The outside is open again and that means crowds, crowds, and more crowds. This normally doesn’t sound appealing to me but after being locked down for most of 2020, I was ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with the masses. Let’s face it even us homebodies have been itching to get out, so when I had the opportunity to get away to the heart of Washington Wine Country where there are over 200 wineries in a 50-mile radius, I practically leapt out of my everyday athleisure wear and messy bun. It’s time to travel again! We’ve all been stuck inside way too long and while many of us have forgotten how to “even”, I’m here to remind you. Whether you have just a weekend or longer, consider this the ultimate luxury solo travel guide to Tri-Cities, Washington.
Take Flight
Arriving at San Diego International, vaccinated, anxious, and excited, I checked into Allegiant Airlines for their new direct route from San Diego into the Tri-Cities area which is made up of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and West Richland.
I highly recommend priority boarding with Allegiant from San Diego to Pasco Airport. It makes checking in a breeze and adds that element of luxury travel.
A couple of hours later and boom, I landed onto my getaway.
Check out of the Ordinary and Into Luxury
Just a short drive from Pasco Airport is The Lodge at Columbia Point. Located in Richland, Washington right along the Columbia River, my eyes were immediately met with the grand beauty that is this luxury hotel. It’s just breathtaking. And there was a room just waiting for me. I was so ready to check-in but first, dinner.
The Lodge at Columbia Point Intererior Lobby, The Lodge at Columbia Point
Drumheller’s Food and Drink was a welcomed change from the fried food frenzy I had witnessed at the San Diego Airport. But this wasn’t just good food, this was heavenly. I had their Agave & Lime Lacquered Chicken: Agave & Coriander Vinaigrette, Baby Garbanzo Beans, Israeli Couscous, Snow peas, heirloom cherry tomatoes, field greens. The flavors of this dish paired with Treveri Blanc de Blancs hit the spot. Their menu is seasonal but I have no doubt anything you order will send you off into a blissful foodie paradise.
Satiated and feeling delightful, I was able to really enjoy the surroundings of The Lodge at Columbia Point. This beautiful 82-room boutique hotel along the Columbia Point Marina is a true luxury for solo travelers.
Alluring and spacious rooms, and views of the Columbia Point Marina, you’ll love how magnificent everything is, even down to the bed. There’s something about sleeping in luxury isn’t there? Even your dreams are decadent. Each room is dedicated to a winery or vineyard within Washington state which adds to the charm of this hotel.
Welcome to Luxury Solo Travel in Tri-Cities
Feeling recharged, I was ready for day one of my luxury getaway in Tri-Cities. I was so relaxed I felt like I was floating. Airy and light, that feeling carried me down to the lobby to enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast. I also purchased a mimosa at 7 am, naturally.
My morning had just gotten started and so did the relaxation. Sitting on my balcony enjoying the morning sunshine and the view was dreamy.
I Kneaded This
It’s an incredible feeling to just walk down from your suite to the spa for a massage where the knot in my back from the stress of 2020 got some much-needed attention. The relaxing essential oils and dim lights were a perfect addition to my hour of bliss at the Spa at the Lodge at Columbia Point. This is how travel is done right.
Sip Back and Relax
Who wouldn’t be ready for wine after a luxurious massage? And my first stop swept me right from Tri-Cities, Washington to Tuscany. Terra Blanca Winery and Estate Vineyard is a unique Tuscan-style winery located on nationally acclaimed Red Mountain. Enjoy this Italian dreamscape surrounded by lush greenery, stone walkways, and wine fitting of a real-life trip to Tuscany.
Entry into Terra Blanca Grounds at Terra Blance and lunch view Terrace Flight
I had “The Terrace” flight made of Arch Terrace Sauvignon Blanc, Signature series Albarino and Arch Terrace Rosé. The ambiance and the wines were perfect for the then 80-degree weather they were having. If you want to take a trip to Tuscany without the price tag, come to Terra Blanca. Everything here is molto bene!
Wine On
After enjoying a brief trip to Tuscany, I recommend continuing on Red Mountain to Frichette Winery.
Arriving, I knew I would experience the exceptional wines I had heard about but had no idea of how Frichette got started. That story is the real treat. I have always been a huge fan of those who have taken the path less traveled, so when I had a chance to speak with one of the owners of Frichetter, Shae not only told me how their wines are made but she and her husband Greg brought Frichette to life. I was beyond impressed. It really is something special to visit here.
Frichette Winery is a family-owned limited production winery crafting wines that showcase the best of the Red Mountain AVA.
Shae Frichette showcasing Sashay Wines Tasting at Frichette Winery
It’s such a welcoming, family-feel experience you won’t want to leave. Shae and her husband Greg interact with you instead of just sending you on your way with your wine. There is evident passion and true happiness I witnessed during my visit. Shae and her husband moved to Washington on a coin toss and door knocked to get the property they have now. It’s a truly awe-inspiring and touching story about how we can have what we desire if we don’t wait for an opportunity to knock but instead go knocking on the door of opportunity. Your trip won’t be complete if you don’t add Frichette to your list of wineries to visit. Come for their incredible wines, stay for the stories, and the feeling of community.
Horsing Around Tri-Cities
In Tri-Cities, you’re not short of luxury experiences, like the one I had at Red Mountain Trails Winery. I got to go on a private horse-drawn wagon ride through the peaceful vineyards of the Red Mountain AVA. Caitie and Siobhan, Red Mountain’s workhorses, were kind enough to oblige this solo traveler on a private tour. It was an absolutely peaceful and picturesque ride through the vineyards.
It’s this kind of rare luxury experience you’ll only find at Red Mountain Trails Winery.
Caitie and Siobhan Solo wagon ride through the vineyards at Red Mountain Trails
After my ride, I tasted some of the delicious wine Red Mountain Trails offers. Their wine focuses on the Bordeaux varietals that do so well in the AVA, like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
This unique experience is essential for that luxury solo travel experience while in Tri-Cities.
Dinner Delights
After a couple of winery visits, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Dovetail Joint is ideal for experiencing fresh, made from scratch seasonal cooking. Its rich culture-rich cuisine focuses heavily on the Mediterranean, leaning heavily on Italy, Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East.
I’m not sure how a restaurant can take something as simple as sautéed mushrooms & grilled bread along with hummus and turn it into a masterpiece but they’ve done it here at Dovetail. These are just two dishes I highly recommend. Pair any of their delectable bites with a French 75 or two. It quickly became my favorite cocktail, it will be one of yours too.
Hummus and grilled bread with mushrooms Discovering the French 75
Nightcaps and Conversation
A day filled with incredible wines and phenomenal foods requires a nightcap at The Moniker. This neighborhood craft cocktail bar not only serves up visually appealing and delicious drinks like the Calanthe, but it also serves up a great conversation. There’s something about the atmosphere here that encourages conversation. Yes, solo travel always opens you up to meeting new people but The Moniker seemed to be the meeting place. I was supposed to stop for a quick cocktail but ended up hearing incredible stories from new friends and forgetting what time it was.
My soul was renewed. And that was just day one.
Luxury Solo Travel in Tri-Cities Continues
I love a mix of slow and activity-packed days but mornings are meant to be slow, at least for me. After breakfast, I started day two with a leisurely walk on Richland Riverfront Trail which conveniently starts right behind The Lodge at Columbia Point. You have the option to borrow a bike from the hotel so you do you but I definitely felt like a slow stroll on the trail to take everything in for my morning.
Art on the Richland Riverfront Trail Pathway on the Richland Riverfront Trail View of the marina from the Richland Riverfront Trail
The Richland Riverfront Trail offers seven miles of scenic paved trail immediately adjacent to the roaring Columbia River. While walking or biking you get public art and scenic views of the river.
Wine For Breakfast
After a stroll down the stunning Richland Riverfront Trail, it was time for wine of course. Goodridge Estate Vineyards and Winery opens at 10 am and just like the old school Mervyn’s commercial, you bet at 9:59 am I was at the front door saying, “open, open, open”. Yes, it was only 10 in the morning but that’s why it’s called “breakfast wine.”
I was promptly seated outside at this gorgeous property and ordered their mixed flight to taste. I found their 2017 Chardonnay to be my favorite, and I don’t say that about many chardonnays.
Gooseridge Vineyards Mixed Flight
Goodridge Estates is a family-owned and operated winery who make handcrafted, limited-production wines from select, estate-grown grapes. Part of the wine tasting experience is sitting on their beautiful grounds. Fantastic wine, music playing, and spectacular scenery at Gooserdige bring it all full circle.
Let There Be Brunch
Wine and brunch just go together, don’t they? Having both at Fiction at J Bookwalter was just what I needed after my breakfast wine. Fiction offers locally-driven, chef-inspired cuisine with the freshest ingredients for a sublime farm-to-table experience.
And sublime it was! I devoured their Brunchilada: Housemaid chorizo, Yukon Gold potatoes, local Walla Walla eggs scrambled, provolone and mozzarella cheese, flour tortilla, baked in a cast-iron skillet and topped with cilantro pico de gallo and Mexican crema. And yes, this goes beautifully with their wines! Should you need a break from wine (why, though?), the restaurant has a full bar for craft cocktails and microbrews of your choosing.
The Heart of J. BookWalter
Tri-Cities is considered the heart of Washington Wine Country but the heart of it is really the people. This was clear once I had the chance to chat with Gretchen Bookwalter about her love for wines and love for life. Moments like these remind me how wonderful the outside world is, how lovely people are, and how inspiring their stories can be. I could have sat and listened to her for hours.
The atmosphere at J. Bookwalter and the food check off every box a solo traveler would want. These are all reasons this stop is essential on your tour of Washington Wine Country.
Because I was there for brunch, I had a glass of red wine paired with my meal but unfortunately not the entire J Bookwalter wine experience. I did, however, go home with their Scarlet HexFlame Rosé. I’m glad I did because this is one of the best rosé’s I’ve ever had and should honestly just be purchased as a case on its own. I highly recommend you have brunch and have a full-on wine experience here, it will be a highlight of your Washington wine country getaway. This is a winery I cannot wait to come back and visit.
Wine and Art
After stimulating conversation, food, and wine, I walked over to Bernard Griffin. Barnard Griffin is Washington’s premier family-owned winery. In addition to being one of the most awarded wineries in the state, their campus offers a fused glass studio. That’s right, like a spin on sip and paint, the art of fused glass can be a fun activity while enjoying their wines. After my failed attempt at making a fused glass piece, it’s safe to say my skills are better served in wine tasting, so I purchased several bottles to enjoy back home.
Bernard Griffin Estates Fused Glass Art 2015 Lonesone Five, Bernard Griffin
I ended my night back at the lodge and dinner in my room from Drumheller’s once again. There are so many fabulous choices for fine dining in Tri-Cities but traveling exactly when and how you want, is luxury. Tonight, I wanted to sit in my robe with dinner in my room and a view of the river while I relaxed. A fine day two, indeed.
Cruising into Fun
On the final day, I got that familiar feeling. You know the one. It’s the feeling reminding you it’s almost time to leave. I definitely wasn’t ready to go. Luckily, I got to enjoy one final luxury activity before boarding Allegiant’s one direct flight back to San Diego.
If floating down the Columbia River on a luxury yacht with a full bar and chef-prepared food isn’t the ideal send-off back to San Diego, I don’t know what is. Water 2 Wine Cruises is an exclusive and unique way to explore the Columbia River. You will experience breathtaking Tri-Cities views, Northwest wines, and fine cuisine aboard the 96-foot Chrysalis luxury yacht.
Water2Wine Yacht Interior of Water 2 Wine Cruises BBQ themed cruise for the holiday weekend Full bar and incredible service View of Columbia River from Water 2 Wine Cruises
On this cruise, it was bbq themed with brisket that had been smoked for days and all the fixings. They played cool tunes over the speakers and we cruised up and down the Columbia River for a couple of hours.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I got to get an incredible activity in and had ample time to get to the airport for my flight.
A luxury cruise was the perfect end to my time in Tri-Cities.
Sol Travel in Tri-Cities is the Perfect Getaway
Getting back outside is what I needed and even though I was ready for crowds, it wasn’t crowded at all. It was perfect. I was so happy that my first plane ride back into solo travel was to Tri-Cities, Washington. It’s an easy and direct flight from San Diego that offers so much. You absolutely can fit a luxury solo getaway here into a short or long weekend. The beauty of luxury solo travel is that it’s always up to you.
**Note: As a travel writer, I was hosted by Visit Tri-Cities and On Public Relations. All opinions are my own.**
