We started our weekend winery tour at the Silver Lake Winery, in Zillah, WA, the place having been touted by the guy at the Yakima Tourist Information Kiosk. He said it was the “farthest back” and “highest elevation” in the Rattlesnake Hills area, and so we could start up there and work our way back down the hills, and that’s what we did.
It was opening weekend for “Trail Days Weekends” at the winery, meaning the summer season of weekend BBQs and horseback rides as a way of attracting tourists to sample and purchase their labels. Mrs. BDB was in charge of tasting flights, and I was in charge of driving and navigation.
She went with the “reserve flight”, $10 for five pours, includes $10 off your bottle purchase. We bought a bottle of their reserve cab, and also their new ‘novelty’ line, “Girly Girl” wines.
We stayed for the BBQ and entertainment by a cowboy singer, splitting a plate of marinaded pork steaks, potato salad, baked beans, olive bread, and according to Mrs. BDB, the best asparagus she had ever had anywhere. $12 for the plate, $0 for the singer, a delightful sunny afternoon enjoying my wife’s company, far away from phones, computers, and the Portland rain – priceless!
We went on to the Portteus Winery, and the Paradisos del Sol both of which were delightful, and offered free tastings as well as paid ones. The del Sol had an interesting technique of giving you small bites of wine appropriate foods and cheeses with each taste.
Peruse the entire Rattlesnake Hills wine trail and plan your trip ahead of time.
Silver Lake Winery