Carrie and I realized just how many wineries are tucked away in the Warehouse District of Woodinville, and we were beyond excited to explore them. This was our first wine tasting experience on this side of town, and are pleased to say that the service and wine at Woodhouse Wine Estates were outstanding!
They serve wines from various labels, including Hudson-Shah, Kennedy Shah, Dussek, Maghee, and Darighe.
On the way in, Carrie and I noticed that Woodhouse is open until 9 PM on Wednesdays. On the first Thursday of every month, they offer Woodhouse Paint Night with Corks and Canvas Events. Guests can sip on amazing Woodhouse wines while painting their own canvas works of art. All the supplies and the first glass of wine are provided. To participate, register online in advance.
Check out this spacious interior! They have plenty of room for small or large groups. Reservations are required for groups or ten or larger. (Call 425-527-0608 for more info.)
Look at the stunning label of this Kennedy Shah 2002 Syrah! This private reserve bottle would be an incredible addition to any wine cellar.
These mouthwatering cheese plates are available for purchase in the tasting room. I love that Woodhouse offers small bites – I know I like to eat something if I am planning on visiting more than one winery in an afternoon.
Here are more behind-the-scenes sights from the barrel room. Woodhouse offers its members two wine club options. These include limited quantity reserves that are not always available to the public.
Here are cases of wine ready for shipment to wine club members. The Estate Club membership offers 2 bottles of Reserve Tier wines every quarter, and the Masters Club membership offers members 4 each quarter.
We easily walked out of our tasting with 6 bottles of wine – they were so delicious. A few on our list of favorites were the 2013 Kennedy Shah Reserve Tempranillo, and the 2013 Kennedy Shah Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
James led our group barrel room tour and gave us an extensive lesson in wine making history! This room is ideally kept cool at 60 degrees for optimum wine storage and flavor.
He explained that wine is stored in oak barrels to cut down on oxidation. Traditionally, round barrels made it easier to roll from one location to another, or onto ships. Oak barrel storage also imparts certain dimensions and flavors to the wine being stored inside.
Woodhouse’s winemaker, Jean-Claude Beck does not believe in “bottle shock”, and bottles his wines immediately. Each barrel is dated and carefully monitored for evaporation. Every year, 1-2 gallons of wine is lost, and the barrels must be refilled to avoid any oxygen touching the wine.
During our tour, we also learned that Jean-Claude is known to climb these racks of wine barrels in order to refill them. Each barrel holds approximately 300 bottles of wine. Woodhouse uses mostly French Oak barrels, with some American Oak to impart different flavors.
Seattle Mariners fans can visit Woodhouse throughout the 2017 MLB season for “Mariners Day Game” on select Sunday and mid-week daytime games. Woodhouse will be offering a featured bottle special and ballpark food. Check it out for a fun alternative to watching the game!
Visit Woodhouse Wine Estates at 15500 Woodinville Redmond Rd NE, Woodinville, WA.
-Jen
RESOURCES:
Woodhouse Estates Winery on Facebook
Woodhouse Estates Winery on Instagram
Woodhouse Estates Winery on Twitter
~ Jen
