Slowing down, taking a break from the fast pace of the modern world, and escaping your daily stressors is the point of a getaway to the San Juan Islands. Here, you’ll find the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the finer things in life – and that includes wine tastings at places like San Juan Vineyards, not to mention exquisite farm-to-table meals at places like Coho Restaurant, and the chance to marvel up close at some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you’re savoring waterfront views at Lime Kiln State Park, enjoying one of the area’s signature whale-watching tours, kayaking through the calm waters around Friday Harbor, or catching up on your favorite book at our cozy Bed and Breakfast, adding a wine-tasting experience to your itinerary takes your trip to the next level. San Juan Vineyards is the place to start, offering estate-grown, award-winning wines in a picturesque setting that captures the charm of island life.
As part of the Puget Sound American Viticulture Area (AVA), San Juan Island stands out for its cooler climate—a factor that makes growing grapes a unique challenge compared to the warmer AVAs on Washington’s eastern side. To craft their exceptional wines, local wineries like San Juan Vineyards blend grapes grown on the island with varietals from their Columbia Valley in Eastern Washington. The result is a thoughtfully curated wine selection that showcases the best of both regions.
When planning your visit, be sure to carve out time for the many San Juan Island things to do, from hiking scenic trails to exploring quaint shops in Friday Harbor. For accommodations, look no further than the Tucker House Inn and Harrison House Suites, a locally-owned Friday Harbor lodging collection of cozy rooms and spacious suites designed for an unforgettable getaway. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, this is the perfect home base for discovering San Juan Island. Ready to plan your trip? Check our availability and book your island escape at our Friday Harbor lodging today!
Relaxed Wine Tasting at San Juan Vineyards
There’s no shortage of wine-forward destinations on the West Coast. From the famed vineyards of California’s Napa Valley and Oregon’s Willamette Valley to the incredible Cabernet Sauvignon-heavy regions of Eastern Washington, wine lovers have plenty to explore. But don’t overlook the many wineries dotting the Puget Sound, including our friends at San Juan Vineyards. They specialize in unique wines that do a remarkable job of showcasing local character and our unique island terroir.
Though there are plenty of things to do on San Juan Island, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and more, why not take a more relaxed approach for an afternoon and enjoy a scenic and delicious wine tasting at San Juan Vineyards? Located just a short drive from our Friday Harbor lodging, this boutique winery invites you to spend an afternoon sipping and swirling your way through the island’s unique flavor profile.
With a mix of estate-grown varietals and premium grapes sourced from the Columbia Valley in Eastern Washington, their wine list showcases a unique taste of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you prefer a crisp white, a bold red, or something in between, you’ll find a glass to suit your palate. San Juan Vineyards offers an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for lingering. The tasting room is housed in a historic schoolhouse and is an excellent spot to learn about the winery’s history and winemaking process. Outside, the vineyard’s picturesque grounds provide ample space to soak in the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Though the island is small, it’s home to several fantastic wineries. We love the wines produced at San Juan Vineyards, but they are just one of the wineries we recommend visiting while you’re here. Other wineries on San Juan Island include:
- Madrone Cellars: This boutique winery’s tasting room is located downtown in Friday Harbor. Inside, you’ll find intimate seating. The quiet outdoor wine garden out back is perfect for a summer day. Enjoy a flight of their European-style wines or hard cider made from local island apples.
- San Juan Cellars: The Island Wine Company is a quaint wine shop (with local and international finds) right off the ferry landing in Friday Harbor. It’s the only place you’ll find bottles of San Juan Cellars, a wine made from grapes grown in Eastern WA and by the esteemed Pacific Northwest winemaker Rob Griffin.
- Archipelago Wine: You can book a private tasting of these locally made natural wines at the production facility in Friday Harbor. Thankfully, we often feature these bubbly gems on our wine list at Coho Restaurant as well.
More San Juan Island Things to Do This Spring
Wine tasting at San Juan Vineyards, Madrone Cellars, Archipelago, or other places is a fantastic way to spend a day while you’re a guest at our Friday Harbor Lodging. However, that’s just a small subset of the many fantastic San Juan Island things to do this year. Plan a getaway to the San Juan Islands, and you’ll find a destination that offers the ideal blend of outdoor adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and culture. From kayaking with orcas to hiking scenic coastal trails and savoring local seafood, there’s no shortage of San Juan Island things to do.
Both before and after your wine tasting at San Juan Vineyards, the island offers plenty of ways to round out your day. We’ve listed a few of our favorite things to do on San Juan Island, and we can’t wait to help you make the most of your time in this incredible island destination.
- When it comes to San Juan Island things to do, there’s nothing more iconic than whale watching. Orcas, humpbacks, and Minke Whales frequent the waters around San Juan Island year-round, but peak season is from May – September.
- Before your tour, visit the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor. It does an incredible job of educating visitors about these magnificent, beloved creatures.
- For some land-based whale watching on San Juan Island, coupled with epic scenery, head to Lime Kiln Point State Park.
- Don’t just look at the water – get out on the water and enjoy some kayaking on San Juan Island. It’s one of the most inspiring San Juan Island things to do.
- Another popular activity on San Juan Island is hiking. There are plenty of great hikes on San Juan Island, not to mention other famous ones like Mt. Constitution on Orcas Island.
- Enjoy some of the best biking in the San Juans, whether on San Juan Island or our rural biking paradise on Lopez Island.
- There are great wineries on San Juan Island, but we also recommend enjoying a cold pint at San Juan Island Brewing. It’s just a few minutes from our Friday Harbor Lodging, and is one of our favorite San Juan Island things to do.
- For some artsy fun, head to the San Juan Island Sculpture Park or the San Juan Island Museum of Art. Don’t miss the various galleries in downtown Friday Harbor, too.
- You’ve made the effort to get here, so don’t miss out on your chance to explore. Island hopping is one of the top-rated San Juan Island things to do!
- After all of your outdoor adventures, it’s time to refuel! You’ll have a great selection of Friday Harbor restaurants to choose from, but you really must join us for at least one night at Coho Restaurant—our exquisite farm-to-table restaurant.
Whatever you plan to do, make sure you plan well in advance, including reserving your spot on the limited San Juan Island Ferry. If you’re ready to experience the best of what this area has to offer, it’s time to book your stay at our top-rated lodging in Friday Harbor.
