It was such a pleasure to sit down with owner/winemaker Lisa Warr-King Packer of Warr-King Wines. She spent time out of her busy Saturday (a new-release Saturday, mind you!) to chat with me about all things Woodinville wine, and a few other fun adult conversation tidbits too! As we chatted and I enjoyed her incredible wines, we reflected on the past year and how many changes it has brought about. During our conversation, we shared a feeling of gratitude and hope in that we have our health, work, and families to be grateful for. I think this was the absolute perfect way to enjoy a wine tasting in the Warehouse district and I felt really lucky to learn more about Lisa’s history in Washington wine.
One thing that you will find out almost instantly about Lisa, is that she is kind, genuine and makes you feel like a friend instantly. I was able to watch her interact with her staff and with wine-club members; her passion is the real deal. I was very much looking forward to trying her new releases, and especially the 2018 Tenacity red blend, a partnership with Stem Paths Innovation Network (SPIN).
This Friday, March 26th you can register for a virtual tasting with Warr-King and SPIN, to support women in STEM. Click here to register, for this fun tasting, and buy your bottle of Tenacity on the Warr-King website in order to sip along and learn more. Proceeds from sales benefit Stem Paths Innovation Network and their SPIN Girls education program. You can select wine delivery on 3 or more bottles in the Seattle area for this fabulous event. Or if you are like me, happily order and then drive to pick up more amazing wine.
Can I please take a moment to swoon over this stunning label which is every bit as wonderful as the cause? I adore the way Lisa and her team filled this blend’s label with inspiring words listed on the back, like determination, doggedness, tirelessness and staying power. This is a 47% Cabernet Franc, 27% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Verdot and 4% Malbec beauty with an approachable price point, with a serious wow-factor! I’ve just placed my order for more bottles.
This lineup was amazing! I love the 2019 Fleur, a dry Washington Reisling from Rosebud Vineyard in Wahluke Slope that will pair with spicy food and fresh oysters. The 2019 Marie Noelle Syrah Rose is the perfect balance of structure and sweetness, the 2018 Tenacity goes down way too easy and we don’t feel guilty because it’s for a wonderful cause. I am a big fan of Lisa’s Descendant blend and was a bit giddy (forgot to take a pic of my tasting lineup, duh!) to have the opportunity to taste the new club release, 2016 Queen of Hearts. 100% Petit Verdot gets me every time! Such a luxury to taste this bold, yet refined single varietal.
I could see first hand the attention and time that Lisa takes with her wine club members. It is such fun to join a club and actually get to know your winemaker! We are so lucky here in Woodinville to have this chance. For more on the Warr-King wine club, click here. Members receive an allotment of 6 bottles, twice per year.
When you visit the tasting room, open at this time on Saturdays and Sundays, you will find that great care has been taken to give you a safe and socially distanced space. There are tables in the front of the tasting room, in the barrel room, and outside where you can see the hustle of production in the Warehouse District. A fun perspective that is very unique.
