Overview
Scattered throughout the small berg of Prosser, just 25 miles from the Tri-Cities, are many wineries with tasting rooms, seating areas, and some with food to complement the fresh wines served. With the sun peeking out in April and giving all the urge to get outside, the quick transport to Prosser for an afternoon away is enticing. This blog will focus on one small grouping of wineries (you can safely walk between them), just off the freeway.
Directions
To get to Prosser and some of these tasting rooms, you take Interstate 182 W out of Richland. Take the exit to the right at North Gap Road. At the top of the exit ramp, you will go left over the highway. You should see a McDonald’s and a rest area. Take the next left, at the lights, onto Wine Country Rd. In less than one mile, the road turns into Merlot Dr. There you will see several wineries on the right side of the car.
Airfield Estates
A favorite is the Airfield Estates Winery Prosser Tasting Room. This establishment has excellent hours of 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. They offer plenty of seating in and out for an enjoyable experience. Your canine friend is welcome to join your visit on the outdoor patio. This facility is located at 560 Merlot Dr. and can be contacted at (509) 786-7401. On Airfield Estate’s website (airfieldwines.com) you will find an interesting video that explains its history and connection to an airbase that served as a training ground for pilots in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
Thurston Wolfe
Nearby, just around the corner on Cabernet Court is the Thurston Wolfe Winery. Their hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They offer a beautiful patio with views of all the nursery plants and flower of the Yellow Rose Nursery. Tables are provided and you are welcome to bring picnic food and buy wine from the winery’s store. Thurston Wolfe produces a wine that is sought after in the Tri-Cities called PGV (Pinot Gris-Viognier), which is served in family-owned restaurants like Dovetail Joint in Richland.
Wit Cellars
New on the scene is the Wit Cellars at 505 Cabernet Ct. The environment is fun and there is plenty of room to mingle with friends. They offer flights of both red and white varieties in 3 – ounce pours. A large family room can be reserved for large groups of friends for events. Wit offers events tasters can enjoy. April 8from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. there will be a Paint & Sip – Speckled Blue Bird event, a time to learn (with step-by-step instructions and all supplies) how to paint a Speckled Blue Bird Net. Wine and a variety of snacks will be sold to artists as you enjoy the evening. A specialty wine is the sparkling 2019 “Unleashed” Pinto Grigio and a bottle of this unique presentation can be taken home for $28.00. A bottle of this wine in your collection is worth the drive!
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the many wineries, all tucked in near each other, in Prosser that make a sunny day’s drive from the Tri-Cities memorable. Our communities are becoming more renowned for our superb wines and enjoying these unique tastes is worth a quick trip to Prosser.
