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Romantic Washington state getaways for wine lovers

By Lori A. May , Special to the Seattle P-I

| Updated
Friday Harbor House in Friday Harbor, Wash. on San Juan Island (Image by KIPMAN Creative)

Friday Harbor House in Friday Harbor, Wash. on San Juan Island (Image by KIPMAN Creative)

Kip Beelman of KIPMAN Creative

While Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Feb, 14, the entire month of February has regional wineries and resorts offering romantic deals for enjoying some quiet couple time. No matter the time of year, though, a romantic wine getaway is easily within reach in Washington state , with scenic exploration and outdoor activities icing the cake.

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As venues reopen and destinations again welcome visitors, be sure to pack safely for your next getaway . As you plan for your departure, verify current hours of operations at tasting rooms and eateries, and note any particular protocols for takeout orders or reserving patio or indoor dining.

Ready to explore beyond local day trips ? Keep reading and consider one of these wonderful wine destinations for your own romantic getaway, with or without the kids.

Touring regional classics

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Exploring Woodinville Wine Country is practically a rite of passage in the Pacific Northwest.

Surround yourself with tasting rooms and wineries aplenty with a stay at Willows Lodge , set along the Sammamish River with a spacious boutique vibe. The lodge pairs wine and wellness, so there’s equal opportunity to sip and savor local flavor while rejuvenating the senses by cycling the riverfront or enjoying a pampering couples’ massage . Soak in your guestroom’s decadent soaking tub for two, then cozy up to your private fireplace.

Willows Lodge in Woodinville, Wash.

Willows Lodge in Woodinville, Wash.

Courtesy of Willows Lodge

In Woodinville, explore wine production in the Warehouse District, then head to the Hollywood District to be among the thriving tasting room scene. To avoid crowds and enjoy a slower pace, explore the boutique wineries and distillers in West Valley District, set along the west side of the Sammamish River. Make the most of your wine tour with a Woodinville Tasting Pass .

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Of course, when thinking about Washington wines, another favorite destination that always tops the list is Walla Walla . Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to visit for romantic getaways, while coming up soon the Spring Kick-Off Weekend is also sure to draw visitors for ripening vines and spring releases.

Vineyard on hillside under blue sky

Vineyard on hillside under blue sky

Inti St Clair/Getty Images/Tetra images RF

Book a stay at Eritage Resort to surround yourself with panoramic views of the Blue Mountains and farmlands. Enjoy an extensive wine selection onsite, schedule an in-room massage and savor regionally-sourced ingredients at the Eritage Restaurant. Take in the slow pace as you refresh and unwind during a scenic stay just a few miles outside of town.

If a downtown vibe is more your style, enjoy easy access to tasting rooms and historic Main Street with a stay at The Finch . This contemporary property boasts 80 one-of-a-kind guestrooms with a select number of dog-friendly options. All guestrooms feature custom, local artwork for a truly immersive experience in town.

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Breezy island getaways

A dreamy destination base for outdoor adventure and exploration, Friday Harbor House is a luxury boutique hotel perched on the bluff above San Juan Island’s picture-perfect marina. Enjoy jetted tubs and fireplaces in your guestroom, then order a romantic meal from the onsite restaurant to enjoy locally-sourced ingredients and craft cocktails. This location is ideal for exploring the boutiques and eateries within Friday Harbor’s charming downtown or heading to the water for a kayak excursion.

Friday Harbor House in Friday Harbor, Wash. on San Juan Island (Image by KIPMAN Creative)

Friday Harbor House in Friday Harbor, Wash. on San Juan Island (Image by KIPMAN Creative)

Kip Beelman of KIPMAN Creative

Prefer a scenic space outside of town? Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes is located just outside Friday Harbor and is set among 82 wooded acres. Book a romantic guestroom in the lodge or enjoy a full family getaway in dog-friendly cabins. Prefer to sleep under the stars? Book a campsite or stay in a retro Airstream with its own lakeside deck. No matter your preference, you’ll wake up surrounded by Neva Lake, Dream Lake and Fish Hook Lake, setting you up for an adventurous day kayaking or hiking in this quiet slice of nature.

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While exploring the area, select your favorite bottles from Madrone Cellars & Ciders in Friday Harbor. Or find your perfect pairing of chocolate and dessert wines at Friday Harbor Chocolates Tasting Room . Prefer a cool ale or lager? Sip and savor local favorites from San Juan Island Brewing Company .

Can’t make it out for an island getaway this year? Whidbey and Camano Islands have your Valentine’s Day covered with small-batch artisanal treats perfect for mailing gifts to your beloved. Order up sweet confections of chocolate, brittle and caramels from Sweet Mona’s on Whidbey Island, shipping for only $5 within Washington state. Or try a heartwarming pairing of coffee and chocolate from Camano Island Coffee Roaster . Craving a romantic dinner of Penn Cove mussels? Penn Cove Shellfish will deliver the Pacific Northwest’s most famous shellfish to your doorstep.

Restful lakeside retreats

Throughout the month of February, Lake Chelan Wine Valley is celebrating the month of love with wine and chocolate pairings. All participating wineries share their personalized twist with sweet concoctions paired alongside featured wines, while some offer an intensive experience for a prolonged visit. Siren Song Wines is offering a four-course romantic lobster dinner with each course highlighting an accompanying wine.

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While Lake Chelan is a popular destination for cross country skiing, golf, hiking trails and water sports, it’s also a scenic destination for a weekend getaway dedicated to rest and relaxation. With 13 wineries within minutes of downtown Chelan and a vibrant waterfront for leisurely strolls, visitors will enjoy moderate temperatures surrounded by the Cascade Mountains.

Red wine

Red wine

Linda Raymond/Getty Images

For lakeside views that continue throughout your stay, rest and recharge just outside of town at Lakeside Lodge and Suites . This quiet valley destination is ideal for couples and families alike, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs and abundant activities adjacent to the property so beach strolls and picnics are easily within reach.

Or head to the south shore for a stay at Kelly’s Resort , a local favorite since 1948. Cozy up in a lakeside condo or lounge in your own cottage with a living room, kitchen, and multiple bedrooms available for family getaways. Explore the resort’s wooded walking trails or take out a canoe or kayak for a scenic paddle.

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Lori A. May is a travel and lifestyle freelance writer for Hearst.