Harvest in Hollywood
Thursday, October 4
4:00pm – 8:00pm
First Thursday Wine Walk in the Hollywood District
425.208.2770
http://www.woodwarewine.com

Come join the wineries and tasting rooms of Woodinville’s Hollywood Tourist District for this celebration of the Fall Harvest in Woodinville! Taste, tour and collect your fall favorites to stock your cellars. Participating wineries include: Airfield Estates, Cougar Crest, DiStefano, Dusted Valley, J. Bookwalter, Matthews, Otis Kenyon, Patterson, and William Church. Go online more information to purchase tickets.

Freckles Wine, Music and Art Auction
Saturday, October 6
6:30pm – 9:30pm
Matthews Estate
16116 140th Pl NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.487.9810
http://www.matthewsestate.com

It’s a benefit for Homeward Pet! You are invited to join Freckles, the Matthews Estate wine dog, for an evening of Wine, Music & Art to benefit Homeward Pet Adoption Center. Tickets are $10/person which includes one glass of wine. Additional wine available for purchase.

Corks and Canvas
Saturday, October 6
10:00am – 12:00pm
Apex at Alder Ridge
14450 Woodinville Redmond Road
Woodinville, Washington 98072
425.408.1796
http://www.apexatalderridge.com

Get your creative juices flowing early as we gather for a morning of fun, laughter and painting. This two-hour painting party features art that’s perfect for hanging in your kitchen and includes all your supplies and instruction. Mimosas are available for just $4. Event price is $35/person. Register online at http://www.corksandcanvasevents.com.

Wine Blending Workshop & Four Course Family-Style Wine-Paired Dinner
Sunday, October 7
3:00pm – 6:00pm
Covington Cellars
18580 142nd Ave. NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.806.8636
http://www.covingtoncellars.com

Be a Winemaker for a day! Experience first-hand what goes into making the perfect blend. You’ll have two hours with the winemaker to swirl and sip three red varietals to create your perfect blend. Once you’ve bottled your masterpiece you’ll cork it, wax the top and design your own label (crayons provided)! Afterwards, relax over a four course wine-paired family-style dinner. $99/person. To purchase tickets and make reservations please email wines@covingtoncellars.com.

America’s Test Kitchen with Julia Collin Davison
Saturday, October 13
4:30pm – 6:30pm
Chateau Ste. Michelle
14111 NE 145th Street
Woodinville, WA 98072
800.267.6793
http://www.ste-michelle.com

Julia Collin Davison from the television series America’s Test Kitchen will demonstrate recipes from her recently released cookbook! Also, Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Culinary Director John Sarich, chef and farmer Brian Scheehser, and Jon Rowley from Taylor Shellfish Farms will be on hand to share their expertise. The fun will start with a demonstration of recipes and cooking techniques as well as insights into local and sustainable products from the Northwest. Light appetizers and wine pairings will follow. Tickets are $65.00/person online or by phone.

Crush! in Woodinville
Sunday, October 14
11:00am – 5:00pm
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/268656

Ten producing wineries in Woodinville will each present a Crush oriented topic from “Sorting, Destemming and Crushing” to “Malolactic Fermentation”. A great time to experience what really goes on during CRUSH! Tickets are $65/person. Purchase them online HERE.

Halloween at the Warehouse
Thursday October 18
4:00pm – 8:00pm
Third Thursday Wine Walk in the Warehouse District
http://www.woodwarewine.com

Come as you are, or as your most ghoulish alter-ego to this popular wine walk event. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Participating wineries include Alta, Barrage, Bunnell, Convergence Zone, Davenport, Des Voigne, Eye of the Needle, Gecko, Kaella, Matthews, Michael Florentino, Page, Patterson, Piccola, Pondera, Red Sky, Vortex. This is a “bring your own glass” event. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website.

Harvest Food and Wine Festival
Saturday October 20
12:00pm – 5:00pm
The Warehouse
http://www.woodwarewine.com

Looking for a fun fall activity? Walk among the wineries and visit with winemakers as they go about their 2012 Harvest activities. Grapes will be brewing and a variety of mobile food vendors will be on site including Lumpia World, Urban Nomad, G&G Dogs, & Sweet Wheels so come hungry…and thirsty! Live music and special tastings at some locations. No tickets are required for this event. Normal tasting fees apply at each winery. Participating Wineries: Alta Cellars, Bunnell Winery, Elevation Cellars, Davenport Cellars, Des Voigne Cellars, Gecko Wine Co., Haystack Needle, Matthews Estates, Michael Florentino, Page Cellars, Patterson Cellars, Piccola Cellars, Pondera Cellars, Red Sky, Robert Ramsay, Tenor Wines, and William Church.

Fall Cooking Class
Wednesday, October 24
7:00pm
Tefft Cellars
16110 Woodinville Redmond Rd NE, Suite 5
Woodinville, WA 98072
888.549.7244
http://www.tefftcellars.com

Learn to cook & eat these fall classics of Romaine lettuce with warm bacon & blue cheese dressing, steamed clams and Butternut Squash Soup all served with rustic bread. $35/person.

Comedy Club Night
Thursday, October 25
6:00pm – 8:30pm
Columbia Winery
14030 N.E. 145th Street
Woodinville, WA 98072
http://www.columbiawinery.com

Featuring Geoff Lott, Xung Lam and Host, Nigel Larson. Meet the Comedians Wine and Cheese Reception and stay for the Comedy Show! Tickets $40/person. Special Cellar Club Pricing $30/person. Tickets and more information available online.

Hallowine
Saturday, October 27
11:00am – 5:00pm
Silver Lake Winery
15029 Woodinville Redmond Road
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.485.2437
http://www.silverlakewinery.com

A Halloween themed food and wine pairing event! $10/public $5/people in costume, shareholders, and wine club members!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Images: L.M. Archer, binNotes©

Note to self while attending Woodinville CRUSH 2012: Crush is noun, verb, AND state of mind.

If you’re a Woodinville winemaker, Crush means trekking back and forth across mountain passes to check on Columbia Valley AVA fruit, haggling with growers about hang-times, and running labs to determine brix (sugar) levels. It also means networking and negotiating with fellow winegrowers about trucking the fruit from Eastern Washington to Woodinville winery warehouses.

If you’re winery staff or a volunteer, Crush means unloading fruit once it arrives – ton of it – as well as de-stemming, sorting, crushing, fermenting, and man-handling barrels. To Woodinville wine folks in general, Crush means participating in a well-honed, fairly drama-free system built upon strong relationships, mutual respect, and exhaustion.

If Crush is a team sport, then the fruit fly serves as mascot. To fruit flies, Crush means an endless all-you-can-drink buffet of stainless steel, double-hulled plastic, and fiberglass vats of fermenting fruit. Fruit fly control methods run the gamut from tarps to sheets to cups of wine on vat corners to entice and drown the little suckers.

Fermentation protocols vary as well. Some winemakers take a more ‘by the book’ or scientific approach, using commercial yeasts and traditional fermentation processes. Other winemakers opt for an ‘off the hook’ i.e., artistic approach, preferring natural yeasts and unconventional varietal co-fermentation.

The complex array of varietals delivered adds to the Crush State of Mind. Merlot, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah – each varietal demands a different level of care and nurturing during fermentation before extracting and barreling.

The brief window of opportunity to pick, ship, and handle the fruit at optimum conditions means intense, long, sleep-deprived days. Remarkable, considering the upbeat attitude of the winemakers and staff ushering binNotes around this past week.

Thanks to Woodinville Wine Country and Wine PR Maven Katie Sims for coordinating this press event, and to hosting cast and crew:

DeLille Cellars
17621 128th PL NE, Woodinville, WA 98072
Jason Gorski, Assistant Winemaker
Melissa Kennedy, Customer Relations/Volunteer Coordinator

Brian Carter Cellars
14030 NE 145th St., Woodinville, WA 98072
Mike Stevens, Managing Partner
Brian Carter, Winemaker

Sparkman Cellars
19501 144th Ave. NE, #E-400 Woodinville, WA 98072
Linn Scott, Assistant Winemaker

Covington Cellars
18580 142nd Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072
Dave and Cindy Lawson, Proprietors
Morgan Lee, Winemaker
Dinner at Covington Cellars: Julie Bergstrom, in-house chef

Cheers!

Woodinville Wine Cellars’ 8th Annual Summer Party
Saturday, August 4
1:00pm – 5:00pm
Woodinville Wine Cellars
17721 132nd Ave. NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.481.8860
http://www.woodinvillewine.com

Enjoy spectacularly prepared food, live music and, of course, outstanding wine! This is one of our favorite events of the year! Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, BBQ prepared by Chef John Price of Redmond’s Spazzo Italian Grill & Wine Bar, live music, and beautiful grassy picnic grounds. Don’t forget to bring your picnic blanket or chairs. Tickets for Wine Club Members $50.00/person; Non-Members $60.00/person. Tickets and more information available online.

Cigar Dinner with Mark Newton and Bobby Moore
Friday, August 10
7:00pm
DiStefano Winery
12280 NE Woodinville Dr
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.487.1648
http://www.distefanowinery.com

DiStefano Winery in Woodinville is known for their outside deck Cigar Dinners, with barrel bonfires, rich wines and exquisite dinners. Barking Frog Executive Chef, Bobby Moore will prepare a five-course dinner and Mark Newton, DiStefano Winery Owner and Winemaker, will pair each course with wine and fine cigars. Reservations and more information are available online. $125/per person.

Corks and Canvas
Thursday, August 16
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Apex at Alder Ridge
14450 Woodinville Redmond Road, Suite 105
Woodinville WA 98072
425.408.1796
http://www.corksandcanvasevents.com

Uncork your creativity and your love for wine! The event fee includes paint, brushes, canvas, instruction and one glass of wine. Come out to Woodinville for this unique wine event and come create something special. Wine specials and cheese plates are always available. Register online.

Third Thursday Wine Walk: Go Red for Women
Thursday, August 16
4:00pm – 8:00pm
Page Cellars
19495 144th Ave NE, Building B
Woodinville, WA 98072
http://www.woodwarewine.com

This month’s Wine Walk is “Bite at the Warehouse”. Sample wines from more than 15 wineries for a $20 tasting fee and nosh on bites from restaurants and gourmet food trucks for $1-$5. Plus, Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s solution to save women’s lives. Attendees will be encouraged to wear red to the event, and anyone who wears red will be entered in a drawing for an American Heart Association Cookbook, bottles of wine, and other prizes. Please bring your own glass for the event.

2nd Annual Salmon BBQ
Saturday, August 18
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Otis Kenyon Wine
14525 148th Ave NE, Suite 111
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.949.7865
http://www.otiskenyonwine.com

Summer is here so throw some salmon on the grill, pop a bottle of Otis Kenyon Syrah and soak up the sun! It’s the Second Annual Salmon and Syrah BBQ. Applewood Catering will be manning the grill and setting up the sides and we will be pouring the vino. Tickets include the full four course meal are $25/person and just $15/person for wine club members. Tickets available online or by phone.

3rd Annual All White Party
Friday, August 24
7:00pm – 10:00pm
Matthews Estate
16116 140th Pl NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.487.9810
http://www.matthewsestate.com

What has fast become an end-of-summer tradition here in Woodinville – the 3rd Annual All-White Party! Guests must dress in all-white. Prepare for an incredible evening of wine, fashion, music, and dancing.Tickets are $10/person in advance and $25/person at the door.

Patio Party
Saturday, August 25
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Silver Lake Winery
15029 Woodinville-Redmond Rd
Woodinville, WA, 98072
425.485.2437 x 109
http://www.silverlakewinery.com

End of summer is near, come celebrate with a Patio Party! Wine tasting from Silver Lake, Girly Girl, Glen Fiona, and Leone Wines and beer tasting from Fish Tale Ales, Reel Ales, Leavenworth Biers, and Spire Cider. Enjoy food from Fish Tale Brew Pub and live music.

Wine Blending Workshop and Four Course Wine Paired Dinner
Sunday, August 26
3:00pm – 6:00pm
Covington Cellars
18580 142nd Ave NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.806.8636
http://www.covingtoncellars.com

Be a winemaker for a day! Join the winemakers and learn what we look for when blending wines. Guests will be given three different red varietals to create a blend truly their own. You’ll have two hours to create your cellar worthy blend, bottle it and design your own label. Following the blending workshop, winemakers in training gather for a four course wine paired family style dinner. $89/pp + tax and gratuity. Call for reservations.

Wine 101: Wine Sensory Exploration with Regina Daigneault of South Seattle Community College
Wednesday, August 29
6:00pm
Obelisco-Estate Winery
19495 144th Ave NE, Suite B-220
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.485.2472
http://www.obelisco.com

Gain a greater appreciation of the wine tasting experience in this hands-on class led by South Seattle Community College’s Regina Daigneault. Students will learn about the expression of acidity, tannin, sweetness and alcohol on the palate, their relationship to each other, and develop an understanding in how to detect aromas. Cost is $40/person. Class is limited to 18 wine enthusiasts. Call for reservations.

Woodinville Wine Cellars’ 8th Annual Summer Party
Saturday, August 4
1:00pm – 5:00pm
Woodinville Wine Cellars
17721 132nd Ave. NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.481.8860
http://www.woodinvillewine.com

Enjoy spectacularly prepared food, live music and, of course, outstanding wine! This is one of our favorite events of the year! Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, BBQ prepared by Chef John Price of Redmond’s Spazzo Italian Grill & Wine Bar, live music, and beautiful grassy picnic grounds. Don’t forget to bring your picnic blanket or chairs. Tickets for Wine Club Members $50.00/person; Non-Members $60.00/person. Tickets and more information available online.

Cigar Dinner with Mark Newton and Bobby Moore
Friday, August 10
7:00pm
DiStefano Winery
12280 NE Woodinville Dr
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.487.1648
http://www.distefanowinery.com

DiStefano Winery in Woodinville is known for their outside deck Cigar Dinners, with barrel bonfires, rich wines and exquisite dinners. Barking Frog Executive Chef, Bobby Moore will prepare a five-course dinner and Mark Newton, DiStefano Winery Owner and Winemaker, will pair each course with wine and fine cigars. Reservations and more information are available online. $125/per person.

Corks and Canvas
Thursday, August 16
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Apex at Alder Ridge
14450 Woodinville Redmond Road, Suite 105
Woodinville WA 98072
425.408.1796
http://www.corksandcanvasevents.com

Uncork your creativity and your love for wine! The event fee includes paint, brushes, canvas, instruction and one glass of wine. Come out to Woodinville for this unique wine event and come create something special. Wine specials and cheese plates are always available. Register online.

Third Thursday Wine Walk: Go Red for Women
Thursday, August 16
4:00pm – 8:00pm
Page Cellars
19495 144th Ave NE, Building B
Woodinville, WA 98072
http://www.woodwarewine.com

This month’s Wine Walk is “Bite at the Warehouse”. Sample wines from more than 15 wineries for a $20 tasting fee and nosh on bites from restaurants and gourmet food trucks for $1-$5. Plus, Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s solution to save women’s lives. Attendees will be encouraged to wear red to the event, and anyone who wears red will be entered in a drawing for an American Heart Association Cookbook, bottles of wine, and other prizes. Please bring your own glass for the event.

2nd Annual Salmon BBQ
Saturday, August 18
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Otis Kenyon Wine
14525 148th Ave NE, Suite 111
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.949.7865
http://www.otiskenyonwine.com

Summer is here so throw some salmon on the grill, pop a bottle of Otis Kenyon Syrah and soak up the sun! It’s the Second Annual Salmon and Syrah BBQ. Applewood Catering will be manning the grill and setting up the sides and we will be pouring the vino. Tickets include the full four course meal are $25/person and just $15/person for wine club members. Tickets available online or by phone.

3rd Annual All White Party
Friday, August 24
7:00pm – 10:00pm
Matthews Estate
16116 140th Pl NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.487.9810
http://www.matthewsestate.com

What has fast become an end-of-summer tradition here in Woodinville – the 3rd Annual All-White Party! Guests must dress in all-white. Prepare for an incredible evening of wine, fashion, music, and dancing.Tickets are $10/person in advance and $25/person at the door.

Patio Party
Saturday, August 25
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Silver Lake Winery
15029 Woodinville-Redmond Rd
Woodinville, WA, 98072
425.485.2437 x 109
http://www.silverlakewinery.com

End of summer is near, come celebrate with a Patio Party! Wine tasting from Silver Lake, Girly Girl, Glen Fiona, and Leone Wines and beer tasting from Fish Tale Ales, Reel Ales, Leavenworth Biers, and Spire Cider. Enjoy food from Fish Tale Brew Pub and live music.

Wine Blending Workshop and Four Course Wine Paired Dinner
Sunday, August 26
3:00pm – 6:00pm
Covington Cellars
18580 142nd Ave NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.806.8636
http://www.covingtoncellars.com

Be a winemaker for a day! Join the winemakers and learn what we look for when blending wines. Guests will be given three different red varietals to create a blend truly their own. You’ll have two hours to create your cellar worthy blend, bottle it and design your own label. Following the blending workshop, winemakers in training gather for a four course wine paired family style dinner. $89/pp + tax and gratuity. Call for reservations.

Wine 101: Wine Sensory Exploration with Regina Daigneault of South Seattle Community College
Wednesday, August 29
6:00pm
Obelisco-Estate Winery
19495 144th Ave NE, Suite B-220
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.485.2472
http://www.obelisco.com

Gain a greater appreciation of the wine tasting experience in this hands-on class led by South Seattle Community College’s Regina Daigneault. Students will learn about the expression of acidity, tannin, sweetness and alcohol on the palate, their relationship to each other, and develop an understanding in how to detect aromas. Cost is $40/person. Class is limited to 18 wine enthusiasts. Call for reservations.

Cooking Class with Bobby Moore of Barking Frog Restaurant
Thursday, February 9
6:30pm – 9:30pm
Matthews Cellars
16116 140th Pl NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.487.9810
http://www.matthewscellars.com

“Learn how to Impress Your Sweetheart” is the theme of the cooking class. Chef Bobby will put together some aphrodisiac courses for you and your sweetheart to enjoy. Each of you will learn how to shuck oysters and make a mignonette, sear Ahi and create a creamed cranberry beat reduction, make homemade Crème Fresh and Chocolate truffles. Each course will be paired with either a Matthews or Tenor wine. $69/person. Call for reservations.

Valentine’s Day Five Course Wine Dinner
Friday, February 10
7:30pm
DiStefano Winery
12280 NE Woodinville Drive
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.487.1648
http://www.distefanowinery.com

Enjoy an evening of dipping your own chocolate truffles! The evening also includes dinner for two and a special bottle of DiStefano Wine to share. Take home your truffles in a Valentine gift box. $100/couple. Call for reservations.

A Latin-Ispired Evening with The Paella King
Friday, February 10
6:00pm – 8:00pm
J. Bookwalter Tasting Studio
14810 Northeast 145th Street
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.488.1983
http://www.bookwalterwines.com

A festive evening celebrating great wine paired with a wonderful mixed paella dish made especially by The Paella King, music by a Spanish/Latin guitarist and delicious Wellington chocolates. Ticket price includes paella, wine tasting and chocolates. $20/Small Plate; $31/Large Plate. Call for reservations.

“Lick My Lips” Syrah Release Party
Saturday, February 11
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Page Cellars
19495 144th Ave NE, Ste B205
Woodinville, WA 98072
253.232.9463
http://www.pagecellars.com

Join Page Cellars for the release of their “2008 Lick My Lips”. Don’t forget to bring your lips! Jilly Eddy, the Seattle Lipsologist, will be on hand to read and review your lip prints. Leave your lip print before you go to enter it in the “Get your lips on the next bottle of Page Cellars Lick my Lips” contest. Enjoy the new release along with live Reggae by “Higher Vibes”. FREE.

Valentine’s Six Course Wine Paired Dinner
Saturday, February 11 7:00pm
Tuesday, February 14 7:00pm
Covington Cellars
18580 142nd Avenue NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.806.8636
http://www.covingtoncellars.com

Nothing says LOVE better than wine – except maybe a six course wine-paired Valentine’s dinner. This magical evening of artisan wine, six beautiful courses and entertaining cooking demonstrations is guaranteed to earn you a kiss. $125/person. Call for reservations.

Head to CBS Seattle’s Best Of pages for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!

Cooking Class with Bobby Moore of Barking Frog Restaurant
Thursday, February 9
6:30pm – 9:30pm
Matthews Cellars
16116 140th Pl NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.487.9810
http://www.matthewscellars.com

“Learn how to Impress Your Sweetheart” is the theme of the cooking class. Chef Bobby will put together some aphrodisiac courses for you and your sweetheart to enjoy. Each of you will learn how to shuck oysters and make a mignonette, sear Ahi and create a creamed cranberry beat reduction, make homemade Crème Fresh and Chocolate truffles. Each course will be paired with either a Matthews or Tenor wine. $69/person. Call for reservations.

Valentine’s Day Five Course Wine Dinner
Friday, February 10
7:30pm
DiStefano Winery
12280 NE Woodinville Drive
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.487.1648
http://www.distefanowinery.com

Enjoy an evening of dipping your own chocolate truffles! The evening also includes dinner for two and a special bottle of DiStefano Wine to share. Take home your truffles in a Valentine gift box. $100/couple. Call for reservations.

A Latin-Ispired Evening with The Paella King
Friday, February 10
6:00pm – 8:00pm
J. Bookwalter Tasting Studio
14810 Northeast 145th Street
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.488.1983
http://www.bookwalterwines.com

A festive evening celebrating great wine paired with a wonderful mixed paella dish made especially by The Paella King, music by a Spanish/Latin guitarist and delicious Wellington chocolates. Ticket price includes paella, wine tasting and chocolates. $20/Small Plate; $31/Large Plate. Call for reservations.

“Lick My Lips” Syrah Release Party
Saturday, February 11
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Page Cellars
19495 144th Ave NE, Ste B205
Woodinville, WA 98072
253.232.9463
http://www.pagecellars.com

Join Page Cellars for the release of their “2008 Lick My Lips”. Don’t forget to bring your lips! Jilly Eddy, the Seattle Lipsologist, will be on hand to read and review your lip prints. Leave your lip print before you go to enter it in the “Get your lips on the next bottle of Page Cellars Lick my Lips” contest. Enjoy the new release along with live Reggae by “Higher Vibes”. FREE.

Valentine’s Six Course Wine Paired Dinner
Saturday, February 11 7:00pm
Tuesday, February 14 7:00pm
Covington Cellars
18580 142nd Avenue NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.806.8636
http://www.covingtoncellars.com

Nothing says LOVE better than wine – except maybe a six course wine-paired Valentine’s dinner. This magical evening of artisan wine, six beautiful courses and entertaining cooking demonstrations is guaranteed to earn you a kiss. $125/person. Call for reservations.

Saturday, August 6
Woodinville Wine Cellars
7th Annual Summer Party & Gourmet BBQ
1:00 – 5:00pm
425.481.8860 for reservations
http://www.vineyard2door.com/woodinvillewine

Matthews Estate
16116 140th Pl NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.487.9810
“Picnic in the Park”
Select Saturdays and Sundays
12:00 – 6:00pm
http://www.matthewscellars.com

Sunday, August 7
Anton Ville Winery
19501 144th Avenue NE #D300
Woodinville, WA 98072
206.683.3393
Wine and Cheese Pairings
1:00 – 5:00pm
Enjoy specially selected cheeses to go with each of the wines served. There is a $5.00 tasting fee per person which is refunded with wine purchased.
http://www.antonvillewinery.com

Thursday, August 11
Isenhower Cellars
15007 Woodinville-Redmond Road
Woodinville, Washington 98072
425.488.2299
Artist Reception with JENNIFER LORRAINE MARK
5:30 – 8:30pm
http://www.isenhowercellars.com

Friday, August 12
Covington Cellars
18580 142nd Ave NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.806.8636
Release Party
6:00 – 9:00pm
http://www.covingtoncellars.com

Try the latest Covington releases with food pairings. $10/person at the door.

DeLille Cellars
14421 Woodinville-Redmond Rd NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.877.9472
Live Music on the Patio
5:00 – 7:00pm

Singer/Songwriter Dean Backholm will be playing. Wine by the glass available for purchase.
http://www.delillecellars.com

Saturday, August 13
Convergence Zone Cellars
19501 144th Ave NE, Suite D-500
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.233.5638
Learn to Taste Wine Like a Pro
2:00 – 3:00pm

Suggested $20 donation at the door for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day For The Cure. Reggie Daigneault, Program Coordinator for the Wine Technology Program at the Northwest Wine Academy will teach a class on how to find the perfect wine. RSVP to scott@czcellars.com.
http://www.czcellars.com

Thursday, August 18
Third Thursday Wine Walk
Bite at the Warehouse
4:00 – 8:00pm

A variety of food vendors will have small bites available for purchase from $1 – $4. Participating wineries include Davenport Cellars and others. This is a BYOG (Bring Your Own Glass) event.
http://www.woodwarewine.com

Apex at Alder Ridge
14450 Woodinville Redmond Road
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.408.1796
Corks and Canvas Events
6:00 – 9:00pm

Enjoy a glass of wine and unleash your inner artist! The event fee includes paint, brushes, canvas, instruction and one glass of wine. Wine specials and cheese plates available.
http://www.corksandcanvasevents.com

Saturday, August 20
Northwest Totem Cellars
15810 NE 136th Place
Redmond, WA 98052
425.877.7111
2008 Cab Franc Release
12:00 – 4:00pm

You are welcome to come on by! No tasting fee today! Bottle release day pricing $29, Normal Retail $37.
http://www.nwtotemcellars.com

Otis Kenyon Wine
14525 148th Ave NE, Suite 111
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.949.7865
Red Wine & Shortbread Pairing

Enjoy both savory and sweet shortbreads from Outrageous Offerings paired with our Walla Walla red wines.
http://www.otiskenyonwine.com

Sunday, August 21
Davenport Cellars
19501 144th Ave NE, Suite B600
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.457.4957
Winemaker’s Birthday Party
1:00 – 5:00pm

Enjoy a slice of cake and toast the passing of another “vintage”. Normal tasting fees apply but if you sing “Happy Birthday” to the vintner, the tasting is free.
http://www.davenportcellars.com

Friday, August 26
Matthews Estate
16116 140th Pl NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.487.9810
Summer – All White Party
7:00 – 10:00pm

Matthews Estate welcomes back DJ Darin Hanson for a night of wine, music, and fun. Wear all-white and come expecting a good time! Invite your friends, please carpool, and bring cash to avoid lines. Tickets are $10 per person and are going fast, so get your tickets today by visiting the website under the “Events & News to order.
http://www.matthewsestate.com

Saturday, August 27
Michael Florentino Cellars
19501 144th Ave NE, Suite D500
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.281.2323
A Taste of Italy!

Celebrate the release of the cellars’ 2007 Fusione, a Super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Merlot and their 2009 Pinot Grigio. There will be food pairings that go with the wines to sample.
http://www.michaelflorentinocellars.com

Sunday, August 28
Silver Lake Winery
15029 Woodinville-Redmond Rd
Woodinville, WA, 98072
425.485.2437 x109
Live Music on the Patio
1:00 – 4:00pm

Pack a picnic and stop by Silver Lake’s patio where you can buy a bottle or enjoy a wine flight. Bring your friends and family out to enjoy the afternoon.
http://www.silverlakewinery.com

For more information on wine events in the Woodinville area, go to http://www.woodinvillewinecountry.com.

Washington State is home to over 600 wineries 2nd only to California.  Most of the grapes are grown over on the sunny side of the state, but Woodinville has become the processing, sales and tasting capital of Western Washington.

If you aren’t going away this summer, include Barrel Wine Tours in your “staycation” plans.  Have visitors coming into town and need to occupy them for a day? Sign them up for a wine tour!  Need a romantic way to celebrate your anniversary?  The last paragraph is for you!

We did the 6 hour boutique winery tour with lunch with another couple.  A comfortable van from A&A Limousine Services driven by David picked us up at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Seattle.  A few more guests were picked up at the Hyatt in Bellevue and the Willows Lodge in Woodinville.

Sheri, our “wine guide” for the day gave us information about the wine industry here in Washington State as we made our way to Challenger Ridge, the first stop on our tour.  Challenger Ridge is located among the 50+ tasting rooms on Woodinville-Redmond Road.

If you want to do even more than taste great wines, visit Challenger Ridge’s website for the calendar of events.  One of the only wineries to grow grapes in Western Washington, they have a variety of activities on their Skagit Valley property including a grape stomp in October.  Oh yes, the “Lucy” in me has already put it on our calendar!

Next stop:  Covington Cellars which is in the “warehouse district” of Woodinville.  I had not idea this existed!  Take a standard industrial park and put a winery in every space and you have the “warehouse district”.    They even offer a “Third Thursday” walking wine tour.  Pay $20 and BYOG (Bring Your Own Glass).  You can walk between over a dozen wineries and taste for this one special price.

Covington Cellars hosted our lunch as part of the Barrel Wine Tour and served 3 wines, one with each course.  Oh, and yes, they also shared tastes of their most recent Cabernet Franc which scored 91 points in Wine Spectator Insider!

Again, if you want to get more hands-on with the wine making process, sign up on their website to volunteer as part of the bottling team.  Sure, you will work but they will also feed you and probably send you home with a couple of bottles of wine for your efforts.

Winemaker Kevin Correll at Barrage Cellars let us see (and touch) during “racking”.  He also served wine right out of the barrel as a comparison to the seasoned product from the bottle.  Are you getting the idea that this is both fun and educational?  And feel free to buy some wine when you taste something you want to take home…we left our day of touring with a dozen bottles!

Our last stop of the day was Flying Dreams Winery where Winemaker Leroy Radford shared his passion and knowledge…along with his wine.   Being a rose’ lover, especially in the summer, I fell in love here!

All too soon it was time to get dropped back off where we started.  I promised a “romance tip” and here it is.  If you have an anniversary or special occasion, get a room at the Willows Lodge for the night.  Sign up for the Barrel Wine boutique winery tour.  When you get dropped back off after your day of tasting, enjoy a wonderful meal at the Barking Frog and then wander back across the driveway to your room to end a perfect day any way that says “perfect” to you!

Next I move on to Covington, where they’re pouring praiseworthy Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah and inviting one and all to visit the winery, where the event schedule is lively.  You can have appetizers or dinner on Friday evenings, lunch Saturdays and Sundays, and/or attend a series of classes, tours, and tastings. Their big Summer Bash features live music, food, and wines. David Lawson is the enologist here, and his wife Cindy covers the culinary front.   Now, on to Patterson Cellars. The table is serving a few of their consistently high quality wines, several of them well-crafted blends, and all made with grapes from eastern Washington. Father and son Jack and John Patterson began their winery in 2000, with the first release in 2003. They say their wine “follows the new world wines in its style.” There’s a tasting room in Seattle, below Pike Place Market, as well as at the Woodinville winery. And there are summer tastings in various places around Seattle.

At the DiStefano Winery table, the whites and reds are made from classic varietals: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes come from Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope, and Horse Heaven Hills. DiStefano was established in 1983 by Mark Newton, in honor of his wife Donna DiSteano, as one of the first wineries in the area. Now there are some 90 tasting rooms in Woodinville Wine Country.  The DiStefano tasting room is open afternoons except Mondays; for 4-6 wines, the cost is $8. In summer, 5-course wine dinners are offered, and in July there’s a party that sounds like great fun, involving Latin jazz, a pig roast, and wines.

Sipping a Semillon at the Davenport Cellars table is pure pleasure; it suits my palate as a last taste, ending on a happy note. Mostly, Davenport uses blends from different areas to produce complex wines, such as the one that layers Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The winery, owned by Jeff and Sheila Jirka, offers tastings on Saturday afternoons or by appointment. I’ll plan to stop in not only for a sip or two but to see whatever art is on display. Currently they’re showing the work of Gary Gibson, who paints remarkable, colorful  designs. And he does it with toothpicks.

Today’s Fresh Sheet – new and recent Washington wine releases – includes wines from Matthews Estate, Long Shadows, Covington Cellars, Pondera Winery, and Buried Cane.

Matthew Estate

Matthews Estate, owned by Cliff and Diane Otis and Jim Rubstello, had its first commercial vintage in 1994. The winery is located just north of the Schoolhouse District in Woodinville.

Aryn Morell serves as winemaker. Morell grew up in Bremerton before going on to study chemistry at UNLV. While he originally planned to become a chemical engineer, his brother – a chef in Napa Valley – soon lured him to the world of wine.

Morell started out doing laboratory analysis, ultimately working at Golden State Vintners, Edgewood Estates, and Silver Oak. From there he went on to work for a consulting company that focused on, “solving the world’s wine problems.”

Looking for a change from the constant travel and wanting to return to the Pacific Northwest, Morell was hired on at Matthews in 2007 and assumed the role of winemaker in 2008. Morell also spends a great deal of his time focusing on viticulture at the numerous vineyard blocks the winery works with.

Morell says his focus has been on making wines that are “less forward, more elegant.” Part of this has involved making adjustments in the vineyard to improve tannin management.

Matthews currently makes approximately 4,000 cases annually. The winery recently announced that it was moving its production from Woodinville to eastern Washington with Morell moving into the role of consulting winemaker. Morell’s goal is to be both closer to the vineyards and start a consulting company in the Walla Walla Valley.

Of note, this is the winery’s first vintage of Chardonnay and the second vintage of the Blackboard Red.

Matthews Estate Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley 2009 $20
Rating: * (Excellent) Very pretty varietal aromatics of citrus, gooseberry, and touches of tropical fruit. Tart and refreshing on the palate crisp acidity and abundant citrus flavors. 93% Sauvignon Blanc, 7% Semillon. Sagemoor, Stillwater Creek, Frenchman Hills, and Rosebud vineyards. Aged 7 months in 70% stainless, 25% concrete, and 5% barrel. 874 cases produced. Sampled at 58 degrees.

Matthews Estate Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2009 $30
Rating: + (Good) Pale lemon yellow. Delicate aromas of toast, spice, and hay. A nicely etched palate with a textured feel accented by tropical fruit on the finish. 100% Chardonnay. Stillwater Creek Vineyard. Concrete fermented and then 14 months in new French oak. 80% through malolactic fermentation. 61 cases produced. Sampled at 58 degrees.

Matthews Estate Blackboard Red Wine Columbia Valley 2008 $22
Rating: + (Good) Abundant pepper notes along with high-toned herbal notes, black fruit, licorice, black tea, and spice. Tart with a healthy amount of tannic grip. 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 8% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1.5% Malbec, and 1.5% Petit Verdot. 52% Horse Heaven Hills, 48% Columbia Valley. Aged 20 months in neutral French oak. 851 cases produced. Recommended

Matthews Estate Claret Columbia Valley 2007 $35
Rating: +/* (Good/Excellent) Dark in color with tinges of red at the rim. Aromas of black fruit, barrel spice, light herbal notes, and licorice. Palate is big and opulent with a firm grip of tannins. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 3% Syrah, and 2% Malbec. Hedges, Klipsun, Stillwater Creek vineyards. Aged 22 months in French oak (40% new). 14.6% alcohol. 1,330 cases produced.

Matthews Estate Syrah Columbia Valley 2008 $39
Rating: * (Excellent) Dark in color with a purple tinge at the rim. Aromatically elusive and brooding with mineral notes, blackberries, currant, and touches of char. A silky, textured feel to the palate with soft tannins and abundant black fruit flavors. 100% Syrah. Stilllwater Creek, Lawrence, and Va Piano vineyards. Aged 16 months in once used French oak. 14.9% alcohol. 160 cases produced.

Matthews Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2008 $70
Rating: * (Excellent) Abundant licorice notes along with black fruit, pencil shavings, and light butterscotch. On the palate, a big, bold grippy example of Cabernet Sauvignon. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Hedges and Stillwater Creek vineyards. Aged 22 months in new French 500L barrel. 49 cases produced.

Long Shadows

Long Shadows is among the more ambitious projects in Washington. The winery, founded by former Stimson Lane CEO Allen Shoup, pairs eight of the world’s top winemakers with Washington State fruit. Each winemaker makes one wine with resident winemaker Gilles Nicault serving as the guiding hand.

In addition to using top vineyard sources Boushey, Alder Ridge, Sagemoor, Stone Tree, and Taptiel, the winery recently purchased Wallula Vineyard. This breathtaking vineyard was subsequently renamed ‘The Benches’ for the twenty-seven benches ranging from 1,400 feet to the base of the Columbia River.

The Chester Kidder is Nicault’s own wine. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, the wine sees a remarkable 40 days of skin contact during fermentation and is aged for 30 months in oak. The result is a thick, lush, hedonistic wine that – while already five years old – has a long life ahead of it.

The Pedestal is the work of flying winemaker Michel Rolland. The wine is whole berry fermented in massive 1,500-gallon upright wood tanks that were brought over from Bordeaux. The grapes receive extended maceration before being aged for 20 months in mostly new French oak. The result is a wine that displays Rolland’s full throttle style.

Long Shadows Chester-Kidder Red Wine Columbia Valley 2006 $50
Rating: * (Excellent) An intriguing, somewhat subdued aroma profile with brambly berries, black cherry, tobacco and a dusting of chocolate. In contrast, the palate is rich, thick, and lush with tart, tangy fruit flavors and a lingering finish. 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot, and 9% Cabernet Franc. Red Mountain, Candy Mountain, Stillwater Creek, 27 Benches, and Weinbau vineyards. Aged 30 months in tight-grained French oak and a limited amount of Hungarian. 14.9% alcohol. 1,689 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Long Shadows Pedestal Merlot Columbia Valley 2007 $55
Rating: */** (Excellent/Exceptional) Very dark in color. Abundant stewed raspberries, dark chocolate, and cigar box along with whiffs of anise. Rich and lush with silky fruit flavors, a creamy texture, and a firm grip on tannins. A lingering, fruit filled finish with a lick of cranberry. This is far from a shy wine and leans to the right side of hedonism. Needs some additional time to show its best. 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. Taptiel, Conner Lee, Dionysus, The Benches, and Weinbau vineyards. 14.7% alcohol. 2,005 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Covington Cellars

Covington Cellars was founded in 2002 by David and Cindy Lawson as the 19^th winery in Woodinville (the area now has over 80 wineries and tasting rooms). The winery was named after the couple’s hometown of Covington, Washington.

Morgan Lee serves as winemaker. Lee grew up in Michigan and studied hospitality management at Purdue. At Purdue he found himself spending increasing amounts of time at the enology lab. Lee ultimately took a semester off to work at Michigan’s Tabor Hill Winery.

He subsequently interviewed at Columbia Crest for an internship position, bonding with now head winemaker Juan Muñoz Oca about the Argentinean soccer team. Lee packed up and moved to an apartment in Kennewick, Washington site unseen in August of that year.

Lee stayed on at Columbia Crest through the 2006 harvest when he took a position at Covington in 2007. He assumed winemaking responsibilities in 2009.

Reflective of the Lawson’s personal tastes, Covington has always had a strong focus on Sangiovese and Sangiovese blends. However, the standout from the current releases is the 2007 Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon – as good a wine as Covington has made.

Covington Cellars Sangiovese Columbia Valley 2008 $25
Rating: + (Good) An intriguing aroma profile with burnt embers, dust, leather, sweet spices, and cranberry. Quite tart, juicy, acidic, and light bodied on the palate. Lingers on the finish. An intriguing bottle of a seldom seen varietal and a perfect wine to pair with pizza or pasta. Seven Hills Vineyard. 14% alcohol. 350 cases produced.

Covington Cellars Prima Miscela Red Wine Columbia Valley 2007 $35
Rating: + (Good) A moderately aromatic wine with earth, cherry, licorice, herbal notes, and spice. Tart and acidic on the palate with a big lick of cranberry flavors on the finish. 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc. Seven Hills, Kiona, and Klipsun vineyards. 13.9%. 215 cases produced.

Covington Cellars Roughhouse Red Red Wine 2007 $20
Rating: + (Good) Aromas of cherry, raspberry, licorice and spice with an underlayer of chocolate. Bright, tart, and acidic on the palate with chewy tannins. Flattens out a bit toward the finish. 75% Merlot, 10% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. 14.5% alcohol. 300 cases produced. Recommended

Covington Cellars Starr Red Wine Seven Hills Vineyard Walla Walla Valley 2007 $29
Rating: * (Excellent) Dark in color. Smoky aromatics on a wine full of blueberry pie, chocolate, and cooking spices. A rich wine that remains light on its feet with sinewy fruit flavors. 78% Syrah, 22% Sangiovese. 182 cases produced. 14.5% alcohol.

Covington Cellars Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley 2008 $35
Rating: * (Excellent) A moderately aromatic wine marked by milk chocolate, herbal notes, and cherry. Medium-bodied and silky on the palate with plush tannins and spritely acidity. A lingering finish. 100% Cabernet Franc. 75% Olsen, 25% Kiona. 334 cases produced.

Covington Cellars Syrah Columbia Valley 2007 $45
Rating: +/* (Good/Excellent) Dark in color. An aromatic wine with blueberry syrup, chocolate, and light game notes. Deft on its feet with a lingering, chocolate laden finish. 100% Syrah. Smasne, Kestrel, Kiona, Seven Hills, and Klipsun vineyards. 14.4% alcohol. 93 cases produced.

Covington Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Klipsun Vineyard Red Mountain 2007 $60
Rating: */** (Exceptional) Dark and seductive with aromas of earth, dark fruit, and floral notes with a light herbal accent. Brooding on the palate with dark fruit, dry chocolate, chalky tannins and a lingering, mineral laden finish. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 30 months in French oak.

Pondera Winery

Pondera Winery, named after a Latin word meaning ‘balance,’ is located in Woodinville’s Warehouse District. The winery was founded by Shane Howard.

Howard attributes a Barolo he drank in Paris as his first inspiration, saying “it was the perfect wine at the perfect time with great food.” After reading through books and volunteering at area wineries, Howard started the winery in 2005 with the goal of focusing on Bordeaux varietals.

Pondera sources fruit from Dineen, Conner Lee, Stillwater Creek, and Wallula. Of note, the wines all have an intriguingly tactile label.

Pondera produces 1,200 cases annually.

Pondera Reserve Malbec Columbia Valley 2008 $34
Rating: + (Good) Dark in color with purple at the rim. At first comes off as reductive and then the march of the Malbec aromas come on with peppered plum, whiffs of orange peel, and, interestingly, sliced black olive. Palate has a full feel with a lot of plum flavors, chalky tannins, and a lingering finish. 88% Malbec, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. Stillwater Creek Vineyard. 14.5% alcohol. 120 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Pondera Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley 2008 $28
Rating: + (Good) Starts off with black olive juice followed by herbal notes, green olive, black cherry, and wood spice. A thick, viscous feel to the palate. 80% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Dineen Family Vineyards. 14.6% alcohol. 120 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Pondera Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2007 $33
Rating: +/* (Good/Excellent) A moderately aromatic wine with black cherry, licorice, sliced black olive, and cough syrup. Thick and weighted on the palate with abundant cherry flavors and a lingering finish full of medicine cabinet notes. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Stillwater Creek and Wallula vineyards. 55 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Buried Cane

Buried Cane is part of Middleton Family Wines. Middleton is owner of Washington’s Cadaretta as well as California’s Clayhouse and Adobe. The winery is named after the vineyard practice of burying canes to protect them from the cold.

The Middleton family’s roots in Washington date back to 1898 when they started a lumber business in Aberdeen, Washington. In a callout to the family history, the Buried Cane wines have woodcut art on the labels and the wines are named after terms in woodcut printing.

All of the Buried Cane wines are bottled under screw cap at prices both consumer friendly and aimed at restaurant glass pours.

Buried Cane Single Leaf Riesling Columbia Valley 2009 $12
Rating: + (Good) A moderately aromatic wine marked by white peaches, lime, and touches of tropical fruit. Palate is just a tad off dry with a full feel redolent with lime flavors. 100% Riesling. Aged in stainless steel. 12.7% alcohol. 0.70% Residual Sugar. 1,927 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Buried Cane White Line No Oak Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2009 $14
Rating: + (Good) Pale in color with a slight green tinge. A lightly aromatic wine marked by hay and lemon notes. Palate is crisp and clean with green apple flavors, a full mouthfeel, and touches of banana on the finish. An enjoyable, well priced wine. 100% Chardonnay. 95% Arete Vineyard, 5% Champoux vineyard. Aged in stainless steel. 13.3% alcohol. 3,460 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Recommended

Buried Cane Heartwood Red Wine Columbia Valley 2008 $25
Rating: . (Decent) Toasty aromas of roasted nuts, vanilla, and light red fruit. Palate is tart and soft with an elegant structure and light red fruit flavors. 78% Syrah (Stone Tree, Pepper Bridge, and Wallula vineyards), 10% Grenache (Alder Ridge), 7% Mourvedre (Alder Ridge), 5% Counoise (Alice). 14.1% alcohol. 514 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Buried Cane Roughout Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2008 $14
Rating: . (Decent) An aromatic wine marked by bell pepper, black pepper, tea leaves, and light black cherries. Palate is light bodied with chalky tannins and a slightly sweet feel. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon (Alice, Arete), 23% Merlot (Florence and Virginia, Preston), 2% Syrah (Gamache). 13.4% alcohol. 5,628 cases produced. Sample provided by winery.

Who wouldn’t want to know how to make chocolate truffles? 

http://woodinvillewineupdate.com/

For a little information about Covington Cellars Winery here is the bio of their winemaker:  Morgan Lee, Winemaker

Morgan shares David and Cindy’s passion for wine and came to Covington Cellars in May of 2007 after completing an internship in Enology at Columbia Crest Winery. Morgan is a graduate of Purdue University. When he’s not making wine, he enjoys creating mosaic art pieces, traveling, and all the outdoor activities that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Morgan currently resides in Kirkland with his wife Sally, his son Oliver, and his black lab named Lola.

Again, I want to thank not only those who have referred us this year but anytime in the past as well as our loyal clients who continue to use our services. 

Thanks for the support each of everyone of you provides, 

Sarah Henry (General Manager & Co-Owner)

Spend a day in wine country! 

Adams Bench-by appointment

Silver Lake

Edmonds Winery

Hollywood Hill Vineyard

Covington Cellars

Northwest Totem Cellars

Alexandria Nicole Cellars

Red Sky Winery

William Church Winery

Anton Ville Winery

Novelty Hill and Januik

DiStefano Winery

Woodhouse Family Cellars

Brian Carter Cellars

Covington Cellars is located in an office park in Woodinville, Washington. Winemaker David Lawson makes an interesting array of reds and whites, including a sangiovese, a Semillon, a Cabernet, a Syrah, and several blends.

Viognier is one of my favorite white varietals. Covington’s 2007 Viognier is a bit heavy - almost in a dessert wine style – but is still very well made and enjoyable. Again, you’ll note the stainless steel fermentation on this white which generally increases the likelihood that I will enjoy it.