Introduction to Wenatchee

As you drive east down the Wenatchee Valley from Leavenworth, you begin to see the valley's many apple and pear orchards. In summer and fall, you can taste the fruits of the valley at farmstands along U.S. 2. Smallwood's Harvest (tel. 509/548-4196; www.smallwoodsharvest.com), and Prey's Fruit Barn (tel. 509/548-5771; www.preysfruitbarn.com) are the biggest and best farmstands along this stretch of road. Because apple prices have been so low in recent years, some orchards have planted vineyards, and wineries are proliferating in the area.

Eagle Creek Winery & Cottage, 10037 Eagle Creek Rd. (tel. 509/548-7668; www.eaglecreekwinery.com), is one of the closest wineries to Leavenworth, located off Chumstick Highway about 5 miles from town. May through October, the tasting room is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4pm; other months by appointment. Heading farther down the valley, you'll come to Icicle Ridge Winery, 8977 North Rd., Peshastin (tel. 509/548-7019; www.icicleridgewinery.com), with tasting rooms in a log cabin at a pear orchard, and also in downtown Leavenworth at 821 Front St., Suite B; both are open daily from noon to 5pm. In summer, the winery hosts jazz concerts. In Peshastin, you'll find Wedge Mountain Winery, 9534 Saunders Rd., Peshastin (tel. 509/548-7068; www.wedgemountainwinery.com), which specializes in bordeaux varietals. The tasting room is open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 6pm. For more information on area wineries, contact Columbia Cascade Wine & Wineries (tel. 509/782-0708; www.columbiacascadewines.com).