A Sipper’s Paradise in the PNW: Bainbridge Island, Seattle

We decided a few months ago that September would be the perfect time for a mini-vacation to end a busy summer filled with work and Southern California heat. The chosen destination was Seattle, and we departed with high hopes of cold weather, jackets, and rain. Instead, we were welcomed to a city filled with smoke from the Washington wildfires, hot weather, and 90 percent humidity. Not fun.

After dealing with the heat for a day or two, we decided it was time to get on the water and beat the heat. We took the ferry to Bainbridge Island (about a 30-minute boat ride from Seattle) and spent the day wandering around the little town that looks like it is straight out of a storybook. We enjoyed checking out the little boutique shops on the main drag, and had an awesome lunch at Bruciato. And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, it did.

Enter: Coppertop Park.

Not the kind of park you’re thinking of. An industrial business park. And guess what industrial business parks are perfect for? Breweries.

A short bus ride from downtown Bainbridge lies Bainbridge Island Brewing Company.

It feels like a “locals only” place that brews and serves quality beer under its copper roof, surrounded by giant trees. It screams PNW. We found ourselves hanging at the brewery enjoying a couple of beers and relaxing for the afternoon before we decided to walk around the rest of Coppertop Park to see what else was around while we waited for our bus back to the ferry.

(Side note: what we learned is that this so-called “dial-a-ride” bus service is not nearly as reliable as they say it is. Long story short, Uber saved the day. Sort of. (Side note 2: somehow, our Uber driver got lost. Like, seriously? How does that happen. Eye rolls all around.) Take note of all this in case you ever decide to go on this excursion.)

Our walk around Coppertop led us to find a few other hidden gems that turned this locals-only brewery experience into a must-do for Bainbridge visitors who enjoy their sips.

Right next door to the brewery lies Fletcher Bay Winery.

This family-owned winery makes small batches of wine from Washington-grown grapes. I learned while we were here that Washington state is the second largest wine-producing state in the US! Naturally, we had to give their wine a try. If you go, stick to the reds…those are the specialty. The Tempranillo was my favorite.

And we’re not done yet…

Across from the winery you will find Bainbridge Organic Distillers. I’m not a big fan of spirits myself, but there were plenty of people inside taking tours of the facility and enjoying tastings, too.

Last, but not least:

Now, once you give each of these establishments a try, you’ll probably be pretty tired toward the end of your tasting experience. Fear not! As if this Coppertop place couldn’t get any better, it also features Storyville Coffee…a Seattle-born and family-owned coffee shop AND roaster! A perfect pick-me-up before heading back to the city.

All this to say: we basically found a sipper’s “Disneyland” on Bainbridge Island. And it is well worth checking out for yourself when you need a quick getaway from busy downtown Seattle.

 

Until next time, Bainbridge!