Markets

Finding food out in the winery back roads can be a hit-or-miss affair. Load up on picnic supplies in town before you head out to ensure a happy and fulfilling wine excursion. Deep Sea Deli (9th and Summitview, 509/248-1484, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat., closed Sun.) stocks specialty cheese, meats, and crackers. It also smokes its own salmon right on the property. Or leave the lunch packing up to Buhrmaster Baking Co. and Restaurant (1 West Yakima Ave. #30, Track 29, 509/469-9973, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Sat., closed Sun.), which prepares box lunches to go for wine tourists.

Pulse Foods (4315 Main St., Union Gap, 509/452-5386) has delicious artisan breads and health foods.

Fresh fruit, vegetable stands, and U-pick places can be found throughout the Yakima Valley [1]. From Yakima, the easiest way to find them is to take Highway 97 and exit off Lateral A Road. Head down south and let the signs guide you. The farm roads are ruler-straight, so it is pretty much impossible to get lost.

One sure winner is Barrett Orchards (1209 Pecks Canyon Rd., 509/966-1275, www.treeripened.com [2]), where you can pick cherries, pears, apples, peaches, or whatever is in season. Or let them do the work and buy from its farm store. It’s also fun to just head down Highways 97 and 22 until something looks interesting—hand-painted signs are as numerous as the fruit they advertise.