It was a first for me – I went wine tasting in Woodinville. Alone, all by myself! I’m not shy, but it felt weird not to have Jen and one or two of our friends with me. But I had a free hour or so on a recent cloudy weekday, and thought it might be a good opportunity to finally explore some of the tasting rooms over at Copia Farm. Since its doors were wide open and beckoning, I wandered into Silver Lake Winery first.
I was already charmed by the rustic and picturesque exterior, and found the interior darling and cozy. I especially appreciated that someone had taken the time to put some spring flower bouquets around the tasting room. There are just a couple small tables and a few seats at the bar – I imagine this place gets a bit crowded on weekends!
The tasting room staff on this day was Felipe, a wine lover originally from Chile. We had a nice conversation about Silver Lake wines, Washington wine, Chilean Malbec, Argentinian wines and also, somehow, about soccer!
He talked a bit about the winemaker, William Ammons, and the history of Silver Lake Winery.
My tasting began with the 2015 Silver Lake Dry Riesling. It won a Gold medal at the 2017 Seattle Wine Awards. I was glad to have tasted this – I am currently shopping for Rieslings to serve that aren’t sweet.
He also poured me a 2015 sweet Riesling, which surprised me – I liked it!
Their artful chalk board was advertising an upcoming Spring Barrel event, which I sadly missed due to being busy covering other wine events.
I love the beautiful metallic labels on the Silver Lake bottles. (It doesn’t hurt that aqua is my favorite color!)
My next tasting was the 2016 Chardonnay, which won Bronze at the Seattle Wine Awards. I suspected it was finished in stainless steel since it (to my relief) didn’t taste too oaky. Felipe confirmed it for me!
We moved on to reds, starting with the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Next was the Roza Hills Reserve estate Merlot, a 2013, from Rattlesnake Hills.
I bought a bottle of this to serve the red wine drinkers at my next party.
Next was The Roza Hills 2013 Block #2, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. I found it smooth, and this also came home with me for my wine library!
For more information about Roza Hills Vineyard, read this page.
Wine glass in hand, I started touring the nooks and crannies of this tasting room. They sell Madécasse chocolate from Madagascar to pair with their wines.
Silver Lake Winery proudly shows off awards its wines have won.
Bottles are lined up ready for purchase.
I always have to get a shot of giant magnums of wine whenever possible, they make me chuckle.
They participate in Copia Farm’s “Ladies Night,” the first Thursday every month.
I was very curious about these canned wines, having just picked up some Cascadian Outfitters canned wine at Goose Ridge Vineyards. Orca Wines are produced in Washington State and benefit awareness of the plight of Orca whales in the Pacific Northwest. I bought one of each kind (Bubbly, Rose, Red Wine, and White Wine) to bring home, but haven’t tried them yet.
Thanks to Felipe for an hour of his time! If you want to taste Silver Lake’s wines, they’re located at 14701 148th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072.
Learn about their wine club here.
-Carrie
RESOURCES:
Silver Lake Winery on Facebook
