If all you think of when you hear “Grays Harbor” is beach, rainforest and cranberries, you are in for a surprise! Grays Harbor County is a great place to explore locally-made beer and wine from locally-owned businesses. Take a day or weekend trip and experience these amazing brews and vinos for yourself.
Westport Winery Garden Resort
1 S Arbor Rd, Aberdeen
360.648.2224
Westport Winery Garden Resort is a must-go destination for all who travel to Grays Harbor. It’s so much more than a five-star winery – though the wine is what started it all! The grounds is also home to the International Mermaid Museum, an amazing art garden and Ocean’s Daughter Distillery, which creates gin, whiskey, vodka, rum, cream liqueur and agave spirits that can only be sampled at the Westport Winery Gift Shop and the Mermaid Museum.
Back to the wine…Westport Winery creates award-winning wines from vineyards around Washington. They have won too many awards to list – including being named Washington’s 2022 Winery of the Year –just come sample for yourself. From pinot noirs and Rieslings to cabernets and chardonnays, they have something for every taste. While there, enjoy a meal at the Sea Glass Gril. They have plenty of parking, even for those with RVs or towing boats.
Hoquiam Brewing Co.
526 8th Street, Hoquiam
360.637.8252
The Hoquiam Brewing Co. started as an idea back in 2013. Local craft beer was the end game and they have done it very successfully. With Portland-made equipment, their hyper-local pints first poured in 2017. Since then, they have created many types of craft beer, from IPAs and lagers to stouts and ales. They also serve hard cider, seltzers and local wines.
You can pair whatever libations you choose with their scrumptious menu items, including fan favorites like the pork wings, green chile cheeseburger and cod and chips. Come before 5 p.m. and order their 8-ounce center-cut sirloin steak with balsamic glaze and a blue cheese butter – it’s drool-worthy. They also have gluten-free buns available!
Steam Donkey Brewing Co.
101 E Wishkah Street, Aberdeen
360.637.9431
Another craft brewery that opened in 2017 was Steam Donkey Brewing Co. They were the first brewery in Aberdeen, Washington, in over 70 years. Another thing that makes them unique? They are a female-majority-owned brewery with an all-female sales team! But you are here for the beer…
Steam Donkey Brewing Co. has two flagship beers – the Super Donkey DIPA and Kalaloch Kolsch – which you can find in many bars throughout Grays Harbor County. They have other rotating beers on their tap list including pale ales, IPAs, a porter, table beers and seltzers. The tasting room at Steam Donkey is a great place to come, sample their brews, hear their story and see what’s new. While they do not have food inside the tasting room, Finch & Bull Food truck is right outside and you are welcome to grab a bite and bring it in with you. They serve a wonderful rotation of traditional pub foods with modern twists to keep your tastebuds guessing!
Mount Olympus Brewing
Mount Olympus Brewing is a family-friendly Grays Harbor brewery that has 12 different beers on tap to try at a time, as well as hard ciders and seltzers. Their tap list rotates, so each visit will offer you something new to try. Dogs are allowed on the patio, so you are welcome to bring the whole family to this brewery!
While they have a Tumwater tasting room, all their microbrews are made in the seven-barrel brew house in Aberdeen. A fan favorite is the Hawaiian Chieftain, named after the ketch formerly owned by the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport. It’s just one of the many Grays Harbor-inspired brews you will find at Mount Olympus Brewing.
Hotels in Aberdeen and Hoquiam
With so many great local beers, wines, ciders and more in Grays Harbor, you are going to want to stay for more than one day! When planning your visit, here are a few hotels in Aberdeen and Hoquiam to consider.
A Harbor View Inn Bed and Breakfast in Aberdeen is a favorite among travelers from all over. The historic 1905 estate provides every guest room with a water view. Each stay includes a full breakfast.
Aberdeen also has a Best Western Plus that’s great for travelers of all types – from romantic getaways to families with kids. Breakfast is included here too!
In Hoquiam, if you are looking for economy – more to spend on beer, am I right? – check out the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites. They are pet-friendly and offer free coffee.
Hoquiam also has the Hoquiam River RV Park, if you are bringing your room with you and just need a place to park! Amenities at the park include full hookups, WiFi, cable tv, a recreational hall, community fire pit and more! They welcome big rigs and have pull-through spots. They are also pet-friendly and have nine acres of walking trails.
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