A couple Sundays ago, I was able to convince my friend Angie (from Angie’s Organizing Solutions) to go wine tasting with me. (I ended up owing her a movie for the favor, and we went to see Christopher Robin at iPic!)
We explored Artisan Hill, part of the Woodinville Warehouse District, where you’ll often get to meet the winemakers themselves on Saturdays or Sundays.
I’d recently gotten SO many recommendations to visit Sightglass Cellars, from winemakers, tasting room associates and other wine tasters, so I prioritized stopping here as soon as we were done with lunch.
The tasting room had moved into this new bright, airy, spacious location just six weeks before. We found the decor very comfy and welcoming.
I found the minimal decor really refreshing – we have enough wine kitsch in the area. Just a couple barrel tables are here to tie the theme together.
The tasting room is dog friendly.
On the walls hang several extremely colorful autumnal paintings by local artist Eric Boston. I was sorely tempted to buy one – I decorate seasonally, and one of these tree paintings would be perfect to hang in my home during the fall.
One of the things I look forward to about visiting tasting rooms (besides the wine, obviously!) is seeing the intriguing art that so many are willing to hang to promote local artists.
We were honored to meet Sightglass Cellars winemaker Sean, who owns Sightglass Cellars with his wife Kristin. Before starting Sightglass two years ago, Sean worked at Woodinville Wine Cellars.
Sean showed us the meaning of the winery’s name, Sightglass. He demonstrated how winemakers use a sight glass to rack and see the clear wine from the lees.
Sightglass Cellars produced just 800 cases last year, making this a boutique winery. They use their French Oak barrels just twice, he mentioned.
Our wine tasting began with the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, which I found fantastic. I immediately realized why so many people had enthusiastically encouraged us to come taste here. Angie also thoroughly enjoyed it.
The grapes for this wine were grown in the Artz Vineyards in Benton City, Washington.
Our second tasting was the 2017 Chardonnay from Conner Lee Vineyards in Othello. I am not a big fan of Chardonnay anymore (I was when I was in my 20s, long ago!) but I actually enjoyed this one and wanted to drink more.
Perhaps my enjoyment was enhanced because this one is aged in stainless with no oak. I will definitely serve this as my white wine at some of my upcoming parties this summer.
Angie and I moved onto tasting reds with the 2015 Reserve Malbec/Cabernet, a 50/50 blend. We were extremely impressed with this wine! Pretty sure I’ll be coming back for another couple of bottles soon.
It won 90 points from Wine Enthusiast.
The winemaker recommends laying it down for up to five years. I’m not sure I can control myself that long.
Winter is coming and I can see myself diving into it, paired with a hearty dinner on a rainy night.
Sean guided us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery’s production facility. I geeked out momentarily at the wine equipment and the barrels full of next year’s wine.
I recommend stopping in to taste these three wines and check out the beautiful new tasting room. Sightglass Cellars is typically open Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5pm. The address is 18800 142nd Ave NE STE 5B Woodinville, WA 98072.
-Carrie
RESOURCES:
Sightglass Cellars on Facebook