Columbia Winery
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Discover Columbia Winery where you will find a tasting room housed in a Victorian-style building with a patio and outdoor seating. Columbia Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Washington that pioneered growing vinifera grapes in that state.
The approach to and surrounding the Columbia Winery tasting room facility is lush with vegetation. A circular driveway and garden with a large assortment of flowering plants enhance the Victorian style two-story building.
Stepping inside provides a view of an elegant facility with two tasting counters. The floors are covered with a combination of carpet and wood. A fireplace, in the center of the area, is a focal point and comfortable seating is around the fireplace. A large area is set aside for a gift shop area. Here visitors will discover a variety of things to browse including wood salad bowl sets, red wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar, 100 percent cotton towels printed with a variety of wine quotes and small appetizers to pair with wines.
Another room off of the tasting room is available to Wine Club members. This room has even more attributes than the larger tasting room for the general public. The ceiling is of large copper squares. A fireplace provides additional ambiance while carpet covers the majority of the floor.
A large event room is available for weddings, corporate and private events. The event room has a wall of windows that is located next to a patio that is walled in for privacy with evergreens and a garden. In house catering is also offered. A separate bride’s room is available for a bride and her bridesmaids while the groom and the groomsmen also have their room to prepare for a wedding.
While the winery is not a restaurant, visitors can order their choice from four flat bread pizzas Wednesdays thru Sundays. These can be enjoyed at a table on the patio.
Columbia Winery was established as Associated Vitners in 1962 by a group of ten partners. Six of these friends were professors at the University of Washington. They brought a knowledge base that was transferred to the vineyard and winemaking. The winemaking actually began in a garage. The founders wanted to pioneer the growing of premier grape varieties in Washington State, something that had not been done at that time. Columbia Winery has focused on varieties including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Dr. Lloyd Woodbaine was the first winemaker from 1962 to 1979. David Lake was the winemaker from 1979 to 2006. Both were influential in the Washington wine industry.
Wines
Columbia Winery is producing 150,000 cases with Riesling being the best seller. Wine tastings are with Riedel stemware.
White Wines
Viognier 2008, Small Lot Series was a light yellow. The aroma offered floral, pear and apple nuances. There were pear and apple notes on the taste. The finish was crisp and fruity. Dry Riesling 2007 “Covey Run” from Whisky Canyon Vineyard was yellow. The aroma was mineral with floral hints. The taste offered mineral and floral notes with hints of citrus. The finish was crisp with a lingering apricot taste.
Red Wines
Sangiovese 2007 had an aroma of red cherry with strawberry hints. There were red cherry, violets and mineral nuances on the taste. The finish was crisp with cherry, violets and mineral notes. Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Red Willow Vineyard was a dark red. The aroma offered blackberries with wood nuances. The taste had blackberries and cedar nuances. Tannins were on the finish. Syrah 2003 Red Willow Vineyard was a dark red. The aroma had red fruit and spice with smoky nuances. There were red fruity notes on the taste. The fruity finish was crisp with a long aftertaste.
Wine Clubs
Columbia Winery offers three wine club programs. Cellar Master Tier includes a shipment of one red and one white wine selection every other month. Milestone Tier is a shipment of two red wines every other month. Club 1962 is for the wine collector.
According to Jeff Zucker, retail manager, Columbia Winery is a pioneering winery that is staying true to its origins. The winery is consistently producing solid, good wines. The tasting room has a great atmosphere and is fun. The next time you are near Woodinville, Washington stop in and enjoy the experience.
Columbia Winery
14030 Northeast 145th Street
Woodinville, Washington 98072-6994
GPS: N47º 44.030’ W122º 09.098’
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