Bellingham

Redlight isn't a wine destination, but it's a wine bar that still remembers why it became one — and that Le Piane Nebbiolo alone justifies a stop. Come for the cocktails, stay when you spot what's actually on that seven-bottle list.

The Loft is a Reliable waterfront spot where the wine list will never embarrass you but will rarely excite you — show up on a Wednesday, grab a half-price bottle of the Columbia Crest or Ste. Michelle Riesling, and let the harbor view do the heavy lifting. Don't come here expecting to geek out; do come here expecting a perfectly decent glass of wine with a genuinely great view.

Lombardi's is doing wine right for what it is: a waterfront Italian spot that wants you to drink well without making you work for it. It's not a destination list, but it's an honest one — fair prices, solid range, and enough Washington representation to feel local.

Anthony's isn't trying to be a wine destination — it's a reliable Northwest seafood house that keeps things local, keeps prices honest, and lets the harbor do the heavy lifting. Send a friend here for the salmon and the view; just don't expect to geek out over the list.

Keenan's is a reliable wine stop for what it is — a waterfront hotel restaurant where the list supports the meal without demanding your full attention. We'd send a friend here for the view and the salmon, and tell them to order the Talmard Chardonnay or the Orr Chenin while they're at it.

Rock & Rye is a genuinely surprising find — a 600-bottle list hiding inside a casual oyster bar is the kind of thing that earns you a detour. Markups keep it from being great value, but the selection alone makes it worth exploring if you're willing to dig past the obvious pours.