5 Best Bars in Washington Wine Country, Washington

First-timers to this contemporary taproom on a lofty ridge 12 miles west of Yakima are usually as wowed by the mesmerizing mountain vistas as they are the lovingly crafted beers. The husband-and-wife proprietors are admitted hops admirers, and the IPA-forward beer selection reflects this penchant. On warm days have a seat on the family- and pet-friendly lawn and patio—there's often live music, and pub fare is served. 

Arguably the most accomplished artisan beer maker in the Lower Valley, Varietal produces an extensive roster of both traditional and experimental brews—including a chocolatey English brown ale and a variety of hop-forward brews featuring different varieties of Yakima-grown hops. Enjoy your sipping at the counter, or head to the back to play some old-school arcade games. Food trucks are on hand most days. 

This unfussy brewpub on the northwest side of downtown has a pet-friendly patio and taproom with lumberjack-inspired decor (the owner is a former logger). It's one of the top craft brewers in the region, known especially for its refreshing blackberry wheat ale and heady Riggin Slinger Red Ale. 

A popular stop after skiing or hiking in the mountains to the west, this convivial brewpub in rural Naches is named for a classic Led Zeppelin song that in Welsh means "hill of gold." This is an apt description of the surrounding semi-arid bluffs and also a nod to the mostly British-style sips, including a refreshing blonde ale with heady floral notes. Cheddar tots, pizzas, and beer-infused brownies are among the food offerings. 

This tiny taproom with metal chairs and timber and corrugated-metal accents brews balanced, complex craft beers, some with a nod toward England (the seasonal Back Country Bitter, for example), and others that will please fans of hoppy West Coast sippers—we're looking at you, Warrior Mindset Double IPA. There's also a selection of pizzas, shrimp skewers, and other light bites.