We just wrote a blog about visiting Bainbridge Brewing and sampling their delicious craft beers. So what about the Bainbridge distillery, and all of the other great tastings this island has to offer? There are plenty of delicious tastings to choose from, whether you’re into beer, fine spirits, or wine, and this summer seems the perfect opportunity to get your tastings on! Bainbridge Island is open, and many of these locations have outdoor seating and plenty of room for social distancing. Masks are required in Washington state, too, so don’t forget to bring yours along on your incredible tasting journey.
Between a craft brewery (with 2 great locations), 2 wonderful distilleries, and 7 local wineries, there’s more than enough to spread out to at least two days. Combine that with the great restaurants, shops, and natural beauty on Bainbridge Island, and you have the recipe for a perfect getaway. There are a number of great lodging choices on the island, too, from traditional hotels and Inns to charming Airbnb and VRBO rentals. Whatever it is you’re looking for, we’re sure you can find it on Bainbridge Island. Make this a summer to remember, and come visit us for a few days!
The first Bainbridge distillery to come to town was Bainbridge Organic Distillers. It’s this distillery that are the masterminds behind the award-winning World’s Best Vodka and Whiskey. Their grains all come locally from Washington State and are subsequently turned into some of the smoothest and most delicious craft spirits we’ve ever tasted. This Bainbridge Distillery was the first in the state to produce USDA Certified Organic spirits, and they are the only ones producing 100% of its organic spirits from scratch, on-site in their distillery. You can stop by for a tasting Thursday – Sunday, from 12 am – 5 pm. We also suggest you pick up a bottle of their syrup to take home with you.
They aren’t the only Bainbridge Distillery worth visiting, though! Highside Distilling is a relative newcomer to the Bainbridge tastings scene, and they are producing an entirely different, and equally as delicious, range of products. Highside Distillery launched with their delicious version of a Fernet and Amaro. Their Amaro is pretty distinct, in that its made from Washington-grown apples. They also produce a great gin, and have more products, like a single malt whiskey, on the way. Stop in and enjoy one of their craft-cocktails on-site, and don’t forget to grab a bottle to go.
While we can’t argue with visiting either Bainbridge distillery listed above, what about those other tastings we mentioned on Bainbridge Island? We already mentioned the beer at Bainbridge Brewing, so let’s now turn our attention to the 7 independent island wineries that call this island home! Wine tasting is fun and easy on Bainbridge Island, with most of the island’s wineries offering tasting rooms in or near the downtown Winslow core. Each of the Bainbridge Island wineries has won multiple awards over the years, and offer some of the best local wine tastings in the Seattle area.
Each winery is definitely unique and worth tasting. Your best chance to do that will be at the upcoming Wine on the Rock event, held July 25 & 26th, 2020. You’re also welcome to follow the Bainbridge Island Wine trail on your own while enjoying great savings and supporting local charities. We recommend either bringing a car (and a driver) or booking a tour with Tour Bainbridge to make the most out of your time.
Great cocktails from Bainbridge distillery, great beer, and great wine; what more could you want from your time on Bainbridge Island? How about some great food? We have some highly-acclaimed restaurants, such as Ba Sa, Proper Fish, Hitchcock, and Restaurant Marche, right here on Bainbridge Island, all of which offer the perfect bites to go along with our great tastings. As if that all isn’t enough, our quaint downtown offers incomparable charm and great shopping opportunities. For you nature lovers, the island offers plenty of parks, trails, and beaches to explore, all to your heart’s content.
It truly is beautiful here, and you’ll never run out of things to do. Come experience a little bit of island life with us this summer, and book a room at one of our fine lodging properties today!