Spokane's PNW wine scene finally gets a home
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Wine bar with Pacific Northwest-focused wines and light bites · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed June 17, 2026
Wingman Metrics
Walk in and you immediately know this place has a point of view — it's all Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, no filler Napa Cab tossed in to keep nervous drinkers comfortable. The bright, tasting-room energy feels intentional rather than decorated, like someone actually cared about building this list. For Spokane, that alone earns some respect.
The list punches above its size by leaning into names that matter in the Pacific Northwest: Cayuse Vineyards and Leonetti Cellar represent the serious Walla Walla muscle, while Charles Smith Wines and Gramercy Cellars fill out the more approachable but still quality-minded middle ground. Pursued by Bear adds a fun prestige cameo for the table that wants to splurge on something with a story. Idaho gets a nod too, which most wine bars in this region still can't be bothered to do. The gap here is depth below the headline producers — if you've already worked through the marquee names, the bench gets thin fast.
With 12-24 options by the glass, this is a legitimate pour-and-explore situation rather than the usual four-bottle roulette most wine bars offer. The glass program seems to rotate with the regional focus intact, so you're unlikely to find a stray Argentinian Malbec crowding out the good stuff. We'd ask your server what's freshest — a list this tight benefits from knowing what got opened that day.
Charles Smith Wines — $12–$15
Charles Smith delivers outsized quality per dollar across his lineup, and at wine bar by-the-glass prices in this range, you're getting Washington terroir without the Leonetti sticker shock. Smart entry point into the list.
Gramercy Cellars
Most people reaching for the Walla Walla section go straight for the famous names, but Gramercy Cellars quietly makes some of the most honest, terroir-driven Syrah and Cab in Washington. It tends to get overlooked next to the trophy bottles on the same list.
Pursued by Bear
Kyle MacLachlan's vanity project is genuinely decent wine, but you're paying a brand premium here. The bottle carries a celebrity markup that the liquid itself doesn't fully justify when Leonetti and Gramercy are sitting right next to it.
Cayuse Vineyards + Charcuterie and Cheese Board
Cayuse's Walla Walla Syrah is earthy, meaty, and slightly funky in the best possible way — it doesn't just tolerate a charcuterie board, it actively needs one. The cured meats echo the wine's savory depth while a sharp aged cheese cuts through the tannin.
🎲 The Bottom Line
Pacific to Palouse is doing something genuinely rare in eastern Washington: treating regional wine as a destination rather than an afterthought. If you want to understand what the Pacific Northwest is capable of in a glass, this is a better classroom than most.
Kendall Yards · Spokane · Winery and craft distillery tasting room with small bites
Browne Family's Spokane room is a confident single-producer tasting experience done right — fair prices, knowledgeable pours, and a genuine case for why Washington State deserves your attention. Send a friend here if they think Washington wine is just an also-ran.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
West Downtown / Riverside · Spokane · Barbecue / American Tavern
The Blackbird is a genuinely good barbecue tavern that simply doesn't care about wine, and the steep markups on uninspired bottles make that indifference expensive. Come for the smoked meats and a cold beer — if you insist on wine, grab the Milbrandt and move on.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Fondue / Upscale Casual
The Melting Pot Spokane isn't a wine destination, and it's not trying to be — but the Washington State anchors on this list are genuinely good, and if you stick to those, you'll drink well enough for the occasion. Come for the fondue experience, order the Ste. Michelle, and save the serious wine night for somewhere else.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Hotel cocktail bar and lounge with small plates
1919 won't blow any minds, but for a hotel bar in downtown Spokane it earns genuine respect for keeping Washington State producers front and center. Come for the room, stay for the Beresan — just don't expect any surprises in the pricing.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Hotel Rooftop/Terrace Bar
The Grand Terrace Bar is a great place to drink wine in Spokane — just not necessarily great wine. Come for the skyline, order the Riesling, and save the serious bottle hunting for elsewhere.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Spokane · Spokane · Wine Bar
Barrister is a genuine Wild Card: a serious urban winery tucked into Spokane's rail district that most wine travelers blow past on their way to Walla Walla. If you're in eastern Washington and you haven't stopped here, you owe yourself a visit.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.