There is a particular kind of afternoon in Spokane that feels almost cinematic — the kind where the light goes golden early, the air carries just a hint of pine, and you find yourself somewhere unexpectedly wonderful with a glass of something excellent in hand. For me, that afternoon happened at Townshend Cellar, and I have been recommending it to anyone who will listen ever since.
Tucked into the Gonzaga University neighborhood on the north side of downtown, Townshend Cellar occupies a beautifully restored historic building that immediately sets the tone. From the moment you step through the door, you get the sense that this place takes wine seriously — but not itself too seriously. The tasting room is warm and inviting, with exposed brick, wood beams, and the kind of ambient buzz that says people are genuinely enjoying themselves rather than just going through the motions of a tasting.
Townshend sources its grapes primarily from Washington’s premier wine-growing regions — the Columbia Valley, the Walla Walla Valley, and Rattlesnake Hills — and the results speak for themselves. Their reds tend to be the showstoppers. The Cabernet Sauvignon is structured and bold without being overwrought, and the Syrah has that wonderful peppery backbone you want from Washington state fruit. If you lean toward whites, the Viognier is floral and generous, a wine that practically insists you sit back and relax.
What I find especially appealing about Townshend is how approachable the whole experience feels. The staff are knowledgeable without being intimidating — they genuinely love talking about what is in your glass, where the grapes came from, and what the winemaker was going for with each vintage. Whether you are a seasoned oenophile or someone who just knows they like red wine with dinner, you will feel completely at home here.
The tasting flights are well-priced and generously poured, and the wine-by-the-glass selection makes it easy to linger without committing to a full bottle right away — though you almost certainly will want to by the end. They also carry an excellent selection of wine-friendly snacks and local provisions, so you can turn a quick stop into a proper afternoon.
Parking in the neighborhood is easy, and the location puts you within a pleasant walk of the Spokane River and several of the city’s best spots for a post-tasting stroll. It is the kind of place that fits equally well into a date night, a catch-up with old friends, or a solo afternoon of quiet contemplation with something delicious in your glass.
If you have not made it to Townshend Cellar yet, consider this your official invitation. Spokane’s wine scene is deeper and more interesting than most visitors expect, and this is one of the finest places in the city to discover exactly that.
