Washington is wine country and Seattle is at the epicenter of it all. Well, technically most vineyards are located nearly 200 miles away from Seattle, east of the cascades where the air is dry and sun is shining – a far cry from the climate west of the Cascades.
Nonetheless, ever since Washington’s first wineries began distributing their varietals in the 1960s to Seattle, the region’s already thriving culinary scene would be forever changed. With no specific varietal native to the state, the volume of various, exotic wines is alluring enough for any wine lover. Add in Seattle’s vibrant food scene, views of the Sound, and a glass of Washington’s famous dry Riesling, and you’ve found yourself in a wine lover’s paradise. So, if you want to know where to sample, explore, and enjoy Washington wines, the Emerald City is where it’s at. Here are a few suggestions of where to begin your wine-inspired journey through Seattle:
Pike & Western Wine Merchant
Located in Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market, this shop and its owners have been offering tastings and sharing their knowledge and passion for wine with patrons since 1975. Pike & Western prides itself on being simple and old-fashioned. Their philosophy is simple: “We love wine…we all drink what we sell, we love to cook (and eat!), and we love turning you on to a wine you may never have heard of – whether it’s a good, cheap red for Wednesday night’s pasta or something special for your cellar.”
Charles Smith Jet City
Legendary and award-winning label Charles Smith opened this aptly named winery in a former Dr. Pepper bottling plant in Georgetown, Seattle just two years ago. Overlooking the runways of Boeing Field, Jet City’s views are as unique as its wines. As the winery is fitted with floor to ceiling windows, guests are privy to one of the best views of Washington’s prolific Mount Rainier. Jet City’s multi-floor tasting rooms offer live music, an early 1960s atmosphere, and – fittingly – numerous nods to the aviation industry. People used to trek to Walla Walla for Charles Smith’s wines, but with this new, beautiful tasting room in Seattle, you can enjoy every label right in your own backyard.
Purple Café and Wine Bar
If you’ve been disappointed by some wine menus’ dearth of options, this is the wine bar for you. Rumored to hold over 5,000 bottles encased in a towering spiral staircase, you may never want to leave this wine hub. Representing over 50 different wineries from Washington alone, and hundreds from around the world, you’ll find favorites old and new at this luxurious Seattle café and wine bar.
City of Woodinville
Technically located about 25 miles outside of Seattle, a quick drive to Woodinville can make for a day filled with over 100 winery tours options featuring more than 90+ rated vintages compared with any other wine region in the world. No matter the palate, if any part of you has an interest in either wine or wine making, Woodinville is the perfect place to explore how Seattle wine comes to fruition.
Whether you’re visiting the city and looking for wine-recommendations or a wine-enthusiast searching for a Realtor in Seattle and curious about the city’s storied menagerie of wineries, shops, and vineyards, contact us with your questions. After all, we’re nearly as passionate about Seattle’s booming wine scene as we are about finding you the perfect home.
