After lunch on Sunday at Heritage Restaurant + Bar with my friend Rebecca, we tasted wine at Ryan Patrick. She had time for one more tasting, so I suggested we head to Castillo de Feliciana. Rebecca lived in Spain for a couple years so I suspected she’d enjoy their Spanish style wines. Plus I adore the tasting room staff here and knew they’d be fun and friendly to visit with.
Walking into the tasting room, we were greeted by the extremely friendly “Sugar Pie,” a tasting room customer’s extremely friendly and laid back dog.
Nearly everyone who came into the tasting room while we were there had to stop and pet Sugar Pie, who definitely enjoyed the extra attention and loves. A couple brought in their darling 7 month old poodle mix puppy who was delighted to greet a very patient Sugar Pie. I couldn’t get a clear photo of the cute and wriggly puppy, unfortunately!
I hadn’t met Monica yet. She’s delightful, and I was so grateful with her patience with us – here I was bursting in unannounced, waving my camera around with no prior notice or warning. She’s gracious and made our wine tasting session even more fun. She mentioned that a year ago she and a friend began trying to visit all the Woodinville tasting rooms. Of course, with well over 100 in the Woodinville area, they are still not finished with their quest yet (either are Jen and I!)
Dionne expertly visited with us, while simultaneously entertaining other ladies in the tasting room and running outside to check on people enjoying wines on the beautiful outdoor patio.
Monica let us know that the Castillo de Feliciana Rose comes out on May 18. I’m super excited about it because it’s a 100% Tempranillo!
I was happy to learn that our tasting would begin with the 2016 Brillante, a sparkling wine made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. I’m not normally the world’s biggest fan of Chardonnay, but throw some bubbles in it and that makes it festive. I bought a bottle to take home to serve at my next special occasion party. (Otherwise known as “Monday night.”)
If you’re interested in purchasing a bottle or two of their 2016 Brillante, you might want to head over there soon. It was made in a limited number of cases, and their supply here in Woodinville is getting low!
Our next tasting was the Albarino. I was afraid to buy a bottle to take home, because every time I do, I swear it’s to open and serve at a party – and then I open it and drink it all by myself over the course of a weekend, selfishly.
Their current tasting menu includes the 2016 Brillante, the 2016 Albarino, the 2013 Miercoles, 2014 Malbec (90% estate sourced), 2013 Tempranillo (my personal favorite of their wines AND of the local Tempranillos I’ve tasted) and their 2013 Adentro.
I don’t remember tasting the Adentro before – it’s their version of a Cabernet Sauvignon. I really liked it! Rebecca’s favorite was the Miercoles, their red blend. It’s meant to be a “school night” wine, and contains 44% Syrah, 36% Garnacha, and 20% Merlot.
Dionne told me about so many enticing upcoming events this summer here at the Castillo de Feliciana’s lovely patio and grounds. They’ll have live music, food trucks, and the area is kid and dog friendly. (Sadly, they don’t serve beer so I’m not sure my boyfriend will come along. Girls night!)
Stop by their Calendar of Events from time to time to find out about upcoming festivities in their Walla Walla and Woodinville spaces.
-Carrie
RESOURCES:
Castillo de Feliciana Woodinville Tasting Room on Facebook
Castillo de Feliciana on Instagram
Castillo de Feliciana on Twitter
