One Sunday this summer, I took my friend Angie out wine tasting in Woodinville. I was so glad to be able to explore more tasting rooms in the Warehouse District (They’re not usually open on weekends). I’d been to Sparkman Cellars’ Hollywood District tasting room, but wanted to check out their warehouse spot too. Plus, I remembered how enjoyable their wine is, and needed to restock my supplies!
We were greeted by the incredibly kind and friendly tasting room associates, Brittany and Pam. I am really grateful for the time they spent with us and for graciously letting me take their photo! Thank you so much, ladies!
As you can see from the sign, they offered a nice variety of glass pours of their white wines.
Also, I took the advice on the sign, and signed up for their Ring of Fire wine club right there on the spot! Jen and I haven’t joined very many wine clubs, not wanting to play favorites. But let’s face it, I love Sparkman Cellars wine and often serve it at my parties, so it makes sense to join the club.
Our first tasting pour was the Birdie 2016 Riesling. Brittany explained that it is “aged on the lees.” I am not ashamed to admit as a novice wine blogger, I have no idea what that means. I knew when I got home I’d have some homework to do and reading to catch up on!
Angie and I took turns relaxing in the charming wooden rocking chair while enjoying our tastings.
Next, Brittany poured us the 2015 Yonder Cabernet Franc. I’ve tasted this before at the Hollywood District tasting room, and didn’t mind tasting it again one bit! I’m a big fan of Cabernet Franc and this Bordeaux style wine does not disappoint.
Brittany recommended I check out the Cabernet Franc over at Cuillin Hills, too.
Our third tasting was the 2014 Ruby Leigh, the Merlot dominant wine of their Bordeaux blends. It’s named for the winemakers’ daughter, as is the Stella Mae, which we tasted next.
We loved the Stella Mae from 2014, a Cabernet dominant Bordeaux blend. I found it soft with a great mouth feel. It’s blended with a bit of Petit Verdot, Brittany said. I bought a bottle to take home, and served it to friends at a party within a few days!
My friend Angie perused the artwork on the walls and made sure to stay well hydrated during our tasting adventures.
Next, I tried the Ruckus Syrah from 2014 while Angie tasted the Hallelujah port wine. I should have picked up a bottle of the port for Jen, who adores port wine.
We were treated to a bonus pour of what Pam referred to as the “Coup de grace,” the 2014 Evermore. It’s one of their more expensive wines, at $100.
This wine is an old vine Cabernet from the Dionysus vineyards. It’s made in the old world French style.
We were also generously given a taste of the 2015 Wilderness wine, “Rhone with a Twist” blend. Brittany described it as “crowd-friendly.” I love that it comes with a screw top! What a great wine with which to end our tasting.
Sparkman Cellars has over 30 wines in their portfolio, I didn’t want to forget to mention.
This Warehouse District space has a lot more room than their Hollywood District tasting room. While we were there, several tables of people were enjoying wine glass pours. The tasting room is dog friendly, by the way.
The Sparkman Warehouse District tasting room is located at 19501 144th Ave. NE, Suite #E-400, Woodinville, WA 98072. You can rent the space for private events, with a maximum capacity of 99 people if standing. I’d recommend parking close by, because I predict you’ll be buying some heavy bottles of wine from here after your tasting!
-Carrie
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