Months ago, Carrie sent me this Sisters of the Vinifera Revolution article to read. I was very excited to learn more about this inspiring group of women winemakers and their award winning Washington wines.
We were thrilled to be able to attend the second annual event, which took place at the Sammamish Valley Grange in Woodinville.
Lisa, the winemaker at Three of Cups Winery served 2016 White Wine Blend and ‘Le Croyant’ Petite Sirah 2014. The white wine was a Sauvignon Blanc with Albarino blend, “summer in a glass” and “A porch pounder” according to Lisa. LOL! The Croyant is from Kiona Vineyard in Red Mountain. The Petit Sirah tastes of raspberry notes, and means “The Believer.”
Adrice Wines served a 2016 Nebbiolo and a Leadfoot Louie, a white wine, from 2017. Owner-Winemaker Pam Adkins mentioned that she also makes a bourbon and rye barrel aged Syrah (be still my heart!) and she makes an Albarino.
Callan Cellars served a 2017 Grenache Blanc and a Delaney Grenache from 2016. We enjoyed chatting with owner and winemaker Lisa Callan about her wines and her experiences as a woman winemaker.
Winemaker Mari Womack from Damsel Cellars poured Damsel Columbia Valley Red Blend 2015 and Damsel Stillwater Creek Malbec 2015 which was incredible. As we chatted, Mari mentioned that 42% of current graduating winemakers are women, but only 7% go on to create their own winery/wines! This was a stunning fact, and we wonder – why is this?
Toby from Ducleaux Cellars poured us their 2016 Jordyn Viognier-Roussanne Blend and we also tasted a 2015 Anarchy Syrah-Grenache Blend.
Gina Belliveau provided the live music for the evening, and had such a warm, beautiful voice. Carrie took this opportunity to pose with her for a picture between sets – thanks Gina!
Warr-King Wines served a 2017 Syrah Rose and 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon. Lisa Packer and tasting room manager Darcy Sheriff chatted with us, despite being busy with other guests. We were happy to learn that they are now open on Fridays from 4-7 PM – yay!
What a great event it was, allowing us to taste award winning wines, nibble on delicious small bites and to support scholarships for women winemakers.
There were a few wineries that we were unable to visit, due to time constraints, such as Elsom Cellars who served Columbia Valley Rose 2017 and Horse Heaven Hills Malbec 2014; Kasia Winery who served Red Mountain Syrah 2015 and Sauvignon Blanc 2016; and Sonoris Wines who served ‘The Source’ Merlot 2010 (wow!) and “Verna Mae” Viognier 2012.
Looking forward to visiting these amazing Women Winemakers at their Woodinville tasting rooms this summer!
-Jen
RESOURCES:
Gina Belliveau Music on Facebook