Generally guests visiting our area are not aware that there is a vibrant wine subculture in the South Sound region. To complement the South Sound Wine Trail, there are a number of wine bars and tasting rooms. More than anyone can visit in a day, unless you have designated driver!
Tasting Rooms
For starters you cannot pass up a visit to Stottle Wineries tasting room in the Hawks Prairie are of Lacey. We loved their “Big Eddie” and thoroughly enjoyed it’s rich bold flavors with a steak from our local heritage butcher, Delmonico’s. For very affordable options the Zara Lina white Wine blend and RED Red Wine Blend both make fine choices for a locally produced, small batch wine. It is also great to know that for guests who take our advice and head up to the Staircase area of Olympia National Park, Stottle has a weekend tasting room in Hoodsport, adding to the other option there, the Hoodsport Winery.
If you are taking that latter option you also should consider stopping at Walter Dacon Wines, a local winery off Highway 101. We discovered their red wines while dining at our favorite restaurant, Gardner’s.
Wine Bars
Olympia has restaurants with great wine but it also has some wine bars to get your evening started. You can either have a more “snacky” dinner or use these wonderful establishments to make date night last longer.
Rumors, offers a fantastic location very handy for preshow drinks. It is located right near the Washington Center, Olympia Film Society and Harlequin theatres. A cozy vibe and people watching make this wine bar a great choice.
The Happy Hour, is very literal with it’s name. Offering food pairings with their wines. Swing Wine Bar just sneaks in to this category as it is more of a hybrid, as it serves full meals, along with offering interesting wine flights.
Not in to wine?
Do not worry, Olympia has you covered. From bars to breweries and restaurants offering interesting cocktail options.
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