We have always been huge fans of Damsel Cellars wines, especially after meeting the damsel herself: winemaker Mari Womack. We first met several years back at a charity event for Sisters of the Vinifera Revolution and have been fans since. Not only is Mari making killer Washington wines, she’s approachable and down-to-earth. This winning combination makes you want to come back to visit her Artisan Hill tasting room again and again. We are honored to feature her this month for National Women’s History Month as proud supporters of the Alliance of Women in Washington Wine.
Mari has been a part of the Woodinville wine industry since 2010 when she began working and volunteering at tasting rooms such as Obelisco Estate and Baer Winery. It was in 2011 that she became the assistant winemaker at Darby Winery, and began to make wines under her own label in 2012. She sources high quality fruit from pioneer grower Dick Boushey of Boushey Vineyards as well as Stillwater Creek Vineyard.
She brings a restaurant business background to her wines, and produces them to pair exceptionally well with food. The Damsel Syrah and Cabernet Franc are serious yet fun single varietal reds, and her GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) “The Fates” received 91 points in the Wine Enthusiast August 2020 wine report by Sean Sullivan. It’s an easy-drinker with a “wow” factor. I personally love the 2018 Red Blend – it’s delicious!
Coming to you this Spring, are these gorgeous new releases! Last week, I sipped the new 2020 Chardonnay with a baked crab dip for the Taste Washington at Home Chardonnay and Catch of the Day pairing. It was crisp, bright, and fruit-forward with notes of lemon, melon and fresh pear. This is a great wine to add to our list of “Chardonnays for those who don’t typically love Chardonnay”.
Mari’s Rose and Marsanne were also a few of our favorites last year and we look forward to these new vintages. They are releasing in April and May and will be available in the tasting room and online at Damsel Cellars website.
It was a big year for Damsel, with a move to this gorgeous new tasting room in Woodinville’s Artisan Hill District and constant creative pivoting in order to deal with pandemic wines sales. Pictured here is the front of the tasting room, and the club room. There are also tables for tasting available in the barrel room. You can make your wine tasting reservations on the Damsel Cellars website by clicking here.
The tasting room is located at 18746 142nd Ave NE, Woodinville, WA. When you visit, talk to the staff about their wine club. We hear there are many fun events and pairings, and even a mystery box club shipment. Definitely one to check out!
Cheers to you, Mari! WE look forward to drinking more of your fabulous Washington wines!
~Jen
