San Juan Island has a creative, locally focused food and drink scene, and there’s a lovely selection of island-made wine, craft beer, and unique spirits when planning a tasting day. With a little advanced planning, you can sample all three in one easy island outing, with plenty of time in between for relaxing scenic hiking trails at the parks, hidden gem lunch spots, and exploring all the best things to do in Friday Harbor. Dining and imbibing are often among the most memorable parts of a vacation.
For guests staying at Tucker House Inn or Harrison House Suites, a lovely Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast, this makes a fun way to spend a day away from Friday Harbor without packing the schedule too tightly. Start with wine at San Juan Vineyards, stop for a locally brewed beer at San Juan Island Brewing Co., then finish with a tasting at San Juan Island Distillery. Along the way, leave room for lunch at Westcott Bay Shellfish Co., where locally grown oysters make a particularly good companion to a glass of wine. Book your lodging first and then start mapping out your San Juan Island adventure!
Plan Your Wine & Beer Tasting Itinerary on San Juan Island
There is no reason to rush between tasting rooms. San Juan Island is best explored with some flexibility built into your plans. Leave time for a scenic detour, stop at a viewpoint, browse the shops in Friday Harbor, or take a walk along the water. If you discover a farm stand, art gallery, or another interesting local stop along the way, give yourself permission to change the plan. Just remember that this is a tasting itinerary, so designate a driver or arrange transportation if everyone in your group plans to sample the offerings. Then return to our Inn for a much-deserved evening in!
Begin your tasting day at San Juan Vineyards
San Juan Vineyards is the island’s first and oldest commercial winery. Located in the northern part of San Juan Island, the vineyard occupies a former sheep farm and produces wines from grapes grown both on the island and in Washington’s Columbia Valley. The result is a wine list that gives you a taste of the Pacific Northwest while also reflecting the island’s character.
The Washington tasting room is a pleasant first stop because wine makes it easy to ease into the day. Try a few selections, ask about the grapes and winemaking process, and take some time to enjoy the property before heading to your next stop. If you are particularly interested in Washington wine, this is a good opportunity to explore varieties that thrive in the state’s different growing regions. Give yourself about an hour here, then continue north or west toward the next stop on the itinerary.
Lunch, Oysters and Wine at Westcott Bay Shellfish
After your wine tasting, make your way to Westcott Bay Shellfish Co. for a late lunch. The working shellfish farm is about 20 minutes from Friday Harbor and offers one of the most distinctive food experiences on San Juan Island. Wine and oysters are a natural pairing, and Westcott Bay makes it possible to enjoy both while sitting right beside the tidelands where the shellfish are raised. For the full story behind the farm, its history, the Anderson family’s restoration of the property, and what you can expect during a visit, read our guide to Westcott Bay Shellfish.
Local Beer at San Juan Island Brewing Co.
Next, head back toward Friday Harbor and stop at San Juan Island Brewing Co. The brewery makes its beer on San Juan Island and offers a rotating selection of house-brewed styles, making it easy to sample something new or settle in with a favorite. The tap list can include everything from crisp lighter beers to hop-forward ales and darker, richer styles. If you are unsure what to order, ask for a flight so you can compare a few options.
You’ll find a creative full food menu here, so you can opt for a happy-hour snack or a more substantial afternoon meal if you prefer to visit Westcott Bay earlier. San Juan Island Brewing Co. is located in Friday Harbor, making it an especially convenient stop before the final tasting of the day.
Spirits at San Juan Island Distillery
Finish your tasting day at San Juan Island Distillery. The distillery produces small-batch spirits on the island, with a focus on using local ingredients and Pacific Northwest influences. A tasting here gives you a chance to explore a completely different category of craft beverages after sampling the local wine and beer.
Take your time with the tasting and talk with the staff about the spirits, ingredients, and production process. A distillery visit is as much about understanding how the drinks are made as it is about finding a new favorite. Because tasting room hours and offerings can change, check the distillery’s current schedule before heading out.
Where to Stay for a San Juan Island Getaway
Staying in Friday Harbor makes this itinerary particularly easy. You can spend the day exploring the island, then return to our charming Bed and Breakfast when you are finished. There is something satisfying about ending a day that began with Washington wine, continued with oysters beside the water, moved on to island-brewed beer, and finished with locally crafted spirits, then knowing you have a comfortable guest room or spacious suite waiting back in Friday Harbor.
For a weekend centered around food and drink, add dinner at our very own Coho Restaurant, just a block away, after your tasting day, then wake up the next morning to breakfast and another day of exploring San Juan Island. Whether you are planning a dedicated wine tasting weekend, a craft beer getaway, or simply want to experience more of the island’s local food and drink scene, this route makes it easy to sample a little of everything. Check out our upcoming availability, book your room, and start planning!