High Times: Cave B Inn at Sagecliffe

Perched on the edge of a sun-baked bluff nearly 1,000 feet above the Columbia River, Cave B Inn boasts jaw-dropping views of the sage-lined river and rugged cliffs below. Imagine if the Grand Canyon had an intimate luxury resort situated atop its steep canyon walls, surrounded by a 120-acre vineyard, and you can begin to understand the sheer magnitude of the natural landscape surrounding this unique property.

Located a two-hour drive east of Seattle, in Quincy, Washington, Cave B Inn is the result of visionary owner Dr. Vince Bryan, a retired neurosurgeon, and his wife, Carol, who bought the property in 1980 to develop into a vineyard. The couple felt a desire to share the breathtaking landscape with others, and their first offering was The Gorge Amphitheater, which they co-founded in the early eighties.  The Gorge regularly ranks as the most scenic outdoor concert venue in the world, with natural acoustics and sweeping vistas of the Cascade Mountains and Columbia River.

The couple later sold the amphitheater and opened Cave B Inn in 2005, creating the ultimate place to rest your head after listening to big-name bands like Dave Matthews and Coldplay.  Located just steps from The Gorge, Cave B Inn features 30 guest rooms, including 15 “Cliffehouse” suites and 12 smaller bunker-like Cavern rooms.  Each of the Cliffehouses are named after a grape variety grown on the property and boast sleek granite whirlpool bathtubs, a native stone fireplace, leather couches, and a large outdoor terrace. The unique curved roof-lines appear to roll into the distant basalt cliffs,  blending harmoniously with the surroundings. The smaller Cavern rooms are accessed through a cave-like basalt rock corridor and feature grand floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed views of the rugged windswept landscape.

The inviting main lodge makes the most of its location with soaring ceilings and huge walls of glass in the lobby and gourmet restaurant, Tendrils. Its chef, Shauna Scriver, uses fresh organic ingredients from the property’s own vegetable and herb gardens to create delicious dishes like roasted beet salad and sage-roasted organic pork loin. The tasting menu is a superb way to sample the fifteen different varietals grown on the property.

Just up the hill from the main lobby sits an intimate spa with four treatment rooms. A full menu of therapies are offered along with Vinotherapy specials like the Chardonnay Bliss that includes a Chardonnay grapeseed body scrub followed by a relaxing massage.  Below the Cliffehouses, a heated outdoor pool is built inside a natural rock formation.  Other distractions include a driving range, numerous hiking trails, and bikes to cruise around the vineyard and beyond. Dog lovers may bring their animals and pets receive special doggy gift bags. The resident black lab, Cuvee, is even available for an overnight stay with guests.

The next stage of the Bryan’s vision includes a proposed 700-acre retreat, complete with a golf course, an additional lodge, equestrian center, and exhibition galleries.  For now, guests can sip a glass of wine overlooking the spectacular red cliffs and perhaps even be serenaded by Pearl Jam.  Just remember to book ahead because rooms fill up quickly during concert season and holidays.

Rates range from US$195 for a Cavern room to $395 for a Cliffehouse suite.  Concert weekend prices range from $395 to $825. For more information or to book a room visit here.

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