Looking for a lovely place to while away the afternoon with a bottle of wine and a picnic lunch? Come stroll around the ponds, trails and meadows of Washington's Chateau Ste Michelle Winery.

Just a quick ride from the Seattle metro area, this lovely area is open, for free, to anyone with a desire to picnic, hike or sample wine.

We began our afternoon with the Columbia Valley Tour that took us above the working floor of the vintner's areas. This tour was free. While it was not the most exciting wine tour I've been on, it wrapped up with a satisfying and free wine tasting of a white, red and dessert wine. The more premuim tasting tours have a fee.

In the upscale wine/deli/gift shop, we were able to taste another wine of our choice for free (or you can try a flight for $5).

In a happy glow (after our free tastings), we set to hike around the grounds, as many Washingtonians do on a sunny afternoon. Trails wind around the semi-formal gardens, trout ponds, creeks, duck ponds, outdoor amphitheater and small grape orchard. Self-guided trails in the gardens label the trees and plants, and tiny nooks beckon with benches, fountains and weeping ornamental trees. It's altogether a lovely place to take a stroll. Many cyclists seem to use this as a destination as well, from the surrounding towns.

I recommend finding a spot to spread your blanket and have a picnic. You can purchase fine cheeses and the Chateau's wines in the gift shop (open 10am to 5pm), or bring your own spread from home, then select a spot of choice. Even on a sunny Saturday afternoon, with hundreds of couples lazing and hiking around, the grounds are so extensive that it is still easy to find a private spot.

After hiking around, my husband and I selected a grassy knoll beside the large duck pond/small lake, where we could watch the fountain play on the leaves, and the Canadian Geese sunbathe.

Directions - From Seattle, hop north on I-405 and exit on #23, also called SR 522. get off immediately at the Woodinvile exit and turn right. Go several blocks to NE 175th and go right again. Follow for a short way and go left at the stop sign. This road (HWY 202) will take you to the winery entrance. Address is 1411 NE 154th Street, Woodinville, WA.

Call for tastings, concerts, classes and events at: 800-267-6793.

Deluxe Picnic Baskets from Amazon.com:

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