Restaurants

In Yakima

For espresso, breakfast, pastries, and good bread to take along on a picnic, drop by Essencia Artisan Bakery and Chocolaterie, 4 N. Third St. (tel. 509/575-5570; www.essenciabakery.com).

Sunnyside

For some cheese to go with your wine, drop by Sunnyside's Darigold Dairy Fair, 400 Alexander Rd. (tel. 509/837-4321), a half-mile south of I-82 at exit 67. A sort of circus atmosphere prevails, and ice cream and sandwiches are also available. Dairy Fair is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

In Prosser

Prosser is slowly becoming the Yakima Valley's closest approximation to an appealing wine-country town, and several wineries here now have cafes where you can get a meal. Thursday through Saturday between 11am and 3pm, Alexandria Nicole, 2880 Lee Rd., Suite C. (tel. 509/786-3497; www.alexandrianicolecellars.com), serves small plates, including several salads and cheese plates. Willow Crest Winery, 590 Merlot Dr. (tel. 509/786-7999; www.willowcrestwinery.com), serves slightly more substantial lunches and has a pleasant patio. However, the most substantial of these winery bistros is to be found at Desert Wind Winery.

In the Tri-Cities Area

If you're just in the mood for some pub food and a microbrew, head to Atomic Ale Brewpub & Eatery, 1015 Lee Blvd., Richland (tel. 509/946-5465), which is just a block off Richland's George Washington Way in downtown Richland. One of my favorite places in the area for a light meal is the Bookwalter Winery, 894 Tulip Lane, Richland (tel. 877/667-8300 or 509/627-5000; www.bookwalterwines.com), which serves simple meat and cheese plates to go with the wines. There's live music on Wednesday through Sunday nights.