There’s nothing that beats a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island from downtown Seattle during these beautiful summer months, especially to come visit the fantastic wineries on Bainbridge. Step onboard the Washington State Ferry System at Seattle’s Coleman Dock and ride the 35-minute ride to beautiful downtown Bainbridge Island. Not only is the journey incredible and beautiful, with some of the best views of downtown Seattle, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound, but the destination is just as worth the wait.
Three of the best wineries on Bainbridge Island have tasting rooms within walking distance from the island ferry terminal: Fletcher Bay, Eagle Harbor Winery, and Eleven Winery. These tasting rooms are all located on Winslow Way, the main thoroughfare on the island, lined with charming shops and cafes. If you’re coming with a car or booking a winery tour, you’ll find another handful of wineries to visit on the island during your stay.
Bainbridge Island offers visitors a quaint downtown filled with a world-class art museum, countless art galleries, delicious restaurants, charming boutiques, and incredible wineries and tasting rooms. Make it more than a day trip and stay with us at the Eagle Harbor Inn, the best hotel on Bainbridge Island. It is located within easy walking distance to just about everything you want to see and do on Bainbridge Island. Book your room today!
Your List to the Bainbridge Island Wineries for Summer Tastings
Though the island is small, there’s no shortage of great places for wine tasting! In fact, Bainbridge Island is home to six incredible wineries and is a true wine lover’s paradise. The first winery on Bainbridge was aptly named Bainbridge Vineyards when a local couple planted the first vines in 1977. While this vineyard remains a cornerstone of the island’s wine culture, winemaking in the area has since expanded to include grapes from Eastern Washington, known for its world-class grapes, and hosts the majority of Washington’s major wineries and vineyards.
Each winery on Bainbridge Island has its own character and charm, but all offer a rewarding wine-tasting experience, especially during these beautiful and warm summer months. Here are the six wineries to check out during your visit:
- Eleven Winery: You’ll find two locations of this local winery, the Winslow Way tasting room within walking distance of the ferry or the winery facility on Day Road, about a five minute drive from downtown. At the tasting room, you’ll be greeted by eager wine ambassadors, ready to pour flights or glasses of their locally made wines, including lesser-known varietals like Mourvèdre, Lemberger, Chenin Blanc, and Roussanne.
- Fletcher Bay Winery: This local company also offers two locations to taste their wines: the tasting room steps from the ferry and the winery at Copper Top, a popular gathering space for locals. During the summer, they open the rooftop of their downtown location for a stunning view for flights and charcuterie in the fresh air.
- Eagle Harbor Wine Co.: For refined wines made with hand-picked grapes from Eastern Washington, visit the downtown location for a flight or make an appointment for a tour of the winery.
- Bainbridge Vineyards: This is one of the only local wineries using grapes grown on the island with plantings from the late 70s. The wine garden on Day Road is a lovely place to sip these wines, enjoy snacks, and during the summer they often host events and food trucks.
- Rolling Bay Winery: This is one of the hidden gems located on the central part of the island, about ten minutes from the downtown area. The converted red barn tasting room is a great space to enjoy these locally made wines.
- Perennial Vintners: Visit this vineyard for indoor or outdoor tastings of grapes grown in Puget Sound AVA. This vineyard helped pioneer the cultivation of the underrated French varietal, now known as Melon de Bourgogne.
The Best Hotel on Bainbridge Island
Downtown Bainbridge Island is filled with boutiques and art galleries to browse in between wine tastings at the local wineries. Moreover, it’s where the majority of restaurants on Bainbridge Island are located, including the local favorites Restaurant Marché, Seabird, and Agate Restaurant. All of this and more is within easy walking distance from our Inn, making the Eagle Harbor Inn the perfect Bainbridge Island hotel for your getaway.
Our cozy hotel is such a lovely place to relax and make your homebase. We offer spacious guest rooms, perfect for couples, and two larger townhouse options, ideal for families or small groups traveling together. All of our lodging options provide a comfortable space to unwind with Northwest-inspired decor, furnishings, and artwork. You’ll feel entirely away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.
Overall, our charming boutique hotel offers a perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and convenience within walking distance of the picturesque Eagle Harbor waterfront. The garden terrace provides a beautiful escape, while our prime location allows easy access to the island’s vibrant art scene, quaint shops, and delightful eateries. Whether exploring local wineries, biking through scenic trails, or simply relaxing by the water, The Eagle Harbor Inn promises a relaxing and enriching getaway. Book your lodging today!
