From pumpkin patches and candle making to Washington wine and cozy overnight stays, here’s how to spend 24 hours just outside Seattle.

There’s something about fall in Woodinville. The leaves begin to change, the air turns crisp and the tasting rooms offer a cozy place to spend an afternoon with friends. Add a great meal and an overnight stay, and you’ve got all the makings of a memorable girls’ getaway.

Located just 30 minutes northeast of Seattle, Woodinville Wine Country is home to more than 120 wineries and tasting rooms, along with restaurants, boutique hotels and experiences that go well beyond the wine glass.

For travel creator Portia Smith (@travelwithportia), it was the perfect place to celebrate her sister Kalah’s 40th birthday. Portia gathered the girls for a one-night getaway filled with fall activities, Washington wine and a little time away from the everyday.

Follow along with their itinerary and find a few ideas for your own Woodinville escape.

Day One: Fall Adventures, Wine Tasting & a Birthday Celebration

Morning | A Taste of Fall

The day began at JB Family Growers, a family-owned farm known for its lavender fields in summer and its pumpkin patch and sunflower garden in fall. With a corn maze, seasonal activities, and plenty of autumn scenery, it’s a fun way to kick off a day in wine country.

From there, the group headed to Elm Candle Bar in Woodinville’s Harvest development. Here, guests can blend fragrances and pour their own custom candles, choosing from more than 40 scents. It’s a hands-on experience that gives everyone something to take home, beyond a few new photos.

Afternoon | Discover Washington Wine

With fall activities checked off the list, it was time to explore what Woodinville is best known for: Washington wine.

The first stop was Avennia, a winery inspired by the traditions of Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley. Its wines showcase fruit from some of Washington’s most respected vineyards, making it a wonderful introduction to the state’s winemaking.

Next came DeLille Cellars, a Woodinville institution founded in 1992. Known for its Bordeaux-style blends, DeLille helped put Washington red wines on the map. Today, visitors can enjoy tastings in its impressive multi-level space, once home to the Redhook Brewery.

Two wineries, two distinct experiences and plenty of good conversation along the way.

Late Afternoon | Settle In at Willows Lodge

After a full afternoon, the group checked into Willows Lodge, one of Woodinville’s most beloved places to stay.

Surrounded by gardens and towering trees, this 84-room boutique hotel brings a distinctly Pacific Northwest feel to a wine country getaway. Spacious rooms, fireplaces, soaking tubs and an on-site spa make it easy to settle in and enjoy a little downtime.

With wineries and restaurants nearby, it’s also a convenient home base for exploring Woodinville without venturing far.

Evening | A Speakeasy, Good Music & Dinner Together

Before dinner, the girls made one final wine stop at Darby Winery, founded by winemaker Darby English and known for its expressive Syrah and red blends.

But there’s more to Darby than great wine. Tucked inside is a speakeasy-style room with a record player, where you can put on a favorite vinyl, settle in with a glass of wine and enjoy the music. It’s a fun, intimate space with a personality all its own, and an especially good stop when you’re spending the evening with friends.

The night ended at Heritage Restaurant Bar, a neighborhood favorite in Woodinville’s Hollywood District.

Opened in 2018 by chef Breanna Beike and her husband Chris Brende, Heritage has built a following for its seasonal dishes, locally sourced ingredients and welcoming atmosphere.

For Portia and the girls, it was the perfect place to gather around the table and celebrate a milestone birthday.

Day Two: A Slow Morning in Wine Country

After a full day of exploring, there was no need to rush the next morning.

The group enjoyed breakfast in their room at Willows Lodge before packing up and heading home.

That’s one of the best things about a Woodinville getaway. You can fit so much into a single night away, yet still feel like you’ve had a chance to escape.

Make Your Woodinville Getaway Your Own

Portia and the gals experienced just a small taste of what Woodinville Wine Country has to offer.

With more than 120 wineries and tasting rooms, an exciting dining scene, local shops, spas and a variety of places to stay, there are countless ways to plan a getaway that fits your group.

Perhaps your ideal weekend includes a leisurely lunch, a spa treatment, an afternoon exploring tasting rooms or simply finding a beautiful place to settle in with a glass of Washington wine.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, reconnecting with friends or planning a spontaneous overnight escape, Woodinville offers plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.

Ready to plan your trip? Explore our interactive map to discover wineries, restaurants, activities and accommodations throughout Woodinville, or browse our guides to Taste, Dine and Stay for more inspiration.

Good to Know Before You Go

How far is Woodinville from Seattle?

Woodinville Wine Country is approximately 30 minutes northeast of Seattle by car, depending on traffic, making it an easy destination for a day trip or overnight stay.

Do you need reservations for wine tasting?

Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekends and larger groups. Each winery offers its own tasting experiences, so check availability and booking details before your visit.

What’s the best time for a fall getaway?

September to November bring changing leaves, harvest-season activities, and cooler temperatures. Seasonal experiences, including pumpkin patches, vary by date, so plan ahead.

Can you visit Woodinville without a car?

Woodinville has several walkable clusters of wineries and restaurants, but getting between districts may require transportation. If you’re planning multiple wine tastings, arrange a designated driver or rideshare.

This getaway was organized in partnership with Willows Lodge and Woodinville Wine Country, featuring travel creator Portia Smith (@travelwithportia) in celebration of her sister Kalah’s 40th birthday.