Bavaria in Washington?

Leavenworth, a Bavarian town in the Alpine region of Eastern Washington, is forgiven its kitsch imitation of Bavaria by a diverse array of breweries, cider makers and at last count 24 wine tasting rooms. Sure, you can find plenty of Bavarian Christmas ornaments, chocolates, pastries, t-shirts, sweaters, and other souvenirs, but a little sip of a local beverage or two will certainly make that a more pleasant excursion.

We found little diversity of food beyond your basic cafe with burgers and sandwiches, but we did enjoy our rooftop lunch at Gustav’s with an expansive view, fresh caught halibut fish n chips, and one of his own brews. The wineries are all from Washington state, although only a small few are local, local. We know this because we asked a local, at Plain Cellars, where we tasted the wine, learned the history of the area, and the sources of the grapes.

If you happen to be driving through Eastern Washington, don’t let the ski chalets fool you. There is much more than meets the eye, and Leavenworth is well worth the stop.