Bainbridge Island now boasts seven small, artisanal wineries (although one isn’t yet open for tastings). Six use grapes grown in the warm climate of eastern Washington State, while one (Perennial Vintners) grows grapes right on Bainbridge in the cool climate of Puget Sound.

Since the wineries are small and owner-operated, they are only all open for tasting at the wineries on select weekends. Hours are noon to 5 p.m., and tasting fees range from free to a few dollars.

2011 open weekends include:

* Valentines: February 12/13 (special weekend featuring chocolates to go with the wines!)
* Spring: March 12/13, April 16/17*, May 28-30
* Summer: June 25/26, July 16/17, August 6/7, September 3-5

*Note that April 16/17 is Bainbridge Wine Weekend 2011. The wineries will be open for tours one day and the other day will feature a central tasting with all the wineries pouring in one place. Sumptuous winemaker dinners at several of the outstanding local restaurants will also be featured.

Two of the wineries also operate tasting rooms that are located within walking distance of the ferry terminal and are open throughout the year: Eagle Harbor Wine Company and Eleven. There is also Harbor Square Wine Shop, with many wines available for tasting daily.

Here’s a map showing all the locations (includes both satellite tasting rooms and winery locations – navigate carefully!). Note: this map may not get you all the way to the winery in all cases. When the wineries are open, there will be signs directing you to the exact locations.

The Wineries of Bainbridge Island open for tasting are:

* Eagle Harbor Wine Company, 206:227-4310
* Eleven, 206:780-0905
* Fletcher Bay Winery, 206:650-4753
* Perennial Vintners, 206:200-5902
* Rolling Bay Winery, 206:419-3355
* Victor Alexander, 206:234-8845

(Photo courtesy of Fletcher Bay Winery)