Marla Cimini on December 22, 2016 0 Comments Known for its famous space needle skyscraper, bold coffee and drizzly skies, Seattle is a picturesque, bustling city that attracts foodies with a multitude of world-class restaurants, museums and cultural experiences, as well as plenty of outdoor activities, including bicycling, hiking and kayaking. Although there is an abundance of sights to see in Seattle, many visitors are thrilled to learn that the town has a nearby wine country of its own — in a valley located only about 30 minutes from downtown. Both residents and tourists love to escape the city for an easy day or weekend trip to leafy Woodinville, a community that’s dotted with over 90 wineries and tasting rooms of all sizes, offering wines that provide distinctive flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Woodinville’s unique warehouse district is a fun, urban destination for wine lovers, featuring more than 55 wineries that are located within close proximity to each other, many within walking distance. Offering a friendly atmosphere, the warehouse district is popular (especially on weekends), as visitors pour in from Seattle and nearby towns to sip and savor the varietals and stroll among the tasting rooms. Every winery has a distinct personality, from funky and flashy to understated and elegant, and some showcase local crafts and artwork as well as offer comfortable seating areas and light bites. The owners are unique as well, ranging in age, expertise and wine preferences. Most of the wineries in Woodinville source their grapes from the Washington Wine Country located on the eastern end of the state, in the area known as Columbia Valley. Featuring sandy, gravel-filled soil and protected by the surrounding Cascade Mountains, Columbia Valley’s temperatures are mild and remain mostly in the mid-80’s during the summer months. In the fall season, the area’s cool evenings enhance the wine’s natural acidity. Essentially located in Seattle’s backyard, Woodinville’s diverse wineries range in size from tiny, family-owned locations to large operations with lovely views and space for major events. Many pour award-winning vintages, and most feature an array of tastings, live music, winemaker dinners and other special events all year long. Most wineries offer wine club memberships, accept visitors daily and provide a variety of tours (groups are encouraged plan visits in advance). A Woodinville wine weekend is easy to plan from Seattle. Several of the must-visit wineries in Woodinville include: Robert Ramsay Cellars Robert Ramsay Cellars Robert Ramsay Cellars is a boutique producer that focuses on several fruit-forward wines with an earthy characteristic that also feature a distinctive minerality, such as Rhone varieties syrah, grenache and mourvedre. Wines here are produced from grapes grown by several Washington state vineyards, including Horse Heaven Hills, Snipes Mountain, Red Mountain and the Yakima Valley. The winery is named after owner Robert Ramsay Harris’s beloved great-uncle Mason Ramsay, who was a rancher and shop teacher who encouraged creativity in his many students. Several of the winery’s most notable wines include Mason’s red, a syrah-based blend that is described by the winery as “food-friendly” wine with high acidity that pairs well with a variety of tastes and flavors. Meanwhile, the Horse Heaven Hills red is a more classic-style syrah with fruit-forward flavors and a spicy character. In addition, visitors fortunate enough to meet winemaker Casey Cobble will be treated to her vast knowledge of Washington state wines, as well as the opportunity to sip and savor some of her favorites. JM Cellars JM Cellars The picturesque JM Cellars sits atop seven wooded acres with an arboretum featuring stunning trees, meandering walking paths, rolling hills and shaded hidden nooks. Located in Woodinville’s tranquil “Bramble Bump” area, this small winery is family-owned by John and Peggy Bigelow, who devote their time to producing the highest quality wines possible. John starting studying winemaking at U.C. Davis in the mid-1990s and the couple made wine at home in Seattle, eventually producing 350 cases of Tre Fanciulli — and their new business was born. Today, the winery produces several wines, including Bramble Bump red, a table wine that’s a blend of cabernet sauvignon, malbec, merlot and petit verdot; and Longevity, a Bordeaux-style vintage with spicy pumpkin and berry notes that is meant to be aged. Their signature wine, Tre Fanciulli, is named after their three sons and made with grapes from three Red Mountain locations: Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun and Shaw. Situated in a stunning locale, JM Cellars hosts an array of special and private events throughout, including weddings and corporate functions. Wine-loving guests enjoy visiting, relaxing on the patios and strolling around the lush landscape. Their stylish tasting room is open on the weekends. Visitors in groups of eight or more must reserve in advance. Chateau Ste. Michelle Chateau Ste. Michelle Washington state’s oldest winery, the regal Chateau Ste. Michelle is considered one of the most popular wine destinations in Woodinville. Steeped in history, the winery was built on the site of an estate that was in existence since the early 1900’s. In 1967, famous winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff introduced a new line of premium “vinifera” wines called Saint Michelle Vintners. A few years later, in the early 1970’s, the elegant French-influenced Chateau Ste. Michelle opened its doors in Woodinville. Today, Chateau Ste. Michelle features two separate innovative wineries. The whites are produced at the Chateau in Woodinville and the reds are made on the eastern end of Washington state — at the Canoe Ridge Estate winery. Combining a traditional “old world” style with the latest technology, this award-winning winery offers a selection of over 50 varietals that range from light whites to bold and robust reds. The vast collection of wines produced by this winery include the sought-after “artist series” that showcases colorful labels from an array of international artists such as Bratsa Bonifacho, T.L Lange, Dale Chihuly. For over twenty years, the winery has annually collaborated with highly-regarded artists to create exclusive works that are featured on the wine bottles, making them quite the collectors’ items. Chateau Ste. Michelle’s other series of wines include include: Ethos Reserve (limited production); Single Vineyard; Indian Wells; and Michelle (a sparkling wine). Some of the winery’s top vintages include a favorite among wine aficionados, the 2012 Ethos Reserve cabernet sauvignon. It is made from grapes sourced from their Cold Creek Vineyard. This complex wine emits notes of ripened berries and is characterized by silky tannins. Another top seller is the 2013 “new world” style Indian Wells Merlot, a full-bodied, warm climate Merlot with a round, supple finish. The winery’s 2011 Artist Series Meritage (Global Dictionary Label) depicts a blue and red color palate created by acclaimed artist Bratsa Bonifacho. This elegant wine offers flavors of black cherry and spicy notes. For visitors, this winery can easily be an all-day destination, as it offers comprehensive tours of the grounds and winery. Chateu Ste. Michelle also hosts many popular outdoor concerts with national (and international) musicians each summer, and tickets are available on the winery’s website. Complimentary tastings are offered, as well as several other experiences for those who wish to have a more intensive wine experience. These must be booked in advance (for a fee) and include the Library Pairings tasting, Col Solare Bottega tasting and others. Covington Cellars Covington Cellars Husband and wife team David and Cindy Lawson founded Covington Cellars based on their strong interest in food, wine and international travel. While David honed his winemaking skills by attending U.C. Davis, Cindy learned the culinary arts and they worked to build a small, family-owned winery that produces exquisite Washington state varietals. These include a variety of reds, such as cabernet sauvignon, malbec, cabernet franc and Sangiovese. Today, together with winemaker Morgan Lee, the winery not only offers a selection of wines, but plenty of fun, interactive classes and unique events as well. In addition to wine blending workshops and accompanying four course gourmet dinners, Covington Gardens’ “afternoon in the cellar” experience offers wine-loving guests the opportunity to meet the winemaker, enjoy a full tour (with a barrel tasting) and sip several distinct wines with food pairings. The tasting room is open on most weekends, and for the most optimal experience, the owners recommend that visitors call in advance to make a reservation. Planning a Visit Situated just a stone’s throw from Seattle, the small town of Woodinville is an easy afternoon jaunt and an ideal weekend destination, as the area offers a variety of restaurants and hotels, as well as special events throughout the year. For those who wish to taste more than wine, Woodinville is home to a number of distilleries and craft breweries as well. Visit these sites for more information about planning your visit to Woodinville: Washington State Wines Woodinville Wine Country
