Tasting Rooms

With a new year on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to make a resolution to explore Seattle area restaurants or visit Woodinville or Yakima to enjoy some Washington wine country wining and dining. My latest writing projects highlight destinations to have on your radar.

Edible Seattle:  A Love Letter to Washington Wine

As a long time reader and fan of Edible Seattle, I am so honored to have my story about Chef Aaron Tekulve and his “Love Letter to Washington Wine” published in the August issue starting on page 28. His food is stellar, but the real story is his dedication to sourcing wines from Washington vintners. His is the only restaurant in Seattle that stays true to an ethos to source locally by including solely Washington wineries on the restaurant’s wine list.

Pintxo by Valdemar

For a more internationally influenced wining and dining experience, head to Pintxo by Valdemar in Woodinville Wine Country’s Schoolhouse District for delectable Spanish influenced fare. The site was originally meant as a second tasting room for Walla Walla based winery, Valdemar Estates. However, the business transformed into a restaurant with the realization that the growing number of tasting rooms outnumbered dining options.

The wines are terrific and guests may choose selections from Valdemar’s Washington or Rioja estates. Read the full article to learn more about Chef Lauren Jackson’s delectable specialties.

Explore Woodinville’s Schoolhouse District

It’s a good idea to revisit a destination from time to time to make sure the favorite spots still live up to the memories while discovering some new favorites. My latest outing to Woodinville’s Schoolhouse District and Wine Walk Row did just that. Plus, it meant the chance to visit a couple of spots previously overlooked – Ephesus Café and Gelato for a sweet treat and the Barnard Griffin tasting room.

Cot’s Peak Coffee

Remarkable coffee is critical for any road trip. So, on a recent getaway to Yakima Valley, we visited Cot’s Peak Coffee in the town of Naches. Read about my experience at the roastery and inimitable coffee house via Explore Washington State.

Where will you go on your journey to Washington wine country wining and dining? Drop a comment on my Instagram account, whether it’s Surrell, Pintxo, or the Schoolhouse District!

Are you interested in spending a relaxing day enjoying outstanding food and wine? Or wondering where to road trip? My latest writing projects offer insight into some of the best places to explore Washington wine country.

Spend a Weekend at Red Mountain

Pack your bags! One of my articles for Explore Washington State shines light on some of the top boutique and family-owned wineries in the magnificent Red Mountain AVA, places to eat, and intriguing places to stay among the vines. Although the destination is home to some of the state’s most prestigious vineyards and extremely sought after wines, it’s not unusual to encounter winemakers and meet proprietors during a winery visit.

Discover some of the top boutique and family-owned wineries in the AVA, places to eat, and intriguing places to stay in “Spending a Weekend at Red Mountain.”

Explore Woodinville’s Wine Walk Row

What is Woodinville’s best kept secret? A hedonistic range of wines from Washington, Napa Valley, Oregon, Rioja and Champagne along with decadent wine country fare and Spanish tapas are all available along one pedestrian walkway. Experiences range from a killer happy hour to an upscale legacy wine tasting experience. Discover them by “Spending a Day at Woodinville’s Wine Walk Row.” Continue reading “Explore Washington Wine from Woodinville to Red Mountain”

Did you know that the Georgetown neighborhood is part of Seattle’s current urban wine scene?

As a volunteer board member for Seattle Urban Wineries I’ve enjoyed traversing across town and exploring the different neighborhoods in which the wineries and tasting rooms are located. My latest day trip took me to this historic area where the town’s first railroad began, Rainier beer originated, and the city’s first municipal airport opened. Discover why this neighborhood is a terrific destination to explore Seattle’s charming architecture of a bygone era while taking in some wine tasting and craveable food in my latest article for Explore Washington State.

Thirsty for more? Read about wine tasting in West Seattle or spending a day in Pioneer Square. Or, in case you missed it, check out the partnership between a Seattle Sounder MLS Cup champion and a Seattle winery.

Have you visited these places in Seattle’s urban wine scene? Or maybe there are some spots I missed. Head on over to Instagram and share your favorites!

It’s easy to spend a day in Woodinville Wine Wine Country. Home to around 130 wineries, it’s just a thirty-minute drive from Seattle. That makes it a great destination for a staycation or weekend escape. Here’s an itinerary for a full day of tasting and dining from the perspective of a wine industry insider. Continue reading “How to Spend a Day in Woodinville Wine Country”