Photo by Brooke Huffman
There’s something magical about sipping your way through the seasons on the Kitsap Peninsula. As a local, I’ve come to appreciate just how much this corner of the Pacific Northwest has to offer—from crisp ciders and fruity rosés to farm-fresh meals and music-filled patios. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just planning your next weekend escape, I can’t recommend these experiences enough.
Let’s start in Poulsbo, where one of the newest additions to the scene—The SIP Taproom + Wine Bar—is quickly becoming a go-to hangout. Tucked into Front Street with a view of the water from the patio, this self-pour taproom features 36 rotating taps of wine, cider, beer, non-alcoholic beer, craft sodas, and cold brewed coffee. It’s casual and fun, with games like shuffleboard, pinball, and arcade machines, plus delicious food like nachos, paninis, charcuterie boards, and even options for the kids.
Even better? The SIP is open daily from 11:30 AM to 9 PM. It’s a playful, modern concept where you pour everything yourself—by the ounce—so you can sample a little of this and a little of that. Lately, cider has been my go-to fill. With two taps dedicated to cider that rotate often, I’ve tried the Offset Ciderworks Peach and Seattle Cider Co. Honeycrisp—both were seriously tasty. Before you visit, be sure to check their live tap list online at www.pouryoursip.com to plan your perfect pour.
Next, make your way to Bainbridge Island, where Eagle Harbor Wine Co. continues to impress. Known for their big, bold, and thoughtfully crafted red wines, they also offer the whites and rosés you’d expect in a summer lineup. Their winery in the Three Tree Lane business park comes alive in the warmer months with live music every Sunday from 2–4 PM through September 21st.
I recently caught one of their Sunday concerts and paired my glass with oysters on the half shell from local purveyor Salish Sea Greens—chef’s kiss. Check their website at eagleharbor.wine for details on when food vendors will be onsite. Their summer programming is full of reasons to relax, sip, and stay a while.
To round out the tasting tour, don’t miss Heyday Farm, also on Bainbridge Island. This family-owned, six-acre sustainable farm is as charming as it is intentional. Every week, they host community dinners in their historic farmhouse, offering a rotating menu that highlights what’s fresh from the land, air, garden, and sea.
Whether you’re indulging in a hearty seafood main or savoring the flavors of just-picked produce, Heyday embodies the spirit of Kitsap’s farm-to-table movement.
Kitsap is a place where the pace slows, the glasses fill, and each season brings something new to sip and savor.
Plan your trip to the Kitsap Peninsula today—and come hungry.
About the Author:Brooke Huffman is the founder of The Social Sip, a marketing agency dedicated to helping wineries connect with consumers through storytelling and social media. With an MBA, WSET Level 2 certification, and 19 years in brand marketing, she combines business expertise with a deep passion for wine. Brooke and her husband, J, also own The Sip, a self-serve taproom in Poulsbo, WA.