# A Visit to Washington State's Columbia Crest Winery *By James Hills — Updated January 2024* Columbia Crest winery has been in operation for just over 30 years and in that time it has helped transform the Columbia River area of Washington State into one of the top wine producers in the world. It's a little strange maybe that when you think of the West Coast and wine, it's typically California and specifically Napa, Sonoma, or even Santa Barbara area. No one told these guys though, but through scientific research winemakers here discovered that the soils and environmental conditions had world class potential. While there were small wineries in the state as early as the 1825 when the first wine grapes were planted at Fort Vancouver by the Hudson Bay Company, prohibition put a damper on the industry and it wasn't until the 1960's and 1970's when the commercial wine industry in Washington State really took off following professor Walter Clore's research and advocacy to change some of the laws that the state had enacted that prevents certain types of grapes from being cultivated commercially.  ### Hotel Casa Velas All-Inclusive Golf Resort in Puerto Vallarta Casa Velas is a boutique luxury all-inclusive resort located just minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta that offers free unlimited golf at three different golf courses. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/5rG6hOeRTPvYhRpL3VXxDQ.1465) ### How to Plan a Caribbean Golf Trip That Will Make The Guys That Didn't Join You Jealous Planning a Caribbean guys golf trip: which courses justify the flight, what all-inclusive covers, and how to keep a mixed-handicap group happy. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/5rG6hOeRTPvYhRpL3VXxDQ.2156) ### 6 Days Vietnam Essential Tour Tour Vietnam's highlights from Saigon to Hanoi, with the Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong Delta and an overnight Halong Bay cruise. Ideal for first-time visitors. Viator (affiliate) $659.00[See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/5rG6hOeRTPvYhRpL3VXxDQ.564) ### Kadún Hotel Boutique Experience design suites, artisan dining, and premium lifestyle amenities in the heart of Cabo San Lucas. Walk to Medano Beach and the Marina boardwalk. ResortsKadún Hotel Boutique [Book with Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/5rG6hOeRTPvYhRpL3VXxDQ.2145) Promoted by FlowAds In the 1980's, Columbia Crest emerged as one of the leaders of the industry in Washington State and still pays homage to the work of Walter Clore through their [Walter Clore Private Reserve](https://www.columbiacrest.com/shop/wines/2012-reserve-walter-clore-red-wine). By the 1990's the winery received several national honors including 1990 one of 24 "Best Value Wineries" in the world, in 2994, the 1990 Estate Series Cabernet Sauvignon is the ONLY US wine awarded a gold medal at the "Challenge du Vin" in Bordeaux, France. Then in 1997, Wine Spectator named Columbia Crest one of the "Top 100 Wines of the Year" for the 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon and 1995 Estate Series Chardonnay. This tradition of excellence continued in 2009 when the 2005 Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was rated at 95 points and presented as the #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/g2yLoztOcMwrmdMRGXRm-w.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/g2yLoztOcMwrmdMRGXRm-w.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/g2yLoztOcMwrmdMRGXRm-w.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/g2yLoztOcMwrmdMRGXRm-w.2396) Promoted by FlowAds Not content to continue turning out award winning wines by themselves. In 2014 they turned to the community of passionate wine lovers and launched Crowdsourced Cabernet to give the community an opportunity to create a wine. As part of the program, Columbia Crest set aside 5 acres of grapes for the community to guide. The program is a great resource for anyone who's ever wondered about the process of winemaking as they allow you to vote on the process, from harvesting the grapes to how much oak should be used to age the wine. Ultimately this even includes the blending process to achieve exactly the flavor profile that the community desires. It will be very interesting to see how the community votes on both the 2014 that is currently in the process of being blended and bottled, as well as the 2015 that is nearing harvest. Short of actually visiting the vineyard in person this is an amazing experience that you have to check out. Since I got back, I've actually found myself watching the "Vineyard Cam" wishing I was back there exploring some of the more than 2,500 acres of grapes that surround the tasting room.  While wine is affected by soil and weather, the other factor that shapes a great wine is the people. Everyone I met during our visit was amazing from Jaun Munoz-Oca, their head winemaker to the people that poured our samples. Columbia Crest has some of the finest wines that I've had the privilege to taste, but they are fun, affordable, and approachable. While I am sure there are those of you who can defend why a $200 bottle is better than a $20 bottle, for most of us "taste" is the deciding factor and high prices can be scary. I found that most of the wines we tasted were between $15-$40 and while that may be a LONG way from "2 buck chuck" and the discount aisle at the grocery store, we're talking about world-class wines here such as their 2012 Reserve Malbec that I am absolutely in love with ($35) and their 2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon that got 91 points from Wine Spectator and 90 points from The Wine Advocate ($45). However, you can also get the 2013 Cabernet Franc-based red wine for only $12! If you are a soccer fan, they've even got a special blend for supporters of the Seattle Sounders MLS team though I didn't have a chance to try that. Truthfully, everything I tasted there was worth trying again and I can't wait to return again soon ... The Columbia Crest tasting room is open daily from 10 am till 5:30 pm. Self guided tours are available daily from 10 am till 3:30 pm and guided tours are available on weekends during those same hours. Both are complimentary. We also recommend the Wine and Food Pairing Experience which provides an opportunity to learn more about the flavors and pairing opportunities for their wines. Cost is $25 pp or $15 pp for wine club members. Top Picks Flow Voyages ### Book your next cruise with Heather at Flow Voyages Flow Voyages is a travel advisor specializing in cruises and resorts. [Contact Flow Voyages](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/boTIa-gCQ5KELfFTUF7pcQ.617) Promoted by FlowAds Details Written by: James Hills Last Updated: 10 January 2024 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### 10 Things That Changed in Las Vegas Since Your Last Guys Trip - Updated 2026 May 07, 2026 [10 Things That Changed in Las Vegas Since Your Last Guys Trip - Updated 2026](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/whats-new-las-vegas-guys-trip.html) #### Patagonia Guys Trip: Why Men Looking For Adventure Need To Plan A Visit Jun 25, 2024 [Patagonia Guys Trip: Why Men Looking For Adventure Need To Plan A Visit](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/patagonia-guys-trip-why-men-looking-for-adventure-need-to-plan-a-visit.html) #### Explore Wyoming's Best Mountain Bike Trails On Your Sweetwater County Guys Weekend Dec 23, 2017 [Explore Wyoming's Best Mountain Bike Trails On Your Sweetwater County Guys Weekend](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/sweetwater-county-wyoming-has-great-options-for-mountain-bikers.html) ### Related Articles #### From the Quays to the Grand Cru: How to Plan a Bordeaux Wine Country Guys Trip [From the Quays to the Grand Cru: How to Plan a Bordeaux Wine Country Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/bordeaux-wine-country-guys-trip.html) #### The Families Behind the Bottle: 13 Wines to Open With Dad This Father's Day [The Families Behind the Bottle: 13 Wines to Open With Dad This Father's Day](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/fathers-day-wine-roundup.html) #### European River Cruises Made for a Guys Trip: Rhine, Bordeaux, Douro, and Rhône [European River Cruises Made for a Guys Trip: Rhine, Bordeaux, Douro, and Rhône](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/european-river-cruises-guys-trip.html) #### Kalahari's Chef Bob On The 21 And Over Food And (Not Just) Wine Festival Coming To Sandusky [Kalahari's Chef Bob On The 21 And Over Food And (Not Just) Wine Festival Coming To Sandusky](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/kalahari-sandusky-food-and-wine-festival-preview.html) #### Date Night Wines: 11 Bottles That Will Set the Mood for Valentine's Day [Date Night Wines: 11 Bottles That Will Set the Mood for Valentine's Day](https://www.mantripping.com/food-and-drink/valentines-day-wines-for-date-night.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [A Visit to Washington State's Columbia Crest Winery](https://mantripping.com/travel/a-visit-to-washington-state-s-columbia-crest-winery.html)* **Tags:** Washington State Guys Trip Ideas, Wine, Travel Ideas, Wine Travel, Winery - Vineyard