Sip. Stay. Woodinville.

Step back to 1871, where the tale of Woodinville really begins. Ira and Susan Woodin traveled up the winding Squak Slough—now known as the Sammamish River—and staked out their claim on 160 acres of prime riverside land. Their courage sparked the creation of a town that would grow into today’s lively Woodinville.

The Woodin home quickly became much more than a house. It turned into the region’s first school, the neighborhood post office, and even the site for Sunday School gatherings. Susan Woodin was the area’s first official postmaster, organizing letters and packages from a humble family room. As more settlers arrived, the Woodins’ kindness and community focus shaped the social heart of the valley.

All Aboard: Railroads Change Everything

Big changes steamed into Woodinville in 1888 with the arrival of the Seattle-Lake Shore and Eastern Railway. Before trains, logs floated down the river to Seattle’s lumber mills, but tracks brought new business and newfound energy. Suddenly, Woodinville grew fast.

Woodinville’s central district sprang up around the railroad depot, bringing in new homes, shops, saloons, general stores, and even tearooms. By 1909, the town bustled with hotels, sawmills, feed stores, brick-makers, and a small school-desk factory. The gathering of new faces and businesses helped Woodinville feel like home to people from all walks of life.

Boom Times for Farms

Alongside logging, farming flourished in the Sammamish Valley. With Lake Washington lowered in 1916, fields were drained, and rich soil drew in dairy and produce farms. Hollywood Farm quickly became famous for milk production, and fresh milk was sent daily to Seattle from the Woodinville valley.

Families like the DeYoungs ran produce packing sheds that shipped fruits and vegetables by rail, not just nearby, but as far as the East Coast. Woodinville’s rolling meadows and orchards gained fame for their bounty, a reputation that still echoes at farmers’ markets and farm-to-table restaurants.

Schoolhouses and Community Pride

Education mattered from the start in Woodinville. At first, classes took place in the Woodin family home. As more families moved to the growing town, the community built a one-room school in 1892. Fire destroyed it a few years later, but the town rebuilt with energy.

By 1909, a grand brick school stood on the site—the first of its kind east of Lake Washington. Enlarged over the decades, this building saw high school dances, loud basketball games, and town meetings. While classrooms have changed names and uses, they remain a core of community pride.

Moving into the Modern Era

After its rural beginnings, Woodinville continued to evolve. The post-World War II era saw the area develop as a suburb of Seattle, drawing in families who wanted a little peace without leaving city perks behind. Parks, trails, renovated schools, and family events all helped keep that tight-knit spirit alive.

In the 1960s, rock music legends echoed across Woodinville when the area hosted the Seattle Pop Festival. Bands like Led Zeppelin made memories at Gold Creek Park, showing that Woodinville knows how to put on a show.

Incorporation didn’t come fast or easy. Locals spent years debating whether to become their own city or join their neighbor, Bothell. After much anticipation and community votes, Woodinville officially became a city on March 31, 1993. Today, city leaders and the City Manager carry forward the same community-oriented mindset the Woodins inspired.

Explore Woodinville Today

Locals and visitors alike find plenty to do in Woodinville. The town is celebrated for its over 100 wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Each offers unique tastings, special events, and clubs starring regional flavors. The Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery stands where dairy cows once grazed—now a top spot for tasting Washington’s best pours and catching a summer concert.

Bike paths weave through the city, parks offer green space for families, and art installations add color to every corner. The Woodinville Farmers Market and community events like Celebrate Woodinville bring everyone together for food, music, and memories.

Heritage Lives On

The Woodinville Heritage Society ensures the town’s story is never forgotten. This dedicated group preserves photographs, artifacts, and personal stories so that each generation can learn and appreciate the journey from sawmills to vineyards.

Want to dive deeper? The Woodinville Visitor Center is a great starting point. Knowledgeable staff share tips on wine tasting, local history, and events you won’t want to miss. Don’t leave without exploring the interactive digital map to uncover parks, shops, and historic landmarks.

What Makes Woodinville Special

• Rich history that began with a pioneering family and grew with help from all who followed.

• Top wine country with tastings, festivals, and internationally known brands.

• A community that celebrates education, the arts, and the great outdoors.

• Proximity to Seattle, making it the perfect mix of small-town comfort and urban access.

• Events year-round, from art tours to balloon rides and foodie adventures.

Whether you call Woodinville home or you’re dropping by, a visit quickly shows this is a place where past meets present in a way that feels truly welcoming. Every street corner, park, and tasting room has a story waiting to be shared, making Woodinville a wonderful place to create new memories and celebrate old ones.