Exploring Our Own Backyard - The Tri-Cities
THE TRI-CITIES, in the lower basin of Eastern Washington, is made up of a trio of closely knit cities: Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. Known for its healthy agriculture for farming wheat, potatoes, apples, corn, grapes, and asparagus. In the most recent decades, The Tri-Cities has become a popular destination for cuisine, wine, and retirees. Only 45 minutes from Walla Walla, we knew The Tri-cities was about to offer us a similar experience, and it surely did not disappoint.
Allow me to take you along, through stunning scenic views, waterfront lodging, award winning wineries, and exquisite dining. Your trip to the Tri-Cities is nearly planned for you!
Richland’s premier riverfront property, with everything at your fingertips! Water views, dining, golf, boating, deluxe accommodations, nearby wineries, and wellness activities. Try their onsite dining at Drumheller’s for a fresh seasonal menu and vibrants wines and cocktails!
Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard is located along the boasting Red Mountain. With Tuscan style architecture, sweeping view, and wines that have you closing your eyes to savor, you will be carried away to Italy. Recommend booking a tasting, lunch, and tour to walk the barrel cave and enjoy the breathtaking property.
“From vine to wine, we live and breath the winemaking experience and are excited to share the best local wines with you.” - Marc Newman, Winemaker & Wine Social Co-Founder
Located in downtown Richland, this new spot buzzes with laughter, live music, and clinking glasses. For a fun twist to your experience, ask about sabering a champagne bottle!
The Uptown Shopping Center and Murals
This gem of a shopping center is located in Richland and feels as though you’ve stepped in to a scene of the Jetsen’s. Colorful murals line just about every corner of the shopping center. Coupled with the unique exterior, Uptown hosts a variety of shops, dining, and coffee houses.
A quick hop off the freeway will lead you to Tagaris Taverna where you’re greeted with a grand entryway and Mediterranean flare. Artful dishes, wine, and cocktails will have you returning again to experience more. Try a glass of Tagaris wine, the Purple Empress or a Wine Slushie! Read up on the very cool history of Tagaris here.
Benton City is home to the smallest, yet most premier, wine-grape regions in Washington State - Red Mountain AVA. Red Mountain produces award winning grapes especially known for Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. It is also the home of Red Mountain Trails and Winery, where they invite you to authentically experience the land by wagon or horse ride, sip their Red Mountain Trails wine, or toast some s’mores after your day on the trail. One of a kind adventure that you must add to your tasting agenda!
To the west of Richland and Kennewick, in Benton City, Frichette Winery is tucked in the Red Mountain AVA. Producing lush and deep reds that scream Red Mountain. Owners Greg and Shae Frichette have been a limited production winery since the mid 2000s. Pick up a bottle of Sashay, but make sure to read the label and put a little sass in to it.
Located next to The Lodges at Columbia Point, Lu Lu Craft Kitchen and Bar serves up fresh farm to table dishes and a vast menu of drinks. The hand battered fish and chips was awesome. So much so, that when my husband and I were driving through from Walla Walla, we stopped to eat at Lu Lu so I could get a taste of that fish and chips again!
This boutique winery located in Prosser produces small-lot, hand-crafted wines from the Wautoma Springs and Wahluke Slope’s Stone Tree Vineyard. Onsite chef creates incredibly fresh PNW inspired small plates, including gourmet mussels! Personal wine favorite is the 2017 Lil Inky which is a 100% Stone Tree Malbec.
What started in 2019 as a quant space inside the Richland Public Library, serving coffee and tea, quickly turned in to the chance to open a stunning café just up from the waterfront. Sit and sip a Café Umbria specialty coffee or Boba, enjoy a book or just take in the sounds emerging from the vinyl player.
With 3 tasting room locations, the Kennewick tasting room is a charming, bright space with a lovely patio setting with views of the Cable Bridge and Duffy’s Pond. Occasional food trucks are on site mid-week to accompany your favorite Cave B wine or flight.
Exploring Our Own Backyard
Visit the Tri-Cities // Wa
Visit Tri-Cities graciously hosted Portia, Sarah, and I. Thank you to the team for gifting us a beautiful trip!
All photos by Sarah Gray of Gray Mountain Photography