commerce in Seattle, and what it is today – although for slightly different reasons. Back in the day, was the wild duck hunting attracted the big guns – now wineries, breweries and a luxury resort that seems embody the spirit of the Northwest.
The complex is the Willows Lodge – is not a hunting ground as Stimsons once built on the property closely, but rather a house luxury country that has all the refinements of size imaginable. No duck hunting here – the birds in these parts is already cooked or roasted and, like everything else in the famous resort restaurant barking frog, prepared to perfection. Our dinner and breakfast there were times to remember a long time.
The resort is a tribute somehow, the huge forest of cedar trees that once covered the entire area of Woodinville. The Willows Lodge now features Douglas Fir timbers in the structure of the lodge. The warm, rustic feel makes this complex feel like anywhere Northwest as they can find – so far from other regional cultures can be obtained. Adding the atmosphere is the giant stone fireplace in the lobby.
Our room at Willows Lodge had a very own fireplace, tucked snugly in a corner of the spacious bedroom area. A bed was fitted with 300 thread count sheets, Egyptian cotton and European duvets. Nearby, a desktop office and more room chair footrest complemented by a high-definition television and entertainment system. A small refrigerator was available to cool some local wine. The bathing area appears Dombracht luxurious amenities and features of Mexico marble bowls and a whirlpool of great size. Our room opened to a quiet garden with deciduous trees and Japanese maples bloom organized in a charming landscape that feels more like a park city than a hotel.
With all this, it is not surprising that some couples come to the Willows Lodge only to wine, dine and then enjoy each other's company in one of these luxurious rooms. But Woodinville offers customers a bonus: About 40 wineries are in the immediate vicinity, including Chateau Ste. Michelle winery just across across the street. This winery is another world of exploration for anyone curious about the art of winemaking.
Chateau Ste. Michelle is the oldest winery Washington winery, and it was really the genesis of a burgeoning industry of wine status has been extended to various geographic regions. The facility is currently at 87 gorgeous acres with a stately castle as the centerpiece. Visitors enjoy strolling the grounds and visit the wine shop and tour the production facilities also wine, where an experienced guide will serve several wines and answer all questions about its production of wine in general, and the Castle Ste Michelle winery in particular. The Castle Ste Michelle winery also has great entertainment brands in a series of outdoor concerts held each summer.
They tell you on the tour that the winery is built Baron wood near where Stimson has presented his own, and that today's wines began with the wine Pommerelle Company was renamed after American Winegrowers merge with another company. It was in 1967 that fine wines are produced for the first time after 1972, which was Ste Michelle Vintners planted its vineyards, for the first time in East Washington.
In 1976, Ste Michelle Vintners French built the chateau style you Woodinville Capitol Hill today and was at that time the company became officially at the Chateau Ste. Michelle. The winery grew and so did its reputation for producing high quality wines. The winery has also worked to get Columbia Valley region in eastern Washington – where the vineyards were planted – recognized as a unique wine growing region or an American Viticulture Area.
It is easy to spend hours at the Castle Ste Michelle winery just plunge into the atmosphere, not to mention the wine samples. But visitors to the area of Woodinville find other wineries to visit – and one of the country's largest microbreweries.
Just a five minute walk from the Willows Lodge is the Red Hook Brewery a fun activity for beer lovers and those interested in how beer is made. Red Hook has become a favorite among national beers and the tour and tasting room, did not disappoint. The tour cost is $ 1, a bargain considering that you get to try out a number of changes in Red Hook and say that ale guides are stingy pour over the samples. The bonus is to keep the souvenir glass.
On this tour you will get to see the bottle – if it comes in a weekday – and see the impressive machinery, as it takes beer from creation to the finished product.
The Red Hook Brewery has a pub and beer which tends to mixed reviews. The key seems to be the expectations – if you are what some people refer to as a wine snob, "the experience of Red Hook will less to their liking because the emphasis is on beer, pub food and a festive experience. But if you understand the difference between the most refined, sophisticated experience in a winery like Chateau Ste. Michelle and brew-pub atmosphere, you will have a great time at Red Hook or will not go first.
Woodinville is in the way from Seattle to the beautiful mountains of the state of the waterfall. Another 21 miles to the northeast is the beginning of the Stevens Pass route over the Cascades. Visitors to Seattle can get a quick idea of the mountains by taking Highway 2 to the small towns of Sultan, Gold Bar and Index, where the landscape begins to seem almost as spectacular as the European Alps. Skykomish River cuts through mountains and thick green forest in this part of the state to reveal amazing photo opportunities at each River bend.
Another day trip to Woodinville is the Snoqualmie River Valley, where you can take Highway 203 on a scenic journey through cities such as Duval, Carnation and Fall City before coming to Snoqualmie, home of the famous Snoqualmie Falls and gateway to Snoqualmie Pass, the other important route on the Cascade Range.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: Woodinville is about 16 miles from Seattle and easily accessible by taking I-90 east and then the I-405 north until you see signs for Woodinville. Once a favorite destination for the upper class of Seattle, this area is now home not only the Chateau St. Michelle hold but also dozens of other wineries.
WHAT: Willows Lodge and nearby wineries create an opportunity to experience a luxurious stay in a picturesque region Washington, which happens to be very close to many wineries that are open to public travel.
WHEN: A visit to Woodinville can be done at any time the year, although the best chance of sunshine will be in late July, August and September. Like the rest of western Washington, Woodinville may be subject to the clouds and rain, especially during the winter months. Summer is also an advantage if you plan ahead to visit when Chateau Ste. Michelle is offering one of its Concert popularity.
WHY: Visitors to Seattle – and the residents of Seattle – will find that Woodinville is quick and easy to get, and offers beautiful scenery and attractions. The area is also a great base for anyone wanting to take trips to other parts of King County or the western part of the countries Cascade Mountain.
HOW: For more information about the Willows Lodge, please visit www.willowslodge.com or call 877.424.3930. To learn more about Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, please visit www.ste-michelle.com or call 800-267-6793.
About the Author
Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer and president of Getaway Media Corp, which publishes websites focused on regional getaway travel. Among the sites currently offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com , which will help you travel California, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com , covering NW beach vacations and other travel destinations in the Pacific Northwest .
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