From unique Distilleries to Independent vineyards

There are so many phenomenal things made on San Juan Island, like sea salt, lavender shampoo, art and even mission critical components for space programs! But that’s not all, there are also the liquid arts, which are not only tons of fun to explore, but also make for unique gifts and island memories. Come join us on a boutique libations tour of San Juan Island! 

1. San Juan Island Distillery & Westcott Bay Ciders

A short drive from Roche Harbor Resort, you will find this quaint cidery and distillery near beautiful Westcott Bay. They are open for interesting tours of the cider works and tastings of all their lovely libations every Saturday. Westcott Bay Ciders offers a well-balanced line of ciders from their apple orchards along the waterfront, which are also used to distill award-winning brandy. The distillery also makes vodka, 14 different kinds of gin and delicious liqueurs, many incorporating island ingredients like salal, rose, elderberry or juniper in very decorative bottles. Their spirits are rarely distributed outside of San Juan County and make for a truly unique gift.

Outing Idea: Explore San Juan Islands Sculpture Park, enjoy a distillery tour and tasting, then have dinner at the Madrona Grill overlooking Roche Harbor’s waterfront for sunset.

2. San Juan Vineyard

Just three miles outside of Friday Harbor in the lush Beaverton Valley, lays picturesque San Juan Vineyard. Their historic tasting room and gift shop is open year-round with a lovely wrap-around porch to enjoy a picnic on warm Summer days. New to their collection this year, are the Afterglow Rose, Cattle Point Red and an astonishing 2017 Syrah.

Outing Idea: Rent a bike or, if you are staying at the Earthbox Inn & Spa or the Bird Rock Hotel, check one out for free and bike to the Vineyard for an enchanting afternoon.

3.  San Juan Brewery

And just three blocks from the ferry landing in Friday Harbor, you will find the spacious brewpub of San Juan Brewing. A huge glass wall behind the bar allows a view into the shiny brewery. There is ample indoor and outdoor seating, the latter can be rented for special events and allows well-behaved pups to join the party. San Juan Brewing also has a trivia and an open mic night and often free live music on the weekends. Have a San Juan Sampler of five of their delicious Lagers and Ales with enticing names like Outer Island IPA and Bull Kelp ESB, before deciding which growler or four-pack is  worthy to come home with you.

Outing Idea: Come for lunch or dinner and enjoy their wood fired pizza or German inspired pup food.