Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington’s largest and most well-known winery, has officially been sold to the Wyckoff family. The sale closed on December 4 and marks the first time in more than 50 years that Ste. Michelle Wine Estates will be owned by a Washington-based family.
The Wyckoffs are longtime partners of Ste. Michelle, working with the company since the early 1980s through Wyckoff Farms and Coventry Vale Winery in Grandview. Their purchase includes all Ste. Michelle Wine Estates brands, facilities, vineyards, and inventory. This covers Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, 14 Hands, Liquid Light, Spring Valley, Northstar, and other Washington labels.
Court Wyckoff, CEO of Wyckoff Farms, called the acquisition a once-in-a-generation opportunity to carry forward one of the Northwest’s most iconic wine legacies. Ste. Michelle leaders shared similar enthusiasm, noting that local family ownership brings the company back to its roots and reinforces a long-term commitment to Washington’s wine industry.
The winery was previously owned by Sycamore Partners, a New York private equity firm that purchased Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in 2021.
The Wyckoff family, now in its third generation of agricultural leadership, brings decades of experience in premium wine grape growing and custom winemaking across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Their long history with Ste. Michelle positions them to continue supporting local growers and investing in the future of Washington wine.
Holiday Gift Guide 2025 Specials
The holidays are upon us, and it’s time to select the perfect gifts for your loved ones. In the Wine Country, we have a trove of treasures perfect for the season. Here’s your ultimate guide to giving the gift of libations, travel, and accommodation experiences.
Woodinville Wine Country
PASSPORT TO TASTE 2026
The 2026 PASSPORT TO TASTE is exclusively sold through Woodinville Wine Country’s website or in the visitors Center. Complimentary tastings to over 25 wineries plus discounts and member specials are waiting for you in 2026. A $500 value, Passport to Taste is only $100 and is good for the entirety of the 2026 calendar year. Grab one for you and gift one to a friend!
Ambassador Wines of Washington
MYSTERY CASE
The ultimate gift for any wine lover. Our Mystery Case includes 12 surprise bottles of estate-grown Red Mountain reds, each handpicked for quality and character. It is a fun and festive way to explore Ambassador wines. No additional discounts apply. Available December 1
Bayernmoor Cellars
HOLIDAY WINE DUOS
Celebrate the season with two award winning pairings. Twice as Nice brings together the 2024 White Pinot Noir (96 points) and 2022 Estate Pinot Noir (Platinum Award), a versatile duo that complements holiday dishes from start to finish. Wrapped in Red features the 2022 Merlot (93 points) and 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley (90 points), a rich red pairing perfect for festive tables or gifting.
Brian Carter Cellars
BRIAN CARTER HOLIDAY COLLECTION
Brian Carter offers a festive lineup of holiday gifts, including Bordeaux-style red blend trios, limited magnums, seasonal shipping specials, and thoughtful hostess sets featuring white, rosé, and Rhône-style blends. These curated selections make it easy to share beautifully crafted Washington wines throughout the season.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
HOLIDAY COLLECTION
Explore a curated selection of holiday wine sets, gift cards, memberships, and special experiences. From collector favorites to easy gifting options, this collection offers something for every wine lover.
EFESTĒ
EFESTÉ HOLIDAY DEALS
EFESTÉ is celebrating the season with flash-sale bundles, mix-and-match case specials, daily December deals, and a variety of gift bundles ready to ship. From red and white 6-packs to custom cases and curated holiday sets, there are plenty of ways to stock up, save, and gift your favorite EFESTÉ wines.
L’ECOLE № 41
L’ECOLE № 41 HOLIDAY COLLECTION
L’Ecole № 41 offers two beautifully packaged gift sets perfect for the season. The Regal Collection pairs a Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a Columbia Valley Chardonnay for a classic red-and-white duo. The Grand Cru Collection is crafted for collectors, featuring their top estate wines from Ferguson, Seven Hills, and Pepper Bridge vineyards. Each set arrives in a branded gift box with a personalized message and ground shipping included.
Patterson Cellars
PATTERSON CELLARS WINE BUNDLES
Give the gift of Washington wine with Patterson Cellars’ curated bundles. From elegant verticals to bold blends and cozy seasonal kits, these sets offer something for every palate and make holiday gifting easy.
TruthTeller Winery
TRUTHTELLER WINERY HOLIDAY PACKS
TruthTeller is offering two festive gift options that make holiday shopping easy. The Merry Mischief 6-pack features three bold red blends with two bottles of each, while the Holiday 3-Pack offers an award-winning trio of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Both sets are priced at $100 with free ground shipping. Promotion cannot be combined with other discounts.
Quiddity
SYRAH VERTICAL
Here is the ultimate Quiddity vertical Syrah collection. It is like a hall of fame of Syrahs. Collectively, they have received some tremendous reviews and great scores. But, more importantly, they are darn fine wines. Enjoy our 2019 AUDENTES, 2020 AUDENTES, and 2020 AUDENTES – Block 14 all nestled in an attractive gift box (in winery purchase only, fancy box not available for shipping, sorry).
DeLille Cellars
INTRODUCTION TO BORDEAUX GIFT SET
This gift set features a Bordeaux-style red and white wine, providing the perfect introduction to Bordeaux-style wines for wine experts and novices alike. It includes one bottle of 2022 D2 Red Blend and one bottle of 2023 Chaleur Blanc White Blend.
Cava Azul Cocina & Cantina
HOLIDAY OFFERS
Enjoy seasonal tamales for dine-in or takeout, along with a holiday gift card bonus available from Thanksgiving through December 31, 2025. Buy a $50 card and receive $60, or buy a $100 card and receive $120.
Woodinville Chamber
2025 KEEPSAKE ORNAMENT
Celebrate all that is Woodinville with the purchase of this one-of-a-kind, very special Woodinville keepsake.
The Cottage
THE COTTAGE GIFT CARD
Give the gift of cozy gatherings, delicious meals, and unforgettable moments at The Cottage. Our gift cards are the perfect present for friends, family, neighbors, or anyone who loves great food and warm hospitality. Purchase gift cards easily through our online ordering portal, and don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list for exclusive coupons, event updates, and seasonal specials. The gift of good taste is just a click away!
Willows Lodge
WILLOWS LODGE GIFT CARD
Give the gift of an unforgettable experience with a Willows Lodge gift card. Perfect for anyone, anytime.
The Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa
HOLIDAY CARD BONUS
Treat your loved ones (or yourself) to the ultimate relaxation experience at the STILL Spa, located at the Woodmark Hotel & Spa. For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive a $25 bounce back card toward a future visit. There’s no limit, collect as many as you’d like!
Thanksgiving is a time to slow down, enjoy great food and great wine, and spend the day with the people who matter most. Woodinville has everything you need to make that happen. From incredible wineries ready to help you choose the perfect bottles to holiday meals you can enjoy without turning on the oven, it is the perfect place to plan your celebration this year.
Ask the Wineries for Holiday Pairing Help
Thanksgiving menus are all different, which makes choosing wine fun. Instead of guessing, tell the tasting room team what you plan to serve. They love helping guests choose bottles for their holiday tables. Share your main dish, your sides, or any family favorites and they will guide you from there.
Bring a quick photo of your grocery list or jot down your menu. It makes the visit simple and stress free.
Explore wineries on our Taste Page.
Relax and Let Someone Else Cook
Woodinville has some great places ready to handle the holiday meal for you. Whether you want a relaxed breakfast or a festive dinner, these local favorites have everything covered.
Thanksgiving Breakfast at Barking Frog
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Ease into the day with breakfast at Barking Frog. Breakfast runs from 7:00 am to 9:30 am. Reservations fill quickly.
Thanksgiving Dinner at Barking Frog
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Enjoy a festive three-course meal created by the Barking Frog culinary team, inspired by the best of the Northwest.
Thanksgiving Buffet at Willows Lodge
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Celebrate with a festive Thanksgiving buffet at Willows Lodge, filled with holiday favorites for the whole family.
Stay the Weekend in Woodinville
If you want to turn Thanksgiving into a relaxing getaway, Woodinville has great lodging options.
Willows Lodge
Cozy, warm, and steps from tasting rooms and trails.
The Somm Hotel & Spa
Woodinville’s newest hotel with modern rooms and a peaceful spa.
Make Woodinville Part of Your Thanksgiving Tradition
Whether you are picking up wine, enjoying a holiday meal, or staying through the weekend, Woodinville adds something warm and welcoming to the season. Visit a few tasting rooms, ask for pairing help, and enjoy a holiday that feels truly special.
The wait is over. The Somm Hotel & Spa in Woodinville is now open, bringing a new level of boutique luxury to the heart of Washington wine country. Located within the Harvest development, this elegant hotel blends Northwest charm with sophisticated design, giving visitors a stylish new place to stay, sip, and relax.
Guests at The Somm Hotel & Spa can enjoy beautifully appointed rooms, a full-service spa, and amenities inspired by the region’s celebrated food and wine culture. After a day of wine tasting or exploring local restaurants, unwind with a spa treatment or a glass of Washington’s best vintage by the fireplace.
The hotel’s location puts you just steps from Woodinville’s top tasting rooms and restaurants, making it easy to plan the perfect getaway. Whether you’re in town for a romantic weekend, a group retreat, or simply to enjoy a quiet escape, The Somm offers a welcoming balance of comfort and sophistication.
Plan Your Stay
If you’re looking for a place to stay while visiting, don’t forget to explore our Stay Page to find more great lodging options, from cozy inns to boutique retreats like The Somm Hotel & Spa.
It’s that time of year when the cobwebs come out and the cauldrons start to bubble! 🍷🎃 Woodinville Wine Country is transforming into a playground for ghosts, goblins, and wine lovers alike with a full lineup of Halloween events in Woodinville. From spooky wine tastings and costume parties to pumpkin-inspired pairings and live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Halloween season.
Whether you’re looking for a festive night out with friends or a cozy evening of sips and scares, these local events will make your October unforgettable.
👉 Plan your perfect Halloween in Woodinville with our complete event roundup below.
Halloween Candy & Wine Pairing @ Barnard Griffin
Trick or Treat! We’ve put together a fun Halloween candy and wine pairing for you! Join us in the Woodinville tasting room Friday October 24th, Saturday October 25th or Sunday October 26th to enjoy this seasonal pairing.
Friday, October 24th: 1 PM – 7 PM
Saturday, October 25th: 1 PM – 7 PM
Sunday, October 26th: 1 PM – 5 PM
MASK MYSTERIA…AND…SLUETHING SECRET SIPS!! @ Cedergreen Cellars Tasting Studio
Join Cedergreen Cellars for Mask Mysteria & Sleuthing Secret Sips, a mystery wine tasting supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Enjoy a blind tasting of five wines, create your own decorative mask, and compete for prizes while helping Northwest Hope and Healing support local patients in need.
Saturday October 25, 2025
12 PM – 5 PM
Trick or Treating @ Woodin Creek Village
Halloween is right around the corner, and we’re getting in the spirit with our annual Woodin Creek Village Trick or Treat night! 🎃🍭
Bring the whole family and trick-or-treat around our businesses in the Village. See you there! 👻
Saturday October 25, 2025
4 PM – 6 PM
Halloween Festival @ Woodinville Warehouse Wineries
Ghosts & goblins, princes & princesses, superheroes & villains of all ages are invited to the Woodinville Warehouse Wineries annual Halloween Festival. Enjoy spooky decorations, wine tastings and pairings, live music, food, and of course, a TRICK-OR-TREAT march through the Warehouse Wineries to collect a bounty of candy!
Sunday, October 26, 2025
12 PM – 3 PM
Murder Mystery Dinner @ Chelan Ridge Winery
Experience an interactive murder mystery dinner with improv-trained actors leading a lively, costumed performance of Midnight at the Masquerade. Enjoy an Italian catered dinner, a welcome glass of bubbles, and the chance to join the fun as part of the mystery.
Sunday October 26, 2025
5 PM – 8 PM
Pumpkin Palooza Cookie Decorating Class @ Tsillan Cellars
Get into the Halloween spirit at Tsillan Cellars with our Pumpkin Palooza Cookie Decorating Class! Join us on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 5–7 PM for a festive, hands-on evening where you’ll decorate six spooky-sweet sugar cookies—pumpkins, candy corn, and ghostly friends—while enjoying your favorite Tsillan Cellars wines. 🍷✨
Wednesday October 29, 2025
5 PM – 7 PM
Costume Party @ TENOR/ AVALLÉ Winemaking Studio
Join us for a fun-filled costume party at the TENOR Winemaking Studio!
– Live Music
– Food Truck
– Local Vendors
– Wine Club Pricing on all wines for the night!
– Wines by the glass & bottle
Thursday October 30, 2025
4 PM – 8 – PM
Halloween Costume Contest @ Chelan Ridge Winery
Join us for our first Halloween Costume Contest with prizes for the most creative, spooky, and funny costumes. Come celebrate the season with fun, laughter, and festive spirit!
Friday October 31, 2025
6 PM – 8 PM
Sip N Paint Night- Paint Fall Pumpkin Patch @ Chelan Ridge Winery
Come drink some wonderful wine and paint Fall Pumpkin Patch.
Friday October 31, 2025
6 PM – 8 PM
Halloween Fifth Friday Fête @ Barnard Griffin
No tricks, just treats. Join us at Barnard Griffin Woodinville on October 31st 6-8pm for a special Halloween edition of Fifth Friday. We’ll have live music performed by Ian Skavdahl, halloween candy, and of course wine! Costumes are encouraged but not required. Come one, come all – no reservations required, just fun!
Friday October 31, 2025
6 PM – 8 PM
Spooky Music Night with Kore Memories! @ Obelisco Estate Winery – Apple Farm Village Tasting Room
Spend Halloween night at Obelisco with live music from Kore Memories, featuring jazzy covers and samba beats by Jamie Botello and Persephone Darke. Costumes welcome and extended happy hour all night!
Friday October 31, 2025
7 PM – 9 PM
Sip & Stroll Art Event @ Sparkman Cellars
Enjoy art, wine, and intrigue at the Woodinville Arts Alliance Sip & Stroll juried art show and sale at Sparkman Cellars. Celebrate in masquerade style while sipping fabulous wines and exploring works from local artists.
Friday October 31, 2025
4 PM – 7 PM
A Deadly Vintage Murder Mystery Party @ Bayernmoor Cellars
Step into a thrilling Halloween Murder Mystery at Bayernmoor Cellars, where guests become detectives in a night of wine, intrigue, and suspense. Enjoy a curated wine flight, gourmet bites, and an interactive whodunit experience—perfect for mystery lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.
Friday October 31, 2025
6 PM – 9 PM
Hallo-wine Party @ Evergreen Family Wines
The Hallo-wine Party with Live Music by Josiah Bogle is a Halloween celebration encouraging attendees to get into the spirit by wearing costumes. Guests can enjoy their favorite fall wines while being entertained by the live music of Josiah Bogle. The hosts promise a “spooktacular evening” and a “hauntingly good time,” and they will have candy ready for all the little trick-or-treaters who stop by.
Friday October 31, 2025
4:30 PM – 8 PM
Celebrate Come Over October in Woodinville Wine Country with our fall giveaway!
We’re celebrating Come Over October all month long and want to see how you’re raising a glass to connection, community, and time spent together. Tell us how you’re celebrating for a chance to win a Woodinville Wine Country Swag Bag.
📸 HOW TO ENTER
Share your plans, photos, or favorite moments together in your story or on your feed by tagging us and using the official hashtags:
- Instagram: @woodinville_wine_country
- Facebook: @woodinvillewinecountry
- Hashtag: #ComeOverOctober & #Woodinvillewinecountry
Whether it’s a cozy tasting, a fall dinner with friends, or your favorite Woodinville pour, we want to see how you’re celebrating.
Your story or post might even get featured on our page, so raise a glass and share your Come Over October moments!
🗓️ CONTEST DETAILS
Entries close: October 31, 2025
Winner announced: November 12, 2025, on Woodinville Wine Country social channels
Prize: Woodinville Wine Country Swag Bag filled with local favorites
No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents aged 21 and over. This giveaway is not affiliated with or sponsored by Meta, Instagram, or Facebook.
Come Over October is here, and it is the perfect time to gather with friends and family in Woodinville Wine Country. This global campaign celebrates togetherness by encouraging people to share meals, open bottles, and create memories that last beyond the season.
Why Celebrate Come Over October
Life often moves quickly, and quality time with loved ones can be hard to find. Come Over October provides a reason to slow down and reconnect. In Woodinville, local wineries and tasting rooms are part of the campaign, creating opportunities for meaningful gatherings. From dining events to live music and seasonal releases, October is full of reasons to celebrate.
Last year we sat down with some folks in Woodinville Wine Country to hear what Come Over October means to them and to the community. Their stories highlight how sharing a glass of wine, or even just time together, can create connections that matter. Watch the video below to hear their perspectives:
Visit the Come Over October official site to learn more about this international movement.
Ways to Celebrate in Woodinville
- Host a fall dinner party
Pair favorite seasonal dishes with wines from Woodinville tasting rooms. A shared table is at the heart of Come Over October. - Create a tasting at home
Pick up bottles from local wineries and invite friends to compare, discuss, and enjoy. Add a cheese board for an easy and festive touch. Remember, it does not have to be wine. A craft beer flight, sparkling cider, or seasonal cocktail can bring the same sense of fun. - Enjoy the outdoors
Crisp air and fall colors make October the perfect month for fireside gatherings or cozy patio evenings. - Attend local events
Woodinville wineries and breweries are offering tastings, concerts, and harvest-themed celebrations. Check our Events Calendar to find something happening each week in October and throughout the year.
More Than October
Come Over October is only the beginning. Woodinville Wine Country offers events all year that bring people together. From winter release weekends to summer wine walks, there is always something on the calendar. Visit our Events page to plan your next outing.
A Community Invitation
This October, let the spirit of Come Over October inspire you. Invite friends, call family, or plan a night out in Woodinville. Share a bottle, raise a glass, or enjoy a warm mug of cider. The drink is not what matters most. The time spent together is what makes October unforgettable.
📽️ Come with us inside Novelty Hill-Januik in Episode 6 of Behind the Menu. Watch the full film below!
Behind the Menu: Novelty Hill-Januik
In Woodinville’s West Valley District, Novelty Hill Januik stands as a modern gathering place where food and wine share the same roof. Beyond the award-winning wines crafted onsite, this is a destination shaped by an amazing culinary team and dedicated event staff who transform every occasion into something unforgettable.
In Episode 6 of Behind the Menu, step inside to see how the kitchen and cellar work side by side. Executive Chef Jason Northern and his team draw inspiration directly from the winemakers, creating dishes that highlight every glass poured. Behind the scenes, the culinary crew prepares tirelessly for each event while Jason mentors his staff, preparing them for their own futures as chefs.
From intimate dinners to winemaker celebrations, Novelty Hill Januik offers more than a venue. It is a place where people come together, where food and wine become the catalyst for connection, and where every gathering turns into a story worth sharing.
▶️ Watch the full episode below and experience the other side of Novelty Hill Januik.
Catch Up on Other Episodes
If you loved getting a behind-the-scenes look at Village Wines, don’t miss the rest of the Behind the Menu series. Each episode highlights the passion, people, and ingredients behind Woodinville’s most memorable culinary experiences.
▶️ Watch the full playlist: Behind the Menu YouTube Series
📖 Read past episode blogs:
Episode 4: Brian Carter’s Supper Club
The SOMM in Woodinville opens on September 28, 2025, right in the heart of harvest. The timing fits the place. Harvest is when grapes are picked and crushed, and when the community gathers around the craft of wine. The hotel’s name nods to the sommelier. The idea is connection. Guests, makers, and stories all in one place.
Where it lives: Harvest Development
The SOMM will anchor the Harvest Development in Woodinville’s Hollywood District. From here, you can walk to tasting rooms, shops, and events, then step back into a stay that keeps the wine country experience going.
Food, wine, and spaces to gather
Inside, the hotel is built for people who love food and wine and want places to meet.
- The SOMM Bar is the social hub with Washington wines, cocktails, and small plates.
- The Cellar Room is an intimate private space with a wine-cave feel for small dinners.
- The Reserve Room hosts larger celebrations, seasonal dinners, and community events.
- The Blending Rooms invite guests to try hands-on wine blending experiences.
- The Shed is a flexible venue for pop-ups, casual gatherings, and local collaborations.
- The spa gives guests a quiet place to recharge after a day of tasting.
A chef-driven restaurant rounds it out with Pacific Northwest flavors paired to Washington wines and thoughtful global picks.
Why this matters for Woodinville?
Woodinville already shines with more than 130 wineries, breweries, and distilleries. The SOMM adds places to linger. Visitors can turn a day trip into a weekend, support more local businesses, and join special events without leaving town. Locals gain a new spot for milestone celebrations, winemaker dinners, and easy nights out at the bar. It strengthens the ecosystem that makes this community tick.
Who is behind it?
The SOMM is managed by Columbia Hospitality and joins Marriott’s Autograph Collection, a portfolio of hotels that reflect the character of their locations. The partnership points to service, design, and a clear connection to the region’s wine story.
Plan your visit
Save the date for September 28, 2025 and follow updates or book at thesomm.com.
- Learn more about the Harvest Development at harvestwoodinville.com.
- Explore Autograph Collection at autographhotels.com and Columbia Hospitality at columbiahospitality.com.
While you plan
Use our interactive map to build your route across tasting rooms and eateries. Visiting during harvest? Check the event calendar or the Harvest Crush Festival.
Harvest season is the most exciting time of year for Washington wine, and Woodinville is at the center of the action. While vineyards are located east of the Cascades, this is when truckloads of freshly picked grapes make their way to Woodinville’s wineries. The town fills with the buzz of forklifts, the scent of fermenting juice, and the hum of cellar crews working day and night to start the winemaking process.
WHY HARVEST MATTERS
Every grape delivery carries the promise of a new vintage. Timing the harvest in the vineyards is critical. The balance of flavor, sugar, and acidity must be just right. Winemakers and growers stay in close contact, watching weather and ripeness carefully before sending fruit over the mountains.
THE RHYTHM OF THE SEASON
Fruit arrives in stages, starting with grapes for sparkling wines, then whites, and finally reds. Each delivery sparks a rush of activity as teams unload bins, sort grapes, and prepare fermentations. This cycle continues for weeks until the last of the fruit has been processed.
INSIDE THE WINERY
In Woodinville cellars, the work of turning grapes into wine begins. White grapes are pressed and sent straight to fermentation, while reds ferment with their skins to develop color and structure. This stage, often called crush, is when the intensity peaks and the winemaking truly begins.
A COMMUNITY EFFORT
Harvest season in Woodinville is defined by collaboration. Neighboring wineries share equipment, lend staff, and celebrate milestones together. Visitors can see this energy firsthand at special harvest events, where the excitement of the cellar spills into the community.
FOLLOW THE HARVEST ONLINE
Many Woodinville wineries share their harvest journey on social media. From the first bins arriving at the crush pad to the final press, you can follow along with the wins, the challenges, and the behind-the-scenes action. It is one of the best ways to experience the season and connect with your favorite wineries.
CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF HARVEST IN WOODINVILLE
Harvest is the foundation of every vintage. In Woodinville, you can experience the craft, the teamwork, and the passion that bring Washington grapes to life. This is the season when wine truly begins. One of the best ways to take part is at the Harvest Crush Festival in the Warehouse District. This annual celebration brings guests inside the excitement of harvest with hands-on demonstrations of grape crushing, tastings from local wineries and distilleries, food, and live entertainment. It is a chance to see the process in action, meet the people behind the wines, and join the community in toasting a new vintage.
