- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Wineries Food Wineries Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Wineries, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
4705 N Fruit Hill RdSpokane, WA 99217
(509) 927-9463
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
11 reviews for Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
11 reviews in English
-
Review from Nik V.
4/30/2012
Totally worth the short drive out to this gorgeous spot. Reasonably priced & delicious wine, picnic supplies to enjoy while having a glass of wine & a GIANT CHECKERBOARD. It doesn't get any better than this.
The views of the valley & city from are stunning. Can hardly wait to come up with an excuse to go back again. -
Review from Mackenzie B.
Seattle, WA
3/20/2011
Arbor Crest is another one of my top fave wineries in the Spokane area. This one is in the valley so it's a bit of a drive from downtown but well worth a visit. It's located on top of a hill overlooking the Spokane Valley. In the Summer they have a festival there.
All the wines are top-notch. I'm especially fond of the Single Reserve Cab's and the Dionysus blend. They were originally known for their whites, one of which is only $11 and is very tasty.Listed in: Wine Tasting In Spokane
-
Review from Maria N.
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here for a summer wedding. Terrific venue with a stunning view of the valley. The property is rather sprawling, so lots of room to explore. it made for a very picturesque wedding.
-
Review from Carly L.
5/9/2010
Great view, and that's the best part.
I happened to be in Spokane over barrel tasting weekend, so I definitely wanted to try out the wine tasting scene. Arbor Crest is gorgeous. Matt and I loved the big giant checkerboard that we took advantage of by playing for a few minutes.
As far as the wine goes, I was not blown away. We were poured wines in plastic cups and since it was so crowded, I didn't really get to ask questions about the wines. The taste of them didn't leave me thinking... I want more. Although I did like barrel taste of the malbec, it wasn't enough to make me buy anything.
Next time Arbor Crest, uses glasses! I know it's busy, but it makes a difference. -
Review from Milo D.
Seattle, WA
12/3/2007 2 photos
If you are into wines and even if you aren't I would recommend a visit. The house is located on top of a hill near the Spokane Valley, so make sure you have directions before trying to find it.
Arbor Crest was originally built in 1924 and used as a residence by Royal Riblet a chairlift manufacturer. He actually built a tram that would carry people from the valley below up to the estate. The employees are more than happy to talk about the history of the place.
During the summer months the place is regularly booked for weddings and events, and when you arrive it's easy to see why. The place has a fantastic view. The staff is friendly, providing wine tastings for the visitors, and the wine isn't too bad either. I definitely walked away with a bottle. -
Review from Hamburger Time O.
Seattle, WA
7/7/2009
If you like reds, get the Malbec, all the others wines were just Ok. Wine tasting, 5 for $5.
Live music every Sunday evening.
Go out to the back of the building on the ledge. There's a nice secluded area back there. -
Review from Laurie R.
Spokane, WA
1/18/2009
Here's the Story
At Arbor Crest wine making is a family tradition. Born into a family that had farmed in Washington State for over a century, brothers Harold and David Mielke discovered in the late 70's their land had enormous potential to grow grapes for producing fine wines. Their dream became a reality in 1982 when they, along with Harold's wife Marcia, established Arbor Crest Wine Cellars. Arbor Crest was the 29th winery established in Washington State.
Tasting with a view
Two years later in 1984, the Mielke family purchased the Riblet Estate and relocated the winery to the estate's Cliff House, perched high atop cliffs overlooking the Spokane River 450 feet below and providing outstanding views. The Cliff House, a National Historic Landmark was built in the Florentine-style in 1924 is a picturesque winery complete with awe-inspiring views. Arbor Crest boasts one of the most spectacular settings of any winery in the state and is worth visiting for this reason alone. The Cliff House is a 75-acre estate with breathtaking gardens which surrounded the estate landmarks, including a gazebo, croquet court, and famed life-size checkerboard. The current tasting room blends in well though it was built in 2003. This is a destination perfect for a picnic and available to rent for weddings and events. The tasting room staff is one of the most well-versed in the nuances of the wines. There is a small 5-acre vineyard at the site, and its fruit is used to produce an estate-bottled sparkling wine, otherwise the wines are made from grapes grown in the Columbia Valley AVA .
My favorite was the Sparkling and Dioysus, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Interesting fact: Wines are named after the grapes, but blends give the winemaker the opportunity to name it at will. Limited release red-blend Dionysus, is named after is the god of wine, the inspirer of ritual madness and ecstasy.
All in the Family
Arbor Crest's winemaker, Kristina Mielke-van Loben Sels, is a second generation winemaker. Daughter of Harold and Marcia, she graduated from the University of California Davis in Fermentation Science. Mielke-van Loben Sels spent seven years as the associate winemaker of Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery of Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County in California, before she and her husband Jim, a viticulturist joined the Arbor Crest Wine Cellars staff. Using grapes grown in the Columbia Valley, Red Mountain, and Wahluke Slope, Arbor Crest produces a wide variety of wines.
Accolades
Named by Wine Spectator as one of the "Top 50 Producers Every Wine Lover Should Know," Arbor Crest Wine Cellars is best known for their Sauvignon Blanc and their red blend called DIONYSUS, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Sip tips
Arbor Crest participates in Mother's Day weekend Winery Tour, as well as, the November holiday wine fest tour.
Private tours of the Cliff House can be pre-arranged other times during the year and include wine tasting plus a gourmet lunch.
Wine tasting is available daily and guests will learn the true portrayal of the superior-quality of Arbor Crest wines that are part of the Washington wine industry.
In the Summer, weekly concerts featuring local musicians are a memorable event. In August, Arbor Crest Wine Cellar also hosts a Classic Car Show and Art & Glass Fest.
Check website for current events and concert schedule.
Life's fast, Sip SlowListed in: WA WI
-
Review from Valerie P.
Denver, CO
12/12/2007
If there was a sixth star, I would give it to Arbor Crest. I love this place with a passion unmatched that of any winery I've been to and trust me I've been to at least 30 in 4 states. The view is top notch, employees are friendly, wine is reasonably priced (Sav Blanc - yummy) and they have free music and you can bring your own food on Sundays at 6 in the summer. They also have a car show and maybe an art sale (not sure if the glass blowing festival moved to GU's campus or not) You can tour the venetian style house on the grounds in the warmer months, bathrooms are nice, neat accessories for sale. Go in May during the 2nd week - cases of wine are slashed and you can mix and match.
-
Review from Mak H.
Portland, OR
12/31/2008
Coolest place to take your parents/grandparents in Spokane. Taste some wine, sit on top of a cliff and see the eccentric house built by that wiley, crazy man Royal Riblet, who also invented the ski chairlift. No kidding, google that- next time you're at the mountain, look at the lift supports- most say "Riblet" on them. First one was on Mt. Hood. He had a ton of wives. He also invented the square wheel tractor, which I always felt was a step backwards. I think even Homo habilis would've laughed at someone using square wheels. Anyway, if you're passing through Spokane and it's not blisteringly cold or hot outside, this is an awesome historical landmark and Arbor Crest makes some great wine.
-
Review from Laurie D.
Spokane, WA
1/25/2009
Arbor Crest is one of Spokane's best little secrets. It's a wonderful place to meet a friend for wine and conversation. I love sitting outdoors above the city. The view is great and so conducive to relaxing. Some of their bottles are exquisite and worth going for the case price. In fact, case specials can be absolutely out of this world. There are nice nibblies for purchase, or you can bring a hamper-full of your own favorites to enjoy with wine. On my last visit, I didn't find the staff very warm, which made me feel rushed as my friend and I tasted before purchasing a bottle. Otherwise, this is a unique and very enjoyable place to go savor a nice wine and a good friend. I especially recommend it if one is hosting friends or family from out of town. Call ahead if you want to know the case specials.
-
Review from Karin B.
Bellevue, WA
5/12/2010
I enjoyed the wine tasting but enjoyed the views even more. Lovely facility in beautiful location and it's the perfect spot to head to on a sunny afternoon. This winery has a very interesting history and as an out of town visitor, I'm glad my friends took me here. We are planning to try and come back later in the summer to attend one of the concerts.
