Wine is that rare drink that needs no accompaniment. No surprise then that some of the most common wine descriptors relate to food: chewy, jammy or buttery, to name just a few. That said, who would argue that the right nosh brings out the best in a fine wine? Winemakers, of course, know this only too well, which is why the best ones offer delicious bites of their own, or position themselves conveniently close to great eateries. As Woodinville Wine Country grows to over 100 wineries and tasting rooms, it’s only natural that great cuisine is playing a big part in the mix. And we’re not talking about only fancy or filling, included are simple, flavorful morsels that add volumes to any wine-tasting experience.
Chateau Ste. Michelle during their VIP tastings pair their wines with fine cheeses and crackers that provide just the right flavor contrast to their unique family of vintages. And for a bit more bite, call ahead to find out when their delicious panini lunches are available. Across the street, the Hollywood Tavern and the Willow’s Fireside lounges offer farm-fresh Northwest menus and cozy fire pits and patios to cleanse your palate and rest your feet between wineries.
Chateau Ste. Michelle offers VIP tasting experiences with food pairings,including warm hors d’oeuvre options.
As you swirl and sip your way through the Hollywood District, duck into The Bistro at the Hollywood Schoolhouse for their seasonal soups, salads and sandwiches. These simple, authentic dishes pair perfectly with the neighborhood wines, and you can order to-go to enjoy at a nearby patio or your next tasting room. And if you’re really serious about your seasons, head downtown to Molbak’s, where you can peruse the colorful perennials while partaking of the delicious edibles at their Russell’s Garden Café. It’s a perfect way to either begin or conclude a day of tasting.
When you head up the hill to the Warehouse District, the winery choices become almost dizzying. Luckily, there are ample food options to keep you grounded. Artisan Hill’s Pairings Restaurant at Covington Cellars offers a tantalizing menu of appetizers and entrées to match their superb wine selections.
Pairings offers a rotating menu of gourmet fare.
And just down the block, Proven Breads pulls fresh, hearth-baked loaves out of their ovens daily. Pair them with their charcuterie and artisan cheeses while sipping a fine Cabernet, and life doesn’t get much better. Or step into Davenport or Bunnell Family Cellar to find a tasty assortment of “light bites” to bring out the best in their reds and whites.
Woodinville is impossibly rich with wine. But what makes it all the more richer is the abundance of fresh, light food fare that makes these wines even better. To get a true flavor for this place, enjoy these delicious opportunities to fill your plate as well as your glass.
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