If you’re a wine-loving Washingtonian, you know there’s never really a bad time to drink your favorite blends. But when it comes to one of our most popular wineries, Chateau Ste. Michelle, the best time to go is definitely in the summer — and, in fact, you should make it a summer day trip destination even if you don’t drink wine.

This castle-like chateau has a lot more to offer than just fantastic vino (although there’s plenty of that, too).

Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington’s oldest winery.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery Facebook It’s located at 14111 NE 145th St. in the beautiful winery-filled city of Woodinville.

The original winery took over an estate that dates back to 1912, which once belonged to Seattle lumber baron Frederick Stimson. In 1976, Ste. Michelle Vintners built this French-style winery chateau in Woodinville. The rest is history.

adalbert3 / TripAdvisor The wine’s roots date all the way back to the repeal of prohibition, when its founding fathers set out to prove that you can, in fact, find great wine outside of California and Italy. Needless to say, they succeeded.

Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of only a few wineries in the world with two state-of-the-art wineries, one for red and one for white.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery Facebook The whites are made here in Woodinville, while the reds are made at the Canoe Ridge Estate winery in Eastern Washington.

Tastings are offered here daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

EricPBliss / TripAdvisor And while the award-winning wine is fantastic, it’s not the only reason you’ll want to visit.

The winery serves a rotating menu of delicious food, which ranges from paninis to salads and pastas.

adalbert3 / TripAdvisor The menu changes daily based on what’s available seasonally.

Sometimes special dinners are hosted here, which are as incredible as they look.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery Facebook

The charming onsite gift shop will have everything you need for the wine lover in your life.

csarchibald / TripAdvisor

But in the summertime, the best reason to visit is because of the impressive Summer Concert Series.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery Facebook

The onsite amphitheater feels cozy and intimate, but it can accommodate 4,300 people.

Robert C. / TripAdvisor The series draws some big names. Last year, John Legend was here, and this year, Sheryl Crow and ZZTop are scheduled to perform. Usually, plenty of jazz, R&B, rock, and blues artists are on the schedule.

And yes, you can enjoy a bottle of wine during the concerts, along with a picnic dinner.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery Facebook No outside alcohol is permitted, but you’ll find more than enough vino for purchase.

Of course, those concert tickets aren’t cheap, and the shows sell out fast. If you’d like a more budget-friendly experience, check out Chateau Tuesdays.

Chateau Ste. Michelle On some summer Tuesday evenings, you’re welcome to enjoy free live music at the winery from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The remaining 2018 dates are July 24th, August 14th, August 28th, and September 11th. You can bring a picnic or buy dinner from the onsite food trucks.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about wine or you just want to enjoy a great show in a beautiful setting, head to Chateau Ste. Michelle this summer.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery Facebook You can even take a guided tour any day of the week from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., no reservation required.

Washington’s wine scene gets better every year. Here are some other beautiful local wineries to visit as soon as possible.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery Facebook

It’s located at 14111 NE 145th St. in the beautiful winery-filled city of Woodinville.

adalbert3 / TripAdvisor

The wine’s roots date all the way back to the repeal of prohibition, when its founding fathers set out to prove that you can, in fact, find great wine outside of California and Italy. Needless to say, they succeeded.

The whites are made here in Woodinville, while the reds are made at the Canoe Ridge Estate winery in Eastern Washington.

EricPBliss / TripAdvisor

And while the award-winning wine is fantastic, it’s not the only reason you’ll want to visit.

The menu changes daily based on what’s available seasonally.

csarchibald / TripAdvisor

Robert C. / TripAdvisor

The series draws some big names. Last year, John Legend was here, and this year, Sheryl Crow and ZZTop are scheduled to perform. Usually, plenty of jazz, R&B, rock, and blues artists are on the schedule.

No outside alcohol is permitted, but you’ll find more than enough vino for purchase.

Chateau Ste. Michelle

On some summer Tuesday evenings, you’re welcome to enjoy free live music at the winery from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The remaining 2018 dates are July 24th, August 14th, August 28th, and September 11th. You can bring a picnic or buy dinner from the onsite food trucks.

You can even take a guided tour any day of the week from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., no reservation required.

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