To say that I was excited about the opportunity to ride along with the Warr-King Wines staff to visit their Washington State vineyard sources is an extreme understatement. This is something I had been dying to do for the last few years, and when Lisa Warr-King Packer (winemaker at Warr-King Wines) invited me to join them, I was thrilled!
The itinerary for the day was packed, so we made it a 5:30 AM start. Our first stop was Rosebud Vineyard in Mattawa, Washington. Vineyard manager, Chip Dobson and his assistant Lonnie were there to give us a friendly greeting. We didn’t waste any time heading out to see the vines!
We were there to check on Lisa’s fruit for her first-ever Pinot Gris and to see how far along they were into veraison. I spent a lot of time asking Lisa and her team about the logistics of harvest, ie the transport, timing, schedule of the fruit. I learned about critical aspects of Harvest including Brix levels. I love learning about the winemaking process, as it gives me a different appreciation when I am sipping Woodinville wine.
Rosebud Vineyard is a third-generation owned farm and vineyard located in the Wahluke Slope AVA. Chip told me that this is one of the warmest and driest vineyard locations in the state. Warr-King Wines also sources its Riesling grapes from here.
Chips’ adorable daughter Joanna joined us.
No vineyard is complete without a good winery dog! Betsy was the cutest and sweetest dog, riding along with us and touring the vineyard. Doesn’t she look like she is smiling? I seriously loved her.
I had a great time meeting Chip and Lonnie and touring Rosebud Vineyard and am grateful for the trip. Can’t wait to try the first vintage of Pinot Gris from Warr-King Wines when it is released.
Warr-King Wines is a boutique winery located in Woodinville, WA. Lisa makes consistently elegant and impressive wines and her Lily Frances Rose and Syrah are on my favorites list. You will love the warm and inviting tasting room, located in Woodinville’s Warehouse District. Currently, the tasting room is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This winery district can get very busy, so we definitely advise making a reservation. This ensures the staff can offer you the best wine tasting experience! While you are visiting, don’t forget to sample tasty goods from the charcuterie vending machine!
Happy Harvest!
Cheers ~ Jen
Warr-King Wines reservations link
