Concierge.com's insider take:

Washington's reputation for great local and/or organic wine continues to grow. To do the full wine tour, you'd need to venture to Eastern Washington's Yakima Valley. However, there are about two dozen wineries in the Woodinville area, which is only 45 minutes northeast of Seattle. This group includes Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington's oldest and most famous winery. Tours and tastings are available daily, and the grounds, which include a French-château–style building, make it a popular day trip (14111 NE 145th St., Woodinville; 425-415-3300; www.ste-michelle.com). Within the city limits, swing by the Tasting Room near Pike Place Market to sample hard-to-find wines from a half-dozen small producers (1924 Post Alley; 206-770-9463). Also stop by the Queen Anne branch of McCarthy & Schiering, the city's best wine merchant, known not only for its comprehensive selection of local wines, but also for a staff that's down-to-earth and welcoming instead of snobby (2401B Queen Anne Ave. N.; 206-282-8500).