New Lodgings Add Comfort to the Northwest’s Top Wine Destinations
Pleasant weather and the buzz of activity that harvest season brings to Northwest vineyards and wineries are just a couple of reasons why fall getaways to wine country are so special. The recent openings of these three stylish new hotels in our region’s most popular wine destinations only increase the appeal.
In Richland, the 82-room Lodge at Columbia Point (above) brings boutique lodging to the Tri-Cities. A pool, a veranda overlooking Columbia Point Marina and complimentary wine tastings on weekend evenings encourage guests to linger in the common areas and onsite wine bar, while rooms feature a patio or balcony, with some offering soaking tubs. In addition to Northwest cuisine in its own restaurant, Drumheller’s Food & Drink, the hotel’s waterfront neighbors include Anthony’s at Columbia Point and locally owned LU LU Craft Bar + Kitchen.
About 10 minutes north of downtown Walla Walla, Eritage Resort, which opened in July, offers a wine-country respite among 300 acres of wheat and vineyard plantings, with dramatic views of the Blue Mountains and a picturesque manmade lake. The venture, founded by Va Piano winery founder Justin Wylie, a fourth-generation Walla Walla resident, consists of 10 luxury suites, with 10 lakeside villas under construction. The resort and onsite restaurant, open to non-resort guests for dinner, is managed by Fire & Vine Hospitality, the group behind Seattle’s El Gaucho, Miller’s Guild and other restaurants, which makes the inn’s cuisine an attraction in its own right.
In historic downtown McMinnville, Oregon, the 36-room Atticus Hotel brings hip touches to Willamette Valley’s wine country. The check-in desk doubles as an espresso bar, and the eclectic design of its studios and suites blend modern influences with Italianate styles from the late 19th century, when most neighboring buildings were built. Its luxury bunkhouse offers a unique option for groups, with amenities including stylish bunkbeds built into a wall, a wine fridge and plenty of space to lounge and chat. The hotel’s onsite restaurant is a sister location to Portland’s Bless Your Heart Burgers, which tranforms the burger-and-shakes concept into a grown-up experience, with naturally raised beef and artisan buns and cheeses, plus cocktails and local wines.
–Written by Rob Bhatt
