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3 Favorite Woodinville Wineries Revealed

My favorite Woodinville Wines at Taste Washington
My sampling was a bit random this year, but better than my picture taking. I managed to visit with several Woodinville winemakers Sunday. Here’s my alphabetical list by winery of the Woodinville wines I recommend.


1. Chatter Creek Winery
I originally met winemaker Gordon Rawson at the Tri-Cities Wine Festival around 10 years ago. Back then, Gordon was still making wine out of his home in Seattle. Now his winery is located in Woodinville, Washington. It was a pleasure to sample their wines again this weekend. My two favorite Chatter Creek wines were:
  • Chatter Creek Winery 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Chatter Creek Winery 2010 Pinot Gris.
I don’t see either of these wines listed on their Website, so you'll have to inquire with the winery about release dates and availability. Both of these wines are recommended; loved the Cabernet.

The Chatter Creek Winery tasting room is open Saturdays 11am - 5pm and by appointment.
Website: http://www.chattercreek.com/


2. Smasne Cellars
Perhaps I have this winery labeled wrong. Smasne Cellars winery is located in Grandview, Washington and is not open to the public, but their tasting room is located in Woodinville. For this post I’m leaving them in the Woodinville category.

Sunday I visited with a very busy winemaker, Robert Smasne. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo, but I did manage to enjoy and record which of his wines I enjoyed tasting. As far as I can recall, this was my first time enjoying Smasne Cellars wines.
  • 2008 County Line Red – a lovely dry red.
  • 2008 Carmeniere – very spicy, with black pepper.
  • 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon – a flavor treat with prominent coconut and vanilla.
*Update: I’ve seen a tweet that Smasne Cellars will be opening a Wine bar and tasting room in Kennewick, Washington in the Southridge area. That's great news for those of us living in the Tri-Cities.
Websites: http://www.smasnecellars.com/ and http://www.almaterrawines.com/



3. William Church Winery
Established in 2005, William Church winery is located in an office park in northern Woodinville, Washington, along with a host of other wineries, better known as the "Warehouse Winery District." This was my first time sampling their wines.
  • Bishops Blend - really enjoyed this red wine - recommended.
William Church Winery will also be at Taste Portland, May 1st.
Tasting Room Hours: Saturdays - 12-4 pm, Sundays - 1-4 PM or by appointment
http://www.williamchurchwinery.com/

That's 6 of the 29 wines I enjoyed Sunday. I'll have the other 23 recommendations listed soon.
Cheers!
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