Step Inside: Chateau Ste Michelle Winery in Washington

Say cheers to the Summer Concert Series at Chateau Ste Michelle Winery! Every year from May through September, the seasonal outdoor venue serves up a musical variety of rock, pop and jazz rivaling the historic host winery’s own broad selection of reds and whites. Below, discover more about Chateau Ste Michelle Winery and why the Washington estate makes the perfect pairing with a night of music.

Chateau Ste Michelle Winery History

Chateau Ste Michelle Winery not only helped establish an industry-shifting foothold for wine producers in the Pacific Northwest, but became a travel destination in itself as it grew into a full-fledged estate and performance venue. Standing on a property about 20 miles outside of Seattle in Woodinville that dates back to 1912, Chateau Ste Michelle remains the oldest active winery in Washington State. Though the beautifully landscaped grounds and French-style chateau give it a vintage feel, the winery has also embraced innovation in its focus for elite hospitality and entertainment.

In 1984, the owners of Chateau Ste Michelle Winery launched a run of small music shows as a sweetener for vino enthusiasts. First presented in the parking lot, the Summer Concert Series became an annual fixture that eventually called for its own amphitheater to be built on the estate. Over the years, the Summer Concert Series has shown the same sharp palette and deft curation skills as the vintners producing the wine, with legends such as Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan and The B-52s gracing the stage as well as major contemporary artists like John Legend, Sarah McLachlan, Kelsea Ballerini and Jason Mraz.

In 2023, the venue hosted its largest stretch of shows in one season with 41 dates total, then celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024.

Get to Know Chateau Ste Michelle Winery

Venue Features

Concerts at Chateau Ste Michelle Winery take place at the outdoor amphitheater directly across from the main winery building. The distinctive French chateau, which was built in 1976 when the Woodinville location became the company headquarters, stands adjacent to the performance space to be admired on arrival by every passing concertgoer. In 1978, the Manor House and gardens were added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Providing sweeping views of the immaculate 118-acre estate, the amphitheater at Chateau Ste Michelle Winery is equally of its setting and otherworldly. Despite its close proximity to the Seattle metropolitan area, the venue is a stark change of scenery from the city. Pack a picnic for the massive lawn or reserve a spot on a walking tour or wine tasting experience to take in the full breadth of the winery’s offerings.

Seating and Viewing Options

The amphitheater at Chateau Ste Michelle Winery rests at the bottom of a gradual slope, so even the highest row gets a great view of the stage. Reserved seating runs along the flat base of the hill in front of the stage, while general admission lawn areas flank both sides of the seated section. Two reserved lawn seating sections follow behind. Chairs are provided for reserved seated and reserved lawn seating, but guests in general admission will need to bring or buy their own — with no seat higher than 12″ or top taller than 32″ unless in a designated “High Back Chair” section.

Meanwhile, VIP packages at Chateau Ste Michelle Winery provide access to reserved tables and cabanas behind and above the standard reserved and general admission areas as well as the private Peacock Lounge.

Chateau Ste Michelle Winery has the capacity for up to 4,500 fans. To view the venue layout, check out Chateau Ste Michelle Winery’s seating chart.

Venue Accessibility

Chateau Ste Michelle Winery offers tickets for ADA Reserved seating with one companion, though both reserved and general admission seating areas feature accessible routes through the amphitheater. ADA parking is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the north and south entrances of the venue, though pick-up and drop-off can be arranged if lots are at capacity. Any specific accommodations should be addressed ahead of the event via email or by phone at 425-488-1133.

Parking and Admission at Chateau Ste Michelle Winery

Chateau Ste Michelle Winery is located at 14111 Northeast 145th Street in Woodinville, Washington. The closest public transportation hub can be found at the Woodinville Park And Ride, which services the ST522 bus line, though commuters should verify the bus’ operating hours on the Sound Transit website. The venue is also reachable by bike via the Sammamish River Trail.

For drivers, parking at Chateau Ste Michelle Winery costs $40 for onsite spaces when available. Meanwhile, offsite parking nearby opens three hours before showtime and goes for $20. The designated overflow area is located at 15300 Redmond-Woodinville Road Northeast in Woodinville, Washington and includes a shuttle to and from the South Gate entrance. A parking pass can be purchased in advance with your concert ticket. Guests using rideshare will need to walk to the designated pickup spot on 145th Street while cars are still exiting the venue.

Entering from either the North or South Gate, fans can step into the amphitheater about two hours before the show starts. Each guest is permitted to bring one item or bag, one blanket and one chair when seated in the appropriate section. To promote plenty of picnicking, the bag policy at Chateau Ste Michelle Winery allows tote bags, small backpacks and hard or soft sided coolers no larger than 14″ x 14″ x 14″. Rain jackets and umbrellas are also encouraged due to the chateau’s rain or shine performance policy. Notably, glass containers are prohibited from the amphitheater space unless they are still-sealed bottles of wine purchased on the premises. Find the full list of Chateau Ste Michelle Winery’s rules for admission on the venue’s visitor page.

Though most performances are open to fans all ages, the age restrictions for concerts at Chateau Ste Michelle Winery vary by event. Tickets are required for any child three years or older, while children two years or younger can access the general admission area with a ticketed adult for free.

 

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Nearby Attractions

Food & Drink Near Chateau Ste Michelle Winery

By design, Chateau Ste Michelle Winery is a self-sustaining food and beverage hub in itself. Aside from the Chateau Picnic experience or shareable and large plates served in the venue’s Tasting Room, guests can find a number of food options inside the amphitheater, including local vendors like Bar Dojo, Isidro’s and Nutty Squirrel Gelato. All alcoholic beverages consumed on the grounds must be purchased at Chateau Ste Michelle Winery, though the venue also sells an assortment of beer from local breweries. Fittingly, the winery introduced a set of concert-inspired wines to pair nicely with a night of live music.

Hotels Near Chateau Ste Michelle Winery

Turn a stop at Chateau Ste Michelle Winery into a true vacation by booking a room at one of the nearby accommodations. Less than a mile away, guests can stay at Willows Lodge, located on the Sammamish River, or the Holly Creek Farmhouse B&B. The Hampton Inn & Suites-Seattle Woodinville and the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Seattle-Bothell, WA are just a bit farther out, while neighboring cities like Redmond and Kirkland host the Archer Hotel Redmond, the Redmond Inn, The Heathman Hotel Kirkland and the Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Kirkland.