Last night I had the privilege of attending the wine industry Preview Night at the brand new Maryhill Winery tasting room here in Woodinville, at the historic Hollywood Schoolhouse.
I was so very excited to go check the new tasting room out, and heartbroken for Jen that she came down with a chest cold and couldn’t attend this sneak preview with me.
I brought my amateur blogger’s camera along and tried my very best to get good pics for those of you who are curious to see Woodinville’s newest tasting room. But please keep in mind I’m a writer, not a photographer!
Shona from Wine Diva Lifestyle was my wine industry buddy and “date” for the evening. We always have such a blast when we hang out! (I might have to confess that we’d indulged in a glass pour or two downstairs at Alexandria Nicole Cellars beforehand!)
Inside, we were welcomed by friendly PR person Emily, who introduced me to Maryhill’s owner Craig. I think I mumbled something about Thank you for bringing your winery to Woodinville, but in all the joyous chaos, I’m not sure!
Shona wisely encouraged me to head upstairs first so we could get a sneak peek and take some pictures before massive crowds of other industry folk came on up.
There are several tasting counters tucked throughout the building, so you won’t be waiting in line long for your next wine pour.
The tasting lineup last night included an Albarino, a Chardonnay, a Merlot that Shona and I really enjoyed, a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Syrah, a Cinsault (my favorite Maryhill wine I tasted last night), a Barbera that’s on my shopping list right now, and a Petite Sirah that Shona raved about.
Aah, I was hoping there would be a cozy fireplace somewhere in the building, and I wasn’t disappointed. The upstairs floor has this inviting seating area and voila, a fireplace.
Shona invited me to come explore the Premium Club Room for Maryhill Winery Premium Wine Club members.
“Passion, patience, balance.”
I love that they’ve left the patio access doors available, and I popped out onto the patio several times to enjoy the view of Woodinville and take in some of the nice crisp autumn evening air. You’ll definitely want to spend some time on the patio (even if that means bundling up) when you visit. The view of the Hollywood District and all the wine tasting action going on is super.
The Library Room is for club members, and I suspect it might be rentable for small groups.
Let’s take a closer peek at the Library Room. Hrm, I was hoping it would look a little cozier and have comfier chairs and more of a wood-paneled library feel. Well, that’s not up to me now is it?
The seating capacity upstairs is great – it will be easy to find somewhere to relax and enjoy your wine when you come for a tasting, even on busy weekends.
Next I headed downstairs to explore some more. The Maryhill tasting room was buzzing, filled with happy and excited people. It was a good preview of what it will likely be like on weekends here in the Hollywood Schoolhouse! Especially in summertime.
A gift shop area offers an assortment of wine accessories and Maryhill Winery branded items. Christmas list, anyone?
Wait til you see the rows upon rows of tempting Washington wines for sale! I’m seriously afraid to bring my credit card with me next time I visit. (Which will be soon – this place is wonderful!)
I wasn’t very familiar with Maryhill Winery’s offerings, and was surprised to see so many interesting wine bottles, such as their 2015 Marvell (a GSM). I had no idea they make so many varietals!
It was so much fun running into so many familiar faces and wonderful people from the Woodinville wine industry. Here are Barbara (on the left), who was very patient with us during her time at Matthews Winery when we’d stop in, cameras blazing, without appointments; and you probably already know Kim from KiSS Media and Events.
Here’s talented local musician Ian Skavdahl pouring wine at the industry preview night.
I was delighted to see this promo display for the benefit of Heifer International. I love to see wineries that give back and give generously, and it just so happens that The Heifer Project (it’s name in the 1980s) was my mother’s favorite charity.
You can rent out the Maryhill Winery in Woodinville for private events – wouldn’t that be a fabulous company Christmas party venue?
The winery includes a bistro where you can order appetizers and snacks, sandwiches, a few dishes, and of course cheese boards and charcuterie boards. I’d like to see just a couple more vegetarian options on the menu, please, but this is a good start.
Maryhill has made it so easy to shop for wine here in the tasting room. I almost felt like I’ll need a rolling shopping cart when I come back (I shouldn’t be so greedy, but their wines are so good!)
I didn’t want to overstay my welcome, and had been invited to stop by a couple tasting rooms that are open a bit later on Thursday evenings. As I wandered back to my car, I paused for a moment to look up at the historic Hollywood Schoolhouse and all the celebrants inside.
It was delightful to see the building full of life and buzzing happily with activity. I actually got a little emotional. I’ve felt like this historic building, the heart of the Woodinville Hollywood District, was underutilized and, if I may say so without offense to the prior management, sort of wasted much of the time, usually only ever open for weekend weddings.
Seeing the way Maryhill Winery has brought it back to life and put this magnificent central Hollywood District building to good use is heartwarming and inspiring. I foresee many happy wine tasting adventures ahead for all of us!
The Maryhill Winery Woodinville Grand Opening Celebrations are Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17. I anticipate you’ll find parking very difficult at this popular event, so I’d recommend taking an Uber/Lyft, a wine shuttle, or carpooling.
-Carrie
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