Few getaways offer the serenity of a wine tasting vacation - peaceful drives through hilly wine country, relaxing in warmly decorated spaces with a glass of wine, and even learn a thing or two about the revered beverage along the way. All of this is within a two or three hour drive of the Tacoma area! Washington is becoming known the world over for its distinctive, often fruit-forward wines and there is wine country tucked around every corner, from just outside of Seattle to the other side of the Cascades.

Woodinville Wine Country

It's difficult to top the allure of Woodinville Wine Country. The location is convenient, less than half an hour north of Seattle. There are more than 130 wineries, tasting rooms and wine bars to enjoy, and all of these wineries and tasting spots are close to each other. The heart of Woodinville is made up of a Tourist District that's close to several of the heavy hitters in the area, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia and DeLille Cellars. Right in the heart of this area, surrounded by wineries and the Burke Gilman Trail, is Willows Lodge. The lodge is decked out in warm and cozy, Northwest-inspired décor. An outdoor Jacuzzi and a full spa ensure you can get some pampering during your stay. Right on-site is The Barking Frog, a restaurant that's a destination in its own right, with delicious menus and a full lineup of local wines that pair perfectly with your meal. There's even a Winecation package (starting at $425/couple).

South Sound Wine Trail

Though it gets a lot less press than Woodinville, the South Sound also has a number of wineries. The South Sound Wine Trail ventures through Olympia, Lacey and Shelton. Participating wineries are tucked throughout Thurston County and include Madsen Family Cellars, Medicine Creek Winery, Northwest Mountain Winery, Scatter Creek Winery, Stottle Winery, Vina Salida and Walter Dacon Wines. Because there is not a central tourism district, you can create your own adventure - choose a bed and breakfast like the Swantown Inn Bed and Breakfast, a chain hotel or make a daytrip of the South Sound Wine Trail since it's under an hour from JBLM. Unlike Woodinville that has several wineries within walking or biking distance, you'll need a car to get between the wineries.

Leavenworth

On the other side of the Cascades, just north of Ellensburg, are the many wineries of the Columbia Cascade Winery Association. Within this vast swath of winery bliss are several patches of wine getaway possibilities, including charming Leavenworth - a Bavarian town that is built entirely to welcome you in and make you happy. About ten wineries are located in or near Leavenworth. Stay in an adorable Bavarian-styled hotel on Leavenworth's main drag and venture out to the wineries from there. After all, what pairs better with wine than German food? Wineries in the area vary from small to more major. You might recognize some such as Cascadia Winery or Eagle Creek Winery. Hotels in Leavenworth range from around $100/night on up from there and sometimes book up, so it's good to book your stay in advance. Alternately, you can stay in much cheaper Wenatchee.

Yakima Valley

The Yakima Valley is known for its agriculture in general, but also for its fabulous wine grape growing ability. Most of the wineries in Washington state use grapes grown in this region - so why not go straight to the source? Most of the wineries in the area are small, welcoming in visitors and wine tasters with warm hospitality. There are a number of inns and bed and breakfasts in Yakima to choose from, if you want to stay overnight. They're also often located in rural surroundings so you'll need a car, but once you're there, you'll have rolling hills and views of Mt. Adams to look forward to. Don't want to drive yourself? Look to the Tri Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau, the Wine Yakima Valley Association or private companies like SUV Tours, Inc., for tours that will whisk you from winery to winery.