Woodinville Wine & Snoqualmie Falls Day Trip from Seattle

Summary

Seattle day trip for wine lovers and waterfall seekers

You’ll cross floating bridges out of Seattle, sip wines in Woodinville’s cozy tasting rooms, and feel the spray at Snoqualmie Falls—all with stories from your local guide along the way. Expect laughter over lunch, unexpected views, and maybe a sweet treat before heading back.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to leave Seattle behind for a few hours and just let the green roll past your window? That’s how our day started—somewhere between the city’s hum and the quiet of Lake Washington, crossing that floating bridge I’d only ever seen in photos. Our guide, Mike, kept pointing out odd little things—like the houseboats bobbing on Salmon Bay or the way Mount Si just sits there, kind of brooding over everything. I didn’t expect to care about bridges but there’s something about gliding over water with all that sky above you.

The first stop was Woodinville. I’m not really a wine person (or so I thought), but standing in those small tasting rooms with their wood beams and soft chatter, it just felt easy. The air smelled faintly of oak barrels and wet grass outside. At Goose Ridge, they poured this cabernet that made my cheeks warm up—maybe it was the wine or maybe just being somewhere new. Mike introduced us to one of the owners—she told us how her family started with just a few vines and now ships bottles across the country. There was laughter when someone tried to pronounce “Syrah” (not me this time). Lunch wasn’t included but we found a little café with sandwiches that tasted better than they looked; maybe hunger or maybe just good company.

After winding through horse ranches and those single-lane roads (the kind where you hope no one’s coming around the bend too fast), we finally reached Snoqualmie Falls. The sound hits you before you see it—a low roar under all that mist. It was colder than I thought it’d be, and my hair got damp just standing near the edge. Some folks wandered off to check out Salish Lodge or peek into the gift shop; I just watched the water for a while, thinking about how small people look next to something like that. On the way back, we passed an old Carnation milk farm—Mike sang this weird jingle from his childhood that cracked everyone up. There was even a bonus chocolate stop if you had room left (I did).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting and scenic sightseeing

• Pass by Seattle University and Salmon Bay
• Cross Seattle's floating bridges over Lake Washington
• Visit two estate-boutique wineries for tasting
• Enjoy wine, cider, and spirits tasting
• Pass by classic Carnation farm
• Stop at 268 ft Snoqualmie Falls for photos
• Optional visit to Salish Lodge and gift shop
• Bonus stop for European style chocolate treat
• Return crossing Mercer Island and I90 floating bridge

Top questions

How long is the Woodinville Wine & Snoqualmie Falls day tour?

The tour is a full-day excursion departing from Seattle with multiple stops including wineries and Snoqualmie Falls.

Are wine tasting fees included on this tour?

No, tasting fees are at your own expense during winery visits.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

No, lunch is not included but there are options to purchase food nearby during the tour.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Seattle?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are available from select downtown Seattle and airport hotels.

What wineries might we visit in Woodinville?

The tour usually includes two estate-boutique wine establishments such as Goose Ridge or Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery.

Do you visit Snoqualmie Falls on every tour?

Yes, stopping at Snoqualmie Falls is part of each tour itinerary.

Is there an option for non-wine drinkers?

Ciders and spirits tastings may be available at some stops in addition to wine.

Is this day trip suitable for families with children?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants can ride in prams or sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations in Seattle or at the airport, transportation by insured air-conditioned bus with a professional local guide sharing stories along the way—you’ll cover all travel between stops but will need to pay for your own wine tastings and lunch before returning in comfort to where you started.