When it comes to drinking great locally made beverages, the San Juan Islands are coming of age. It used to be, visitors to Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands – and liquid-loving locals – would have to cart in their own cases and kegs. But in the past couple of years, a new winery, brewery and distillery have opened to join the small but dedicated cadre of tasty options. Now, even a bitters producer adds a splash of botanical magic to the mix.
109 North Beach Rd., Eastsound ; 360-376-7467
Doe Bay Wine Company owners Cole and Stephanie Sisson bring a world of experience to their tiny Eastsound wine shop. Cole grew up on Orcas, and left to explore the world of wine; he has worked as a sommelier at several top restaurants including RN74 Seattle and Michael Mina at the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas. Stephanie is a New Jersey native, previously working in importing and distribution with a focus on wine training and wine education. Together, they love to share their passion for wine with locals and visitors alike, creating tasting events, wine happy hours, wine dinners and other fun events.
Cole and Stephanie's label, "The Orcas Project" is a collaboration between acclaimed winemakers and vineyards in the Pacific Northwest, featuring labels designed by Orcas Island artists. These wines are limited in production and available at the Doe Bay Wine Company bottleshop in Eastsound.
PO Box 1921, Eastsound ; 520-991-9291
Established in 2011, as the first and only winery on Orcas Island, this boutique family vineyard and winery is committed to crafting premium Washington state wines. Born from a family dream, a deep rooted love for the island, and the desire to craft exceptional wines, this beautiful winery serves as a place of fellowship, art, music, and creative passion. As of early 2019, it is owned and operated by Wesley and Tera Landman, who invite you to enjoy the sprawling grounds, breathtaking views, cozy tasting room, and local wines. Nestled at the base of the inspiring Turtleback Mountain, the modern farmhouse winery tasting room, wine bar & shop offers both red and white varietals by an award-winning Washington state winemaker.
Lopez Island Vineyard & Winery
724 Fisherman Bay Rd., Lopez Island
For years, Brent Charnley, owner/winemaker for Lopez Island Vineyards, was a lone island winegrower, farming organically and making varietal wines from obscure grapes no one knew how to pronounce. Fast forward 20-something years. Charnley may still be a loner and a pioneer, but his wines have found many fans over the years—and many awards. Two big hits are his estate grown wines: Madeleine Angevine—a white Loire Valley grape, and Siegerrebe (or “victory vine” in German)—an aromatic cross of Gewurztraminer and Madeleine Angevine. The Mad Angie, as he calls it, ferments into a dry, crisp white similar to Pinot Blanc, and a lovely food wine. The 2013 Siegerrebe, a floral-spiced, just off-dry stunner of a wine, won a coveted 2nd place in the Sip Northwest Wine Awards. Both are in much demand at restaurants who boast island-centric menus, served with fresh Buck Bay oysters on the half-shell, or fresh Dungeness crab or locally caught salmon. Lopez Vineyards Pinot Noir—if you can find it—is one of the best Washington Pinots available—rich with lovely red fruit, yet austere with minerality and good acidity—we hope Charnley produces more from his small vineyard in future.
3136 Roche Harbor Rd., Friday Harbor ; (360) 378-9463
San Juan Vineyards is one of the most picturesque vineyards in the state, overlooking a historic schoolhouse-turned winery, and a beautiful chapel near the vineyard. The 20+-acre site, new owners Michael and Lauri Corliss, who own Corliss Estates in Walla Walla, grow classic island grapes—Siegerrebe and Madeline Angevine—and also create reds from Eastern Washington fruit. Over the years, SJV has developed a much simpler style, trying to show the fruit—whether from the estate or from respected vineyards in Yakima or Walla Walla Valley—with low use of oak, and little manipulation. The Corlisses are renovating the 100-year-old schoolhouse that acts as their tasting room, and it will be interesting to see what their experience brings to the San Juan Islands wine scene.
410 A Street, Friday Harbor ; 360-378-2017
Just a few blocks from the Friday Harbor ferry landing, the new San Juan Brewing Co. is the largest brewery in the islands. Take a group for lunch, and you all can tuck into a pizza or burgers around patio tables in the sun, or in the cool rustic-modern restaurant, with a view of the brewing tanks. The beers are named after places in San Juan Island history, such as Quarry No. 9 Pale Ale, a "gently sweet" golden ale named after a local swimming hole in one of the island's historic limestone quarries. The lineup changes seasonally, from light lagers to robust porters and stouts, so there's always something new to try.
