Here’s the scene: you’ve just rolled off the North End ferry, waved goodbye to the chaos of Seattle’s Fauntleroy dock or Southworth’s scenic standstill, and you’re ready for something a little more refined than a gas station snack and a lukewarm latte. Good news, Palouse Winery is just a short drive up the hill and it’s everything your summer day trip dreams are made of.
Nestled into the hillside like it’s been waiting for you all along, Palouse Winery is equal parts laid-back charm and serious wine cred. They’re a small-batch, family-owned winery, but don’t let the humble size fool you. These people are crushing grapes and taking names. With vines sourced from some of Washington’s top AVAs, their wines are bold, balanced, and worthy of more than one pour.
Yelp reviewers have caught on. One raved about the “beautiful setting with super friendly staff” while sipping through their flights with the kind of enthusiasm typically reserved for cheese boards and vacation days. Another wrote that it was “a hidden gem” with “delicious reds” and “an unexpected level of quality.” The wine is good, the people are warm, and the deck views are the kind of thing you pretend not to photograph but secretly post later with a humble brag caption.
Instagram confirms what we already suspected: Palouse knows their angles. Rows of vines basking in the golden hour light, deep ruby pours in etched glasses, and tasting flights that look too good to share. Their feed is an invitation to slow down, swirl thoughtfully, and pretend you totally know the difference between tannins and terroir.
And while the winery itself is just charming enough to make you forget time exists, the wine club is a whole vibe of its own. Members get exclusive releases, pick-up parties, and that subtle air of “I was drinking this before it won awards.” If you’re into that sort of thing, it’s worth checking out. Spoiler: you’ll be into that sort of thing after your second glass.
TripAdvisor reviews echo the same sentiment. Guests love the balance of approachability and quality. One reviewer said it was “absolutely worth the detour,” while another emphasized that “the wine and service are just phenomenal.” Apparently, even people who claim to not like wine walk out with bottles. That’s talent.
Personally, I love how Palouse Winery doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is: a relaxed, scenic, welcoming space where the wine speaks for itself. No pretension. No velvet rope exclusivity. Just good people making good wine and pouring it with a smile. It’s the kind of place you bring a friend for their first trip to Vashon, then come back alone the next week because you didn’t actually want to share.
So the next time you’re on island, whether you’re ferry-hopping for fun or just craving a midday escape, take that short drive off the dock and head to Palouse Winery. The views are lush, the pours are generous, and you’ll probably leave with more bottles than you planned for. Consider it your reward for surviving the ferry line.
This feature is part of our ongoing series from the Vashon-Maury.com team, highlighting the unique businesses that make our island so special. If you own a local business and would like to be featured in the Observer, we invite you to submit an article for consideration at vashon-maury.com/submit-writing. Please include as much detail as possible about your business (what you offer, what sets you apart) and share a short story about how you came to Vashon or what inspired you to start your venture here. We’re proud to support the Vashon-Maury community and would love to help tell your story.
Author: Vashon Island
Vashon is an Island located between Tacoma and West Seattle. This account manages the vashon-maury.com website full on useful information for residents and visitors of the Island.
