About Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars opened in 1982 as the 29th winery in Washington, and it is still run by the same family, now in its second generation. Winemaker Kristina Mielke-van Loben Sels and her husband, viticulturist Jim van Loben Sels, have made its wines for more than 20 years. The tasting room is on the Cliff House Estate, a historic Spokane property dating to 1924, with park-like grounds and views across Spokane Valley.
The estate and tasting room are open daily from noon to 5 p.m., closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Wine flights are poured from noon to 4:30 p.m., and wine by the glass or bottle comes with shareable bites. In the cooler months the After Hours series keeps the doors open later, Thursday through Saturday from 5:30 to 8 p.m., with live music; in 2026 it starts October 23 and runs to April 17, and no reservation is needed. Other 2026 dates include a fall case sale October 19 to 25 and a Holiday Art Show with 15 local artists and vendors on November 7 and 8.
Plan this as an adults-only outing. No one under 21 is allowed on the estate, including babies and toddlers, and everyone needs a valid, unexpired ID. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed anywhere on the grounds, even in cars; trained service animals are welcome. Picnics are welcome on the lawns, but outside alcohol is not, and bags and coolers may be checked. Large groups should let the winery know ahead.
Dark Horse Lavender & Herb Farm near Chattaroy, about 25 minutes north, makes sachets, hydrosol and lavender syrup that it sells online and wholesale.
What to do
- Take in the views over Spokane Valley from the Cliff House Estate grounds
- Order a wine flight, daily noon to 4:30 p.m.
- Pack a picnic for the lawns (no outside alcohol)
- Hear live music at After Hours, Thursday–Saturday evenings, late October to mid-April
- Shop the Holiday Art Show, November 7–8, 2026
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open daily year-round; After Hours evenings late October through mid-April
- Hours
- 2026: daily noon–5 p.m. (flights until 4:30); After Hours Thursday–Saturday 5:30–8 p.m., Oct 23, 2026–Apr 17, 2027; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Dogs
- Not allowed (service animals only)
- Reservations
- Walk-in
Tips for your visit
- Everyone must be 21 or older, including infants, and expired IDs are not accepted
- Leave pets at home; they cannot stay in vehicles on the estate either
- Picnics are welcome, but outside alcohol is not and coolers may be inspected
- Weather cancellations are posted on their social pages; plan a designated driver
Pair it with a lavender farm
Dark Horse Lavender & Herb Farm · about 25 minutes away
Dark Horse Lavender & Herb Farm near Chattaroy, about 25 minutes north, sells its lavender goods online and wholesale.
Getting there
Questions
Can children visit Arbor Crest?
No. No one under 21 is allowed on the estate, including infants and toddlers, except at some private events.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed anywhere on the estate; trained service animals are welcome.
Can I bring a picnic?
Yes, picnics are welcome on the grounds, but outside alcohol is prohibited.
What is After Hours?
Evening hours with live music, Thursday through Saturday 5:30 to 8 p.m., from October 23, 2026 to April 17, 2027. No reservation needed.
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
