So you want to go wine tasting on a Monday, but when you pull into town all you seem to see are closed signs. What the heck, is anyone open on a Monday? The short answer is yes. Mondays can actually be one of the best times to come wine tasting in Woodinville, though there are pros and cons!
PROS
Avoid the Crowd: Mondays usually see fewer tourists, granting you a peaceful and leisurely tasting experience. On the weekends, the tasting rooms can be packed and reservations are becoming increasingly required to manage wait times and service. On Mondays, there is hardly ever a rush. We still recommend making a reservation, but take your time enjoying each of the wines and getting to know the winery better.
Intimate Experience: Smaller crowds mean more personalized attention from the winery staff. You can engage in meaningful conversations, learn about the winemaking process, and gain insights into the unique flavors of the wines.
Plenty of Parking: With fewer visitors, parking becomes a breeze. You won’t have to circle around the parking lot searching for a spot, ensuring a stress-free start to your wine tasting adventure. There are tons of free parking options, oftentimes right at the wineries front door.
CONS
Closed Wineries: Many wineries, and breweries for that matter, are closed on Mondays. Typically the smaller wineries, especially in the Warehouse District where they make the wine, are only open on the weekends. The week days are spent utilizing the space to make the wine we so love and enjoy.
Limited Dining Options: Many restaurants might have reduced operating hours or could be closed entirely on Mondays. Mondays are generally regarded as an industry admin day, especially for small businesses, so there may be fewer restaurant choices when you visit early in the week.
Commute Challenge: If you’re planning an early start, be prepared to navigate through the morning rush of school and work commuters. Plan your route wisely to avoid heavy traffic. Most wineries don’t open until around 12pm, so this shouldn’t be too big of a problem. And in case you want to avoid the rush hour home, linger longer in Woodinville as many tasting rooms stay open until 6 or 7pm.
Suggested Itinerary
***Note: each wine tasting will generally last about an hour and pour between 5oz – 10oz of wine, so this is a robust itinerary. Be sure to drink plenty of water and plan your travel safely to each destination and home. Tasting fees also range starting at about +$20 per flight and some wineries request you make a reservation before you come. Click the PDF or visit each venues website for more details.
10:30am | Brunch at Rusty Pelican Downtown Woodinville
Serving freshly-prepared, classic American dishes and desserts, including the comfort of breakfast offered all day.
Recommendations: Definitely get the biscuit! Seasonal French Toast or Avocado Supreme Salad
Address: 13590 NE Village Square Drive, Woodinville, WA 98072
Open Daily 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
12:00 pm | Wine Tasting at Alexandria Nicole Cellars
Family-owned, estate winery based out of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Known for their Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.
Favorite Red: Jet Black Syrah
Favorite White: a2 Sauvignon Blanc
Address: 17140 135th Ave NE Bldg 2D Ste 1010, Woodinville, WA 98072
Open: Monday-Saturday 12 pm – 7 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm
1:15pm | Wine Tasting at Tsillan Cellars
Estate winery based out of the Lake Chelan AVA. Known for Italian wine influence and large portfolio of wine varietals.
Favorite Red: The Bellissima Rosa just received a 100 pt rating.
Favorite White: Dolce Donna white blend.
Address: 13550 NE Village Square Drive, Unit 1070, Woodinville, WA 98072
Open: Monday-Thursday 1 pm – 6 pm, Friday 12 pm – 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm
Drive 5 mins (1.9 miles). We recommend parking in the lot across the roundabout southward near Damsel Cellars and walking to Patterson
2:45pm | Lunch and Wine Tasting at Patterson Cellars with Vivi Pizzeria
Patterson Cellars is made locally in Woodinville. They are known for their red wines and new world winemaking style. Vivi Pizzeria is locally owned and operated, serving pizza, pasta, and other Italian cuisine.
Recommendation: VIVI PIZZA EXPERIENCE that includes Vivi’s Tanina Pizza (Gluten free option available) plus 4 – 2 oz pours of wine.
Favorite Red: Due Anne Red Blend
Favorite White: Chardonnay
Address: 14505 148th Ave. NE, Woodinville, WA 98072
Open: Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 8 pm, Friday – Saturday 11 am – 9 pm
4:00pm | Wine Tasting at Damsel Cellars
Women-owned and operated winery based in Woodinville. Known for their red wines and local in-house cheese pairings.
Favorite Red: Malbec
Favorite White: “Persephone” Pinot Gris
Also, the Mythology series wine labels are just incredibly beautiful.
Address: 14467 Redmond-Woodinville Rd NE, Woodinville, WA 98072
Open Daily, Sunday – Thursday 12 pm – 6 pm, Friday & Saturday 12 pm – 7 pm
Drive 2 mins (0.5 mile) down the hill to Hollywood Tavern. The parking lot is shared with Woodinville Whiskey and can be crowded depending on time of day.
5:30pm | Happy Hour & Dinner at Hollywood Tavern
A historic wine country tavern and restaurant that brings community together with inventive craft cocktails, expressive tavern fare and a fun, informal atmosphere.
Recommendations: Ancho Chile Tots for an appetizer and the Brick Chicken or one of their burgers for an entree. If the weather is clear, finish up with a boozy milkshake by the fire outside.
Address: 14501 Woodinville-Redmond Rd NE, Woodinville, WA 98072
Open: Sunday–Thursday: 11 am–9 pm, Friday & Saturday: 11 am–10 pm
Happy Hour: Monday thru Friday 3 pm – 6 pm
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Embarking on a wine tasting adventure on a Monday might require a bit more planning, but the intimate experiences and the opportunity to explore Washington wineries at your own pace make it a rewarding choice. If you ever have questions or are looking for more options, you can always stop by the Visitors Center in Wine Alley, across from Tsillan Cellars. Our team will be happy to make more suggestions and point you in the right direction.
Please remember to enjoy wine tasting responsibly, and don’t drink and drive.
Cheers, to what is sure to be the best Monday!