Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

Updated September 13, 2025

Description

Perched dramatically on a clifftop overlooking the Spokane Valley, Arbor Crest Wine Cellars stands as one of Washington State’s most distinguished wineries and honestly, it’s the kind of place that makes you wonder why more people don’t talk about Spokane’s wine scene. This isn’t just another tasting room – it’s a full-blown experience that combines award-winning wines with genuine Pacific Northwest hospitality in a setting that’ll have you reaching for your camera every few minutes.

The property itself tells a story that goes back decades, housed in the historic Cliff House that serves as both a National Historic Site and the winery’s crown jewel. And let me tell you, when Wine Spectator names you as one of “50 Great Producers Every Wine Lover Should Know,” you’re doing something right. The winery has been crafting exceptional wines since 1982, which means they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their craft and figure out what works in this unique corner of Washington wine country.

What really sets Arbor Crest apart is how they’ve managed to create multiple experiences under one roof. You can start your day with wine tasting, grab lunch on-site, and if you time it right, stick around for an evening concert. The property welcomes close to 65,000 visitors annually from all over the world, but somehow it never feels crowded or rushed – probably because the 14-acre estate gives everyone plenty of room to spread out and find their own perfect spot.

Key Features

The magic of Arbor Crest lies in its remarkable versatility and attention to detail. Here’s what makes this place special:

• Award-winning wine collection featuring Premium Collection family labels including Avansino, Farrington, and van Loben Sels Cellars brands, with options to taste by flight, glass, or bottle
• Historic Cliff House tasting room situated on a National Historic Site with panoramic views of the Spokane Valley that honestly make even the most mediocre wine taste better
• Year-round live music program with outdoor concerts during summer months and indoor performances throughout the year, covering everything from rock and country to blues and jazz
• On-site dining available daily with lunch service that pairs perfectly with their wine selection
• Expansive 14-acre estate with park-like grounds that look stunning in every season, offering multiple areas for relaxation and exploration
• Full-service event and wedding venue capabilities for everything from intimate gatherings to large celebrations
• Wine club membership options for those who want to take the Arbor Crest experience home
• Accessibility features including wheelchair accessible entrance and parking areas
• Multiple payment options accepting credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments for convenience
• Complimentary parking with both lot and street options available

Best Time to Visit

Timing your visit to Arbor Crest really depends on what kind of experience you’re after, and honestly, there’s no wrong time to go. The tasting room operates daily from 12-5pm, which gives you plenty of flexibility, but the seasonal variations offer completely different atmospheres.

Summer months from June through September are absolutely magical here. This is when the outdoor concert series is in full swing, and there’s nothing quite like sipping a glass of their Cabernet while listening to live music with the Spokane Valley spread out below you. The weather’s perfect for wandering the grounds, and the longer daylight hours mean you can really make a day of it. But here’s the thing – summer is also when everyone else has the same idea, so expect more company.

Fall brings something special that a lot of people miss. September through November offers harvest season energy, cooler temperatures that make the wines taste even better, and some of the most spectacular foliage you’ll see in eastern Washington. Plus, you’ll often find special harvest events and seasonal wine releases during this time.

Winter might seem like an odd choice, but the Cliff House becomes incredibly cozy, and there’s something romantic about wine tasting while snow dusts the valley below. The indoor concerts during this season create an intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for date nights or catching up with old friends.

Spring is underrated, in my opinion. April and May bring the grounds back to life, the crowds haven’t arrived yet, and the staff has more time to share stories about the wines and the property’s history. It’s also when they often debut new releases from the previous year’s harvest.

How to Get There

Getting to Arbor Crest is straightforward, though the clifftop location means you’ll want to pay attention to the directions. The winery sits in Spokane Valley, easily accessible whether you’re coming from downtown Spokane, the airport, or from other parts of the region.

If you’re flying in, Spokane International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car, making this an excellent first or last stop on a Washington wine country tour. Most visitors rent a car, which is definitely the most convenient option since it gives you the freedom to explore other local attractions and wineries at your own pace.

From downtown Spokane, the drive takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic, and it’s a pleasant route that gives you a taste of the area’s varied landscape. The winery provides free parking both in their lot and along the street, which is a nice touch that shows they actually want you to visit without worrying about additional costs.

For those staying at The Historic Davenport Hotel downtown, Arbor Crest has recently opened a second tasting room right in the hotel lobby, which creates an interesting urban wine tasting option. But honestly, while convenient, it can’t match the full experience of visiting the clifftop estate.

Public transportation options are limited, so ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are good alternatives if you plan to do serious wine tasting and don’t want to worry about driving. Just keep in mind that the location is somewhat remote, so you’ll want to plan your pickup in advance.

Tips for Visiting

After talking to countless visitors and experiencing Arbor Crest myself, here are the insights that’ll help you make the most of your visit. First and foremost, make a reservation. While they sometimes accommodate walk-ins, reservations are strongly requested, and frankly, it shows respect for their planning process.

Dress appropriately for the weather and terrain. The estate involves some walking on uneven surfaces, and those stunning cliff views come with legitimate cliffs nearby. Comfortable shoes aren’t just recommended – they’re essential. And layers are your friend since the hilltop location can be breezy even on warm days.

Timing your visit strategically can make a huge difference. Arriving when they open at noon often means smaller crowds and more personalized attention from the staff. But if you’re coming for the atmosphere, mid-afternoon brings more energy and social interaction with other visitors.

Plan to stay longer than you initially think. This isn’t a quick wine tasting stop – it’s a destination where you’ll want to savor the experience. Budget at least two hours, more if there’s live music or if you’re planning to eat lunch on-site.

Don’t skip the Premium Collection tastings if you’re serious about wine. The family labels showcase what this winery can really do, and the staff’s knowledge about the different brands adds depth to the experience that you won’t get with basic tastings.

Bring a camera, but also put it down sometimes. The views are absolutely Instagram-worthy, but some of the best moments happen when you’re fully present rather than documenting everything.

Consider joining the wine club if you find wines you love. Not only do you get regular shipments, but members often receive invitations to special events and release parties that aren’t open to the general public.

Finally, engage with the staff. They’re genuinely passionate about what they do, and their stories about the wines, the property’s history, and local wine-making traditions add layers to the experience that you simply can’t get from reading brochures. Plus, they often have insider tips about other local attractions worth visiting during your stay in the Spokane area.

Remember that pets aren’t allowed on the estate grounds (though service animals are welcome), so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with furry companions.

Key Highlights

• Key Features
• Best Time to Visit
• How to Get There
• Tips for Visiting

Location

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