Carrie, entering Alexandria Nicole’s Woodinville tasting room on what was one of the last hot days of summer recently here in the Pacific Northwest. This is one of three tasting rooms that ANC has to offer guests. It is located on the ground floor of the Hollywood Schoolhouse Building in the historic district. They also have tasting rooms in Prosser, WA. and the Destiny Ridge Estate Vineyard tasting room.
Here is the 2014 “Affinity” Albariño, with crisp and notes of grapefruit and honeydew melon. This third vintage of ANC’s Albariõ was an exciting surprise to me, given that I am typically a red wine fan. It is a Spanish wine that would pair well with seafood, or a spicy Asian influenced dish. There was just a hint of sweetness, but the overall impression was delicious and refreshing!
We had an incredible time visiting Alexandria Nicole Cellars. The staff taught us about the history of steel and oak barrel wine making and about the origins of the various grape varieties. The red wines that we tasted here were so good! My favorite was the 2014 Destiny. It is a complex blend of all six Bordeaux varietals, making it rich and full bodied. The flavor notes were a lush mix of vanilla, plum and herbs with aromas of vanilla and caramel. This red blend is great to drink now or to add to your cellar!
Carrie and I felt that the atmosphere of this tasting room was very warm and relaxing, with plenty of plush seating to choose from. The brick-lined walls of the interior give this tasting room a unique feel.
Here is a sneak peak of the private Wine Club room, acessable via a “hidden door”. When you visit, be sure to ask about this unique offering for club members. It reminds me of a New York City speakeasy – I love it!
Here is Carrie in a cozy corner of the main tasting room. As you can see, there are many wine-themed gifts available to purchase, in addition to the large selection of bottled wines.
I was especially blown away by the 2014 a2 Cabernet Sauvignon. This limited release Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon was layered with notes of black cherry, brown sugar and vanilla with a fabulous richness and depth.
The line up at the tasting counter had much to offer and we both left with two or three bottles each. This winery was voted the #3 Best Tasting room in the USA TODAY Readers Choice – 10 Best Poll. Writers for USA TODAY nominated Alexandria Nicole Cellars and The Estate at Destiny Ridge for the best tasting room in the USA, and they were voted the #1 Tasting from Washington State in that 2016 poll. Impressive!
ANC’s Woodinville tastig room is loated just beyond the roundabout in the historic district. You will be pleased to find a huge parking lot and beautiful surroundings here at the Hollywood Schoolhouse site.
Plan your next Friday wine tasting here at Alexandria Nicole Cellars – they are open from 5-8 PM every Friday evening!
Daily hours are: Monday-Wednesday 11-5 Thursday & Saturday 11-6, Sunday 12-5pm for general tastings & Wine Down Fridays 5-8 every Friday evening.
Located at: 14810 Northeast 145th Street, Woodinville, WA 98072. Call 425.487.9463 for reserve appointments.
Links to Alexandria Nicole Cellars Tasting Rooms:
http://www.alexandrianicolecellars.com/tasting-rooms
ANC on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ancwine/
ANC Tiny Houses:
https://www.instagram.com/ancwine/
Alexandria Nicole Cellars on Twitter:
~ Jen
