There’s Wine in Whatcom County

Don’t forget where you parked your sailboat—that could be embarrassing.
Photo courtesy Hotel Bellwether
When we talk about Washington state wine country, we’re usually thinking of areas east of the mountains. (Or maybe we’re talking specifically about Benton County, where Red Mountain AVA is turning out particularly notable wines.)
But one west side hotel is keeping oenophiles on this side of the Cascades. Hotel Bellwether, a waterfront destination on Bellingham Bay, is now offering a Whatcom County Wining and Dining package. Besides $80 in dining credit, the deal includes tours of three Whatcom County wineries, lunch, and meet-and-greets with local winemakers. The getaway gets even fancier if you crash in the hotel’s Lighthouse Suite (in, yes, a real three-story lighthouse). Each room has a fireplace, fancy countertops, and high-end linens.
What do you think—is Bellingham the next Napa? (Er, probably not.) But if you’re looking to take your private boat on a wine getaway, this could be the deal for you.
And if you’re set on visiting Washington’s more famous fields, see our list of 100 Best Washington Wines and great getaways in Eastern Washington wine country.