Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour

If you’re on the hunt for a carefully curated wine experience just outside Seattle, the Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour might be exactly what you need. This 7-hour journey promises a blend of large wineries and boutique tasting rooms, all while removing the hassle of driving. From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel to the final sip on the way back, it’s designed for those who want to relax and savor Washington’s finest wines with expert guidance.

What we love about this tour is its flexibility—your guide is eager to tailor stops based on your preferences, whether you’re a white wine enthusiast or looking to explore reds. The knowledgeable guides elevate the experience with insightful commentary, making each tasting session not just about drinking, but understanding what makes Washington wines special. Plus, the transportation is private, comfortable, and everyone’s safety is prioritized, which adds peace of mind.

A potential consideration is the extra costs for tastings and lunch, which can add up depending on your choices. However, this is common in wine country tours and, when budgeted for, can still be very good value given the variety and quality of wineries visited. This tour is perfect for wine lovers, couples, friends, or anyone wanting a hassle-free, immersive day tasting Washington’s best.

Who It’s Best For:

Those who appreciate good wine, expert guidance, and a relaxed pace will find this tour ideal. It’s also great for travelers who prefer an all-inclusive experience without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads. If you want to learn about Washington wine while enjoying boutique atmospheres and beautiful scenery, this tour ticks all those boxes.

• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide context and make your experience more meaningful.
• Customized Experience: Stops can be tailored to your wine preferences, enhancing satisfaction.
• Comfort & Safety: Private transportation and a small group size ensure an intimate, secure outing.
• Variety of Wineries: Mix of large, boutique, and family-owned wineries offer diverse tasting options.
• Cost Consideration: Budget for tasting fees ($20-35 per winery) and lunch (~$15-30).
• Rich Reviews: Consistently high ratings and glowing reviews underline the tour’s quality and reliability.

This experience made our article of 19 Fantastic Wine Tours In Seattle.

Starting Off at Chateau Ste. Michelle

The tour kicks off at the iconic Chateau Ste. Michelle—Washington’s flagship winery and a cornerstone of the state’s wine scene. Here, you’ll enjoy tasting 4-6 wines, possibly some sparkling varieties, and take in the stunning estate. Reviewers praise this as a highlight, with one guest calling it a “beautiful property” and noting the “great staff.” This first stop sets a high tone for the day, giving you a taste of Washington’s best-known wines in a grand setting.

While the tasting fee isn’t included in the tour price, budget around $40 per person for this experience, which is quite reasonable considering the reputation and scope of the winery. Visitors often comment on the well-designed winery that’s both welcoming and impressive, making it a perfect introduction to the region.

Midday at a Boutique Winery & Lunch Break

The second stop tends to be at a smaller, family-owned winery or tasting room, where you can purchase lunch and enjoy a more relaxed tasting atmosphere. This is a favorite among guests, who often cite the welcoming vibe and personalized service. Expect to spend about $20-30 on lunch and an additional $20-25 for the tasting fee, which may be waived if you buy wine.

Guests frequently mention the friendly staff and the chance to sample boutique wines that are less commercialized. The smaller wineries often have unique offerings, which might include limited editions or handcrafted varieties—perfect for those wanting to understand the diversity within Washington wines.

Boutique & Family-Owned Wineries

The last stops are at smaller, family-run wineries and tasting rooms. These locations are often described as charming, intimate, and full of character. Reviewers love the chance to meet the owners and hear their stories, adding depth to the tasting experience. The tasting fees here are similar ($20-30), with many guests mentioning that purchasing a bottle often results in waived or reduced fees.

Some reviews highlight the quality and variety of wines at these boutique locations, with many guests commenting that these smaller stops are the most memorable part of the tour. The intimacy allows for more questions and personalized interactions, making the experience feel authentic and special.

Return and Reflection

After four stops, the tour wraps up with a relaxed drive back to your accommodations. The entire experience is approximately 7 hours, allowing ample time for tasting, learning, and photos without feeling rushed. The transportation is air-conditioned and private, with a maximum of 13 travelers, ensuring everyone has space to relax.

Transportation & Group Size

The private, air-conditioned vehicle is a major plus, especially with a small group of up to 13 people. Guests note the vehicle’s comfort and the ease of getting between stops without worrying about directions or parking. One reviewer appreciated that the vehicle accommodated her husband comfortably, especially given the physical demand of steep steps into some wineries.

Guide & Customization

You’ll be in the capable hands of guides like Rudy and Peter, both praised for their extensive wine knowledge and friendly demeanor. Many reviews mention their attentiveness and ability to suggest wineries based on guests’ preferences. This flexibility makes each tour unique.

Guests also appreciate the ability to choose stops based on their interests—whether they want to focus on reds, whites, or a mix—and that the guides are willing to adapt accordingly.

Tasting & Costs

While the tour price is $120 per person, be prepared for additional costs—tasting fees range from $20-35 per winery, and lunch costs around $15-30. The value lies in the variety of wineries visited and the expert guidance, which elevates a simple tasting into an educational experience.

Multiple reviewers have noted that the tasting fees are often waived if you purchase wine, adding to the overall value.

Timing & Pacing

Most guests find the 7-hour duration perfect—ample time to enjoy four to six winery experiences without feeling overwhelmed. The schedule allows for a leisurely pace, with water provided between stops to refresh your palate and keep you feeling good.

Authentic Guest Insights

• One reviewer called the experience “spectacular” and “highly recommend[ed],” emphasizing their love for every aspect of the tour.
• Another shared that the guide Rudy “made the experience great fun” and was very knowledgeable.
• Guests also appreciated the variety, with one remarking that the tour included “both large and boutique wineries,” giving a well-rounded taste of Washington wine.

Potential Downsides

The main drawback is the extra cost for tasting fees and lunch, which can add up. It’s worth budgeting $50-70 per person for this on top of the tour fee. Some guests expressed disappointment that the tour didn’t include vineyard visits, but as most grapes are grown in Eastern Washington, this isn’t surprising.

A few reviewers noted that pickup might be limited if you’re staying outside central Seattle, Bellevue, or Kirkland, so check your location beforehand.

This tour delivers a seamless, educational, and relaxed introduction to Washington wines, especially for those who want to avoid the hassle of driving. The carefully selected wineries, combined with knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport, make it a worthwhile investment.

It’s particularly suited for wine enthusiasts, couples celebrating special occasions, or small groups of friends wanting to explore in style. The flexibility and personalized touches are ideal for those who want a more intimate experience rather than a large, commercialized tour.

The Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour offers a high-quality, well-rounded experience that balances expert guidance with authentic winery visits. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to discover Washington’s wine scene without the fuss of planning, navigating, or driving. The mix of large and boutique wineries ensures a diverse tasting experience, complemented by the comfort of private transportation and a small group atmosphere.

If you value knowledgeable guides, a relaxed pace, and the chance to learn more about Washington wines, this tour hits the mark. The added bonus is the chance to connect with passionate winery owners and enjoy some truly excellent wines—all in a memorable, fun-filled day.

How many wines will we taste at each stop?
Typically, you’ll sample 4-7 wines per tasting stop. With 4-6 wineries, that can easily add up to several glasses of wine. Bottled water is provided between stops to keep your palate fresh.

Are tasting fees included in the tour price?
No, tasting fees are extra, usually ranging from $20-35 per winery. Many wineries waive fees if you buy a bottle, which adds extra value.

Where do we have lunch?
Lunch is purchased at a selected, locally owned winery or wine bar, where you can choose and pay for your meal—budget around $15-30.

What types of wine will I encounter?
Washington produces about 57% red and 43% white wines today. Your guide can tailor the stops based on your preferences, whether you’re into reds, whites, or both.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, a private, air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride. Guests note the vehicle’s spaciousness and ease of getting in, especially with some wineries having steep steps.

Can I customize the tour?
Absolutely. The stops are based on your tasting preferences, and guides are willing to adapt the itinerary for a more personalized experience.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 7 hours, which includes driving, tastings, and lunch. This is enough time to enjoy multiple wineries without feeling rushed.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but be aware there are some steep steps at certain wineries and into the vehicle. It’s best suited for guests comfortable with moderate walking and standing.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious first-timer, the Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour offers a thoughtfully crafted day in Washington’s wine country—without the stress, just good wine and great company.