Generally, five to six wineries in a day is about a person's limit. If you want to try more, visit them on a second or third day. Be sure to practice moderation and sample food as you sample the wines. It's not bad manners to pour out what's left in a glass after you have tasted a sip or two. The pros do this to keep their palates fresh so they can fully enjoy the wines.
Visitors also can buy wine in bottles to consume with lunch or take home.
Food is an important part of the weekend, and many of the Yakima Valley towns have restaurants that cater to the visitors. Several wineries have contracted with groups to sell food and appetizers, ranging from seafood by Anthony's Home Port restaurants of Seattle at Tucker Cellars in Sunnyside to Italian appetizers from Bella Napoli of Yakima at Covey Run Winery near Zillah. People can bring picnic lunches because most wineries encourage visitors to pick a table or sit on the grass and enjoy a Valley repast. Travelers get to taste new wines directly from the barrel and hear the winemakers discuss their potential. Hours for tasting are from noon to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.