subject: Orcas Island Vineyards [print this page] For the adults in your group, spending a leisurely day exploring the regional vineyards can not only be fun, it can be quite educational as well. There are several vineyards on Orcas Island as well as on nearby Lopez Island that offer visitors tours and tasting events. Two of our favorites are the San Juan Vineyards in Friday Harbor and the Lopez Island Vineyards located on nearby Lopez Island.
San Juan Vineyards
The San Juan Vineyards are situated on approximately 30 acres of land which is locally owned by Yvonne Swanberg, Tim Judkins and his daughter Madison. The property includes open and wooded areas with nearly 7 acres of planted vineyard. Because of the cool climate on the islands in Puget Sound, only certain varieties of grapes will ripen and the vineyard grows Madeleine Angevine and Siegerrebe. The vineyard also features an acre of Pinot Noir.
The vineyards features the Vineyard Tasting Room which is open for tasting and wine sales from 11 am to 5 pm Fridays through Mondays during the summer. In addition, the Vineyard offers the new Piano and Wine Tasting Room which is open in downtown Friday harbor from 1 pm to 5 pm on Thursdays, 11 am to 5 pm on Fridays through Sundays, and 11 am to 3 pm on Mondays.
Lopez Island Vineyards
The Lopez Island Vineyards are located in the Puget Sound Appellation, which is a federally designated grape growing area. The vineyard features 6 acres of grapes specially selected for the particular climate of the Puget Sound area. The vineyard also uses organic growing practices and is certified Organic by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and has been since 1989.
The tasting room for the Lopez Island Vineyards is located in Lopez Village. During June, it is open on Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 5 pm. During July, August, and September the tasting room is open from noon until 5 pm, Wednesdays through Sundays. In addition, the vineyard offers special events like the upcoming Shakespeare in the Vineyard Garden event on July 7th and 8th, featuring a production of A Midsummer Nights Dream.
If you are looking for some wonderful scenery mixed in with some excellent wine during your Orcas Island vacation, check out the San Juan Vineyards and the Lopez Island Vineyards. Both vineyards offer excellent wines and entertainment for visitors in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
