Cave B Inn and Estate Winery

 

 

By Melissa S. Labberton

Featured in such publications as the Wall Street Journal, National Geographic Traveler and Sunset Magazine, the Cave B Inn and Cave B Estate Winery have quickly become one of Washington’s favorite great escapes.

Located only 74 miles northeast of Yakima off I-90, Cave B Inn rises out of a desert vineyard that hugs the basalt cliffs of the Columbia River 900 feet below.  With 30 guestrooms, including 15 finely appointed “cliffehouses,” the inn is the perfect place to leave those winter doldrums behind.

In 1980 the Bryan family bought a large tract of basalt and sagebrush land along the Columbia River with an eye toward the beauty of this stark Eastern Washington landscape.  They first developed the Gorge Amphitheatre—arguably one of the most beautiful amphitheatres in the United States.  Nothing beats sitting on a hillside with a dramatic river gorge view and listening to music greats from the Dave Matthews Band to Metallica.

The success of the 25,000 seat amphitheatre led the Bryans to develop an estate winery and then the Cave B Inn, both adjacent to the amphitheatre. Determined to respect the high desert environment, the Bryans designed the inn, winery and guest buildings to blend into the breathtaking landscape.

A basalt rock, “cave-like” entrance greets guests to the 12 “Cavern” rooms located a short walk through the vineyard from the main inn.  Amenities are not scarce, with each room offering a king or two queen size beds, color satellite television, a soaking tub and separate shower, sitting area and the best of all, floor to ceiling windows that catch spectacular sunsets and glorious pink sunrises reflecting off  the river gorge.

Fifteen stand-alone cliffehouses offer the height of indulgence for weekend visitors.  A two-sided gas fireplace divides the bedroom from a comfortable sitting area.  Hedonists will love the large bathroom complete with shower, granite countertops and a large soaking tub, perfect for warming up on a cold winter night. The spectacular view of the sunset is certainly an amenity too.   The Inn also offers two guestrooms with a vineyard view in the main lodge.

 

 

 

Cave B Inn goes on a winter schedule from November to the middle of April and closes on Tuesday and Wednesday, explained Lexi Jones, Cave B Service Manager, adding that the winery stays open every day. There are some great winter specials (Guest rooms start at just $175 per night) and all rooms include a buffet breakfast during this time.

Once guests have unpacked, they can take a stroll through the vineyard to the main lodge for breakfast, lunch, dinner or maybe just a cocktail at Tendril’s Restaurant.  The sophisticated décor and fabulous view make a perfect backdrop for Chef Joe Ritchie’s Northwest fresh cooking.  Formerly the sous-chef at The Herbfarm restaurant in Woodinville, Ritchie and winemaker Freddy Arredondo team up to create three- and five-course tasting menus, using fresh seasonal ingredients along with optional wine pairings from the Cave B vineyard.

“Chef creates a new menu each night,” Jones said.

The Cave B Estate Winery is just a short walk from the Inn’s entrance.  Noted for their Bordeaux Blend and Syrah, the winery also features a SageCliffe Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Semillon and sparkling wine.

For even more luxury and relaxation, the Spa at Sagecliffe offers a variety of facials, body treatments, massages and men’s treatments. Whether winter, spring, summer, or fall, a getaway to Cave B Inn will bring you closer to the amazing terrain along the Columbia River Gorge, while you relax in the ambiance of a world class retreat.

Winter hours: Thursday through Monday

For more information:

(888) 785-2283

www.sagecliffe.com