Island Vibes and Wine Dreams: A Ferry Tale at Fletcher Bay Winery
Sometimes the best adventures begin with a spontaneous decision—and that’s exactly how Lisa and I found ourselves sailing across Puget Sound on a whim, headed for Bainbridge Island. Seattle was fading behind us, and the salty breeze hinted at something unexpected waiting just beyond the water.
Our mission? Wine.
Our map? Vibes only.
After a quick and scenic ferry ride, we were winding our way through the charming, pine-fringed roads of Bainbridge Island, on the hunt for something local, low-key, and delicious. That’s when we stumbled upon Fletcher Bay Winery, tucked into a semi-industrial nook with just the right touch of Pacific Northwest charm.
We nestled into a couple of chairs by the outside fireplace and found ourselves in the company of locals, including Jim Wilford, the founder and winemaker himself.
Over a glass (okay, maybe two) of their beautifully crisp White Pinot, we overheard Jim telling the story of how Fletcher Bay began to a wedding planner checking out the location—not in a vineyard, but in a garage, 19 years ago. Just him, his wife Sharon, a few barrels, and a dream. Fast forward to today, and Fletcher Bay Winery has grown into a Bainbridge institution, with multiple tasting rooms and a lineup of wines that could hold their own in any Napa tasting flight.
Here’s the twist: while Bainbridge Island’s cool coastal climate isn’t ideal for grape growing, Fletcher Bay sources top-tier fruit from across Washington’s premier AVAs—think Yakima, Red Mountain, and Walla Walla. But the magic? That all happens right here on the island. The crushing, the blending, the aging—it’s all deeply local and fiercely hands-on.
So yes, we came for a quick glass of wine.
And we left with a story, a new favorite bottle, and a reminder that great wine is more than what’s in the glass. It’s the people, the passion, and the places you least expect to find them.
If you find yourself near Seattle with a few hours to spare, hop the ferry and let Fletcher Bay Winery surprise you. Your palate—and your spirit—will thank you.
Pro Tip: Try their Barking Dog Red or the Cabernet Sauvignon if you like your reds bold and complex. And don’t miss the chance to chat with the locals—you might just meet the winemaker himself. www.fletcherbaywinery.com
