Yakima Valley has wine and 300 days of sun

What's the draw?

Wine. More than 60 wineries. Outdoor recreation, especially fly-fishing, is popular here, too. The valley gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Plenty of historical and cultural activities highlight this area's Native Americans and Hispanic community.

What's new this summer?

A major new entry on the lodging scene, Ledgestone Hotel, 107 N. Fair Ave. in Yakima, is scheduled to open by the end of May, with 110 luxury suites (www.yakimawahotel.com). An event of note: The Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame Gala, July 12 at Prosser Wine and Food Park, will induct a "wine legend" into the Hall of Fame at the planned Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center, named for the Washington State University horticulturist whose research launched the state's wine industry (www.walterclore.com).

If you go

Miles from Seattle: 142

Round-trip gas cost for Prius hybrid*: $23.67

Round-trip gas cost for Navigator SUV*: $59.17

Lodging worth a look:

• Outlook Inn Guest House at Tefft Cellars, Outlook. The villa has a deck with vineyard views, just a few steps from the tasting room. Fully equipped kitchen. Quiet. Two-night minimum ($395 for two nights, year-round); 888-549-7244 or www.tefftcellars.com.

• Birchfield Manor Country Inn, Yakima. Romantic rooms, some with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs in a country setting. Gourmet dinners, too. Rates year-round: $119-$219. 800-375-3420 or birchfieldmanor.com.

• 4Seasons River Inn, Prosser. A bed-and-breakfast on Yakima River in the middle of wine country. You can moor a boat here and enjoy water sports. Access to indoor pool, spa, fitness room, tennis court, billiards. August Saturday: $125. 509-786-1694 or www.4seasonsriverinn.com.

Dining you won't likely regret:

• Gasperetti's Restaurant. Family-owned Italian restaurant for more than 40 years. Dining-room walls reminiscent of Pompeian frescoes. Local favorites include center-cut filet with Gorgonzola sauce ($38.75), roast chicken with rosemary and lemon ($25) and pork osso bucco ($22.50). 1013 N. First St., Yakima. 509-248-0628 or gasperettisrestaurant.com.

• The Greystone. Fine dining, Northwest cuisine. Features local and hard-to-find wines. Food showcases local producers and the valley's fruits and vegetables. Dishes include Muscovy duck breast with julienne of apples along with a large selection of steaks and seafood. 5 N. Front St., Yakima. 509-248-9801 or greystonerestaurant.com.

More information: Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau, 800-221-0751 or www.visityakima.com.

-- Tan Vinh, Seattle Times staff reporter