The sustainable food scene is having a moment in Wenatchee. From farmer’s markets and local producers to natural grocery stores and organic restaurants, the greater Wenatchee Valley has a lot to offer those who are seeking a socially and environmentally conscious food experience.
"We are famous as a growing region whether launching new varieties of apples, cherries or pears or showcasing our technological advances in packing. We too care about what we eat, where it comes from and how it was grown. Our most popular restaurants and caterers understand it too, said Jerri Barkley, Marketing Director for the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Below are some of our favorite places forsustainable-focused foodies to dine, shop and explore while in town.
Where to Eat
Pybus Market is always a great place to start, with Pybus Bistro being a great pick for its locally-sourcedingredients and menu full of French-inspired comfort food. McGlinn’s Public House is another Wenatcheestaple that goes out of its way to support local businesses and producers. Inaddition to tasty grub full of fresh ingredients, visitors should hang aroundfor the regular live music.
For a quick bite (or tasty cup of Joe) Mela Coffee Roasting Co., Café Columbia atPybus Market and Little Red’s Bakery and Espresso are all members of Tread LightlyFriday – an initiative organized by Sustainable Wenatchee to encouragecustomers to shop and eat sustainably through weekly discounts.
Where to Drink
Before going anywhere, swing by the tastingroom at the Wenatchee Visitor’s Center, which features local selectionsfrom three breweries, six cideries and 25 wineries. For beer snobs, the WenatcheeBrewer’s Row highlights some of the best local breweries, including thoselike Icicle Brewing who are openlypassionate about using sustainable practices.
Wine connoisseurs should head to Norwood Wine Bar – an upscale tasting room on Wenatchee’s main avenue that exclusively serves local, Washington wines. Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards and Rocky Pond Winery’s Clos CheValle Vineyard are both Low Impact Viticulture and Enology (LIVE) certified – an internationally accredited designation that demonstrates their support of environmentally and socially conscious wine growing. Malaga Springs Winery also demonstrates a “love for the natural world” through the use of sustainable, straw bale buildings.
Where to Shop
The WenatcheeValley Farmer’s Market is a favorite for finding locally-sourced goods fromMay through October, featuring a range of producers and artisans. If you’revisiting in the off-season, RhubarbMarket is a year-round, farm-to-table grocer that works with small familyfarms and is dedicated to strengthening the local food economy. Royal Produce at Pybus Market employssimilar practices and is a member of Sustainable Wenatchee’s Tread LightlyFriday, along with WenatcheeNatural Foods.
U-Pick Tours are another great way to check out localproduce, particularly during Wenatchee’s famous apple season. Stutzman Ranch is a goodstarting point as a fourth generation, local farm, with tours operating Junethrough September. Starr Ranch Growers isalso headquartered in Wenatchee and is committed to using non-invasive farmingpractices.