A Boozy Day Trip to Hoodsport

Photo byMaria Shimizu Christensen

Nestled along the rocky southwest shore of Hood Canal is the tiny town of Hoodsport. There are a surprising amount of things to do, eat, and shop for considering the size of the place, especially if you throw in the surrounding area.

This is the jumping off point for Lake Cushman and the Staircase entrance to the Olympic Mountains, and oysters, hiking, and camping abound farther north. But if you just want a quick little day trip with a purpose, head here for some fantastic booze tasting. There are two wineries and a distillery that offer tasting rooms and all three deserve a stop.

Photo byMaria Shimizu Christensen

If you’re coming from the south along Highway 101, your first stop will be Hoodsport Winery. A small storefront and casual tasting atmosphere leaves you with a cozy, homey feeling that extends to their wine offerings. Their fruit wines are outstanding – the cranberry wine is my favorite, but the raspberry is a close second. They also offer a selection of local goods, including jams made with their wines.

Photo byMaria Shimizu Christensen

Your next stop is right in the heart of Hoodsport. It can be challenging to find parking on a sunny summer weekend, but it’s a great view no matter how far away you have to park. Extend the wine tasting with a stop at Stottle Winery. The main winery is in Lacey, but there’s a small tasting room here that feels casually country sophisticated. The tasting option of 4 wines is thoughtfully curated and there’s something for nearly everyone here. I really like their Syrah, and I discovered Viognier here and have never looked back.

Photo byMaria Shimizu Christensen

The last stop on our tiny tour is the Hardware Distillery. While they make whiskey, vodka, aquavit, and a stellar gin, they also distill spirits that defy categorization. Quite literally, according to federal permitting officials. Bee’s Knees is a distilled mead that comes in different flavors. My favorite is Merry Cherry, with the luscious flavors of Bing cherries and honey. The distillery uses its own pear vodka to make a few different aquavits. The vodka is great on its own, but is transformed and elevated with the aquavit. I love the spicy tang of the cardamom aquavit.

The mini bottles make great giftsPhoto byMaria Shimizu Christensen

After all this tasting, take in a meal nearby or head down the boardwalk to the local coffee shop, then take a walk on the pier and beach at the town’s public waterfront park. It’s a relaxing end to a great day.

Photo byMaria Shimizu Christensen

Be sure to check the websites for days and times that each place is open. After summer, hours are scaled back.