Happening Now: Seattle Beer Week

Despite having lived in the far west for more than half my life I still consider myself a Wisconsin Girl.  I love Johnsonville Brats, drink beer and cheer for the Packers so you would probably assume (and be correct) that I’m thrilled Seattle Beer Week is happening right now.  I wasn’t able to make it to kick off events last night but am excited about some of the fantastic things planned around the area this week.  Here are a few of the ones I think look the most exciting, though there are dozens listed each day for this 10 day event - which arguably is one of the best things to happen to Seattle in 2012.

Inking & Drinking:
05/11 from 06:00 PM-02:00 AM at Pub at Piper's Creek
Reprise of last year's hugely popular Beer Week Function - come get some free new ink at Pipers! Artists on hand to indelibly render the logos of our brewery sponsors on your private/public canvas! Hosted by Skagit River Brewing & Left Hand Brewing

Tour de Pints #4:
05/12 from 11:00 AM-07:00 PM
at The Pike Brewing Company
Oil up your chains, grab your helmet, and come join Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery on this year’s 4th annual Tour de Pints! This year’s Tour will take us past some of Seattle’s iconic locations as we bike 20+ miles to and from some of the most defining pubs, taverns and taprooms Seattle has to offer. 
We’ll start this year’s Tour at the heart of downtown Seattle’s Pike Place Market: The Pike Brewing Company. From there we’ll head north along Elliot Bay and across the Ballard Locks to Hilliard’s Beer in Ballard. Feel free to grab a bite from Snout & Co while we’re there! Next, we make our way up Phinney Ridge to Naked City Brewery & Taphouse, a local favorite in the Greenwood neighborhood. From the top of the ridge, it’s all downhill from here is as we cruise east to Ravenna Alehouse. The more ambitious amongst us will have an opportunity to prove themselves in a Feat of Strength: bike from Naked City to Fiddler’s Inn and beat the rest of the group to Ravenna Tavern. Once we catch our breath its south along the Burke-Gilman trail to Fremont Brewing Company’s Urban Beer Garden for a quick break and then off again to Hale’s Ales where we begin our final leg of the Tour toward our final destination, one of the newest pubs in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood, The Wurst Place. 
You won’t want to miss out this year! There will be prizes and bar-swag available at each of the stops for a few lucky winners and a special giveaway at The Wurst Place for everyone who completes the entire Tour. There is no need to sign-up beforehand, but we will be asking people to sign a waiver at the first or second stop. Helmets are required! For more information check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tourdepints.

Beer & Cheese w/Widmer:
05/12 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM at The Cheese Cellar
Beer & Cheese – Widmer Brothers Beer and Cheese Pairing at the Cheese Cellar
May 12th Two sessions : 1-3 and 3-5. Tickets $20 available for pre-sale at The Cheese Cellar
5 Widmer Brothers Beers paired with 5 artisan cheeses

Kegs & Eggs w/Elysian Brewing Co.:
05/13 from 10:00 AM-03:00 PM at Brave Horse Tavern
Kegs n’ Eggs ~ with Elysian Brewing Co. the official Beer of 2012 Seattle Beer Week - Split Shot Espresso Milk Stout we are pairing it with a brunch special of house made doughnuts with bourbon caramel n’ chocolate dips Plus Elysian will be here.

This is Washington Dammit!:
05/14 All Day at Beveridge Place Pub
Twenty-four Washington Beers from twenty four different breweries, All $3 PINTS

Ride The Bull:
05/14 from 06:00 PM-11:00 PM at Brouwer's Cafe
Cowboy Up! Wear your Western Wear! 
Brouwers Cafe and Big Sky Brewing Co present Seattle Beer Week's first Bull riding night! DRINK...rare and exotic brews from Missoula, Montana's big ballers. SEE...brewery celebrities. RIDE... the mechanical bull - single or tandem, it's all good. GRAB... some cans... of Big Sky IPA for the first time in Seattle. SMELL... the glove. the fear. the fun! Be there Monday night May 14th from 6pm 'til the COWS COME HOME.

Northwest Women In Beer:
05/15 from 05:00 PM-08:00 PM at The Pike Brewing Company
Pike Brewing Co. Museum Room
Women brewed beer or favorite beers to sample.
Women owned food business, small bite samples.
Come learn about the historic significance of women brewers.
Raffle, food, beer and the proceeds benefit, Planned Parenthood!
Not just for women, guys should come too!!

New Belgium Sour Symposium:
05/16 from 11:00 AM-06:00 PM at The Stumbling Monk
This will be a sour beer seminar and blending workshop led by New Belgium's master blenders Lauren Woods and Eric Salazar. 
There will be 2 sessions 11-2 and 3-6. Space is very limited. SECOND SESSIONS SOLD OUT!

Barley Wine Brewer’s Dinner:
05/17 from 07:00 PM-11:00 PM at Pyramid Breweries' Seattle Alehouse
Enjoy a four-course, beer-paired dinner featuring our special Beer Week Cask Barley Wine. The dinner includes a brewery tour and a free growler to take home. 7 p.m. $45, all-inclusive. Advanced purchase required. Tickets available at: http://www.pyramidseattle.eventbrite.com

Liquid Sunshine in A Can:
05/18 All Day at Super Deli Mart
Super Deli will be featuring beers from 21st Amendment on draft and will offer 20% off on all Canned Beers from California. Come in and grab some growlers of 21A and a few cans of California finest Beers!!

Sound Brewing Night:
05/18 from 07:00 PM-10:00 PM at Hopvine
Sound Brewery Night: A Night of Beer, Food and Music 
The boys in Poulsbo are brewing some amazing beer and we will be sharing some of their special craft with you on Friday. Live music and something special from the kitchen will be included in the fun. 
Special Beers: 
We'll be bringing a keg of WW3, our Tripel Entendre aged for a week in a barrel that had Bainbridge Island Organic Distillery's Wheat Whiskey in it.

Sudsy Shuffle w/Beer West:
05/19 from 11:00 AM-03:00 PM at Brave Horse Tavern
First Annual Sudsy Shuffle with Beer West Magazine were talking shuffleboard tournament!

2nd Annual Free BBQ SWB:
05/20 from 12:00 PM-03:00 PM at Fremont Brewing Company
The 2nd Annual "Oh My Gawd, What Have I Done to My Liver!" free BBQ. Come to our Urban Beer Garden between 12pm-3pm and get yer BBQ, have a frothy beverage and take pride in surviving SBW 2012.

By AEFlatley with No comments

They Make Wine There? - New Mexico Red

It was an amazingly beautiful day here in the Willamette Valley.  Sun-drenched and satisfied, I decided to make dinner for Greg and upon his return from a week in North Carolina.  The menu - spaghetti casserole, braised kale with caramelized shallots, crimini mushrooms, and balsalmic vinegar.  For dessert I made up a rhubarb crisp complete with an oat-crumble topping.  All of the produce came from the Corvallis Saturday Market...all except the tomato sauce for the casserole.  That was the last jar from last year's canning. I love it when food comes full circle.

I wanted to get the perfect wine to go with the meal and felt a bit stuck.  Generally I go with red when I am doing tomato sauces, but I felt that the citrus flavors in a sav blanc or chardonnay would be better with the crisp.  I the end I just went with what was closest (I try to be a wino, but I end up just being someone who likes a nice glass).  I grabbed the bottle of Primitivo from Black Mesa Winery in New Mexico.  Chris had left it on my coffee table from the evening before, and there it was - looking at me and asking to be sampled.

Initially the wine was very tart, full of ripe cherry with a lingering floral-ness.  Greg described it as sour.  As we ate our main course the wine's flavors broadened to blackberry and some of the high acid flavors mellowed.  I enjoyed this pairing.  I poured myself a second glass with dessert, and enjoyed how the acid in the wine balanced with the tart rhubarb.  I was worried that this wine might overpower our dessert, but it ended up being a lovely compliment. 

I surely don't think of wine when I think of New Mexico, but this one was a lovely surprise.  

By Clare with 1 comment

May the Fifth Be The Start of Mint Julep Season

Cinco de Mayo was an exciting day for me, but not for the reason you may think.

Some friends and I took advantage of a rare spring sunny day in Seattle to do some hiking, and on the drive there, I mentioned that we should go out for a drink afterwards.  The Gerald in Ballard was hosting a joint Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Derby party, I told them, and I was keen to check it out.

Knowing my relative disdain for all things tequila, Rob and Erin looked at me quizzically, completely oblivious to the real meaning of my statement.

Kentucky Derby Party.

One of the best days of the year for a bourbon lover like myself:  the start of Mint Julep season.

In fact, I was so excited I made up a song about it.  It went a little something like this:  Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na, BOURBON.  So really my song was just the Batman song with the word Batman replaced with Bourbon, but if you ask Rick nicely, he may show you a video.

In case you are as confused about Mint Juleps and their connection to the Kentucky Derby as Rob and Erin, allow me to educate you.  We are, after all, an educational publication.

What is the Mint Julep?

The Mint Julep is rather simple in composition:

• Fresh Mint Leaves
• Crushed Ice
• 2 Tablespoons Simple Syrup
• 2 Tablespoons Water
• 2 Ounces of fine Kentucky Bourbon

Muddle the fresh mint in the bottom of a collins glass, fill the glass half-full with crushed ice, then add the simple syrup, water, and Bourbon.  Stir, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, and enjoy.

If you're making your own simple syrup, throw a few fresh mint leaves while it boils to infuse some extra minty goodness.

If you didn't plan ahead, water and sugar stirred really well can pinch-hit for simple syrup in a bind.

What about this horse race thing?

The Kentucky Derby has been called the most exciting two minutes in sports. Held the first Saturday in May in Louisville, Kentucky, the race is 1.25 miles and represents the first leg of the US Triple Crown.

The Derby has run every year since 1875 and the event is rife with tradition. Goofy hats being one of the more interesting, and luckily for us, Mint Juleps is another. I'm not much for horse racing, but Bourbon is a different story.

Booze and Horsies?

A match made in heaven. Just, not at the same time. The Mint Julep originated in Kentucky, and it's use of Bourbon makes it a perfect fit for the pomp and circumstance that is the Derby. In fact, the Julep has been promoted by Churchill Downs, the horse track, in association with the Derby since 1938 and over 120,000 Juleps are served each year during the 2-day Derby celebration. That's a lot of booze!

In the supreme display of pretentiousness, those sitting in Millionaires Row and the Derby can enjoy $1000 Juleps served in hand-engraved sterling silver cups with premium Woodford Reserve Bourbon. Grab my monocle and top hat, mate!

The Derby is commonly recognized as the start of Mint Julep season, and for those of us in the proletariat left to drink at a bar in Seattle, The Gerald serves a pretty mean cocktail.

By Josh Gana with No comments

A Day in Vancouver B.C.

The City of Seattle has been doing quite the promotional push lately with their "2 Days in Seattle are 2 Days You Won't Soon Forget" advertisements. We even wrote about it. But what if you're already from Seattle? You already spend every day in Seattle, so where should you go for a weekend? And what if you're from Portland and already erratically spend 2 days in Seattle from time to time? The answer is clear; you head north and spend half of that time in Vancouver B.C.

Neither Josh nor I had spend much time in Vancouver aside from specific work- or event-related activities, so this would truly be our first chance to explore on our own. Even better, Josh's good friend Steve loaded us up with recommendations of places to hit up and Tourism BC gave us an amazing hotel recommendation. Here's how it went down.

I had driven up to Seattle the night before, so we were all set to head up on a beautiful Saturday morning via Josh's German-engineered mechanized chariot. What normally would have been a 2.5 hours or so drive ended up being a bit more due to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. I'd normally link to an event such as this and provide more information, but my blind hatred for tulips at this point prevents me from mentioning the word "tulip" without getting flashbacks of going 3mph on I-5. Event-related traffic aside, driving to Vancouver is a breeze. The border guards are also incredibly friendly, unless I suppose you're rooting against the Whitecaps (we weren't, Go Whitecaps!, eh).

Our first destination in Vancouver was to check in at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in downtown Vancouver. Well, that's after we circled the block a few times avoiding an active movie shoot taking place down the street. After valeting the chariot, we walked in to the lobby. It was hip, modern, and clean but comfortable at the same time. The customer service was impeccable, and most importantly, the desk agent pronounced my name correctly. Usually, it's Gorrrr...err...gran...uhh...buffalo? Not at the Coast Coal Harbour! The star of the show at the hotel, besides from the location, was the guest room. Featuring floor to ceiling wrap around windows and beds that were so comfortable that we had to eat cookies while laying in them, we felt like a million bucks (Canadian) in our room.

Once checked in, we decided to partake in an obligatory Tim Horton's run. For those of you who don't live near one of Tim Horton's limited US locations, think of it as Canada's version of Dunkin Donuts, but more of a national institution. Kind of like how if you're in the States for the first time, you should tame a bald eagle or buy a gun. Same thing in Canada, although way more delicious and far less dangerous. Our first run through their line, however, was met with peril. Josh and I learned two very important things for Americans traveling to Canada: 1. Tim Horton's doesn't take Visa (although it takes Master Card) and 2. Debit in Canada does not mean the same thing as it does in the US. In short, the Canadian debit system only works intra-providencial, meaning a BC debit card will only work in BC. This resulted in an necessary ATM run and after going through the line for a second time, mediocre, yet patriotic donuts and coffee were had.  Eh?

After a bit of wandering, we walked from our hotel along the gorgeous Coal Harbour shoreline towards Vancouver's Gastown district. Vancouver's oldest and potentially first neighborhood is now one of its trendiest; also interestingly named after one of Vancouver's founding residents, Gassy Jack. Most importantly for this publication, it's also home to Steamworks Brewing Company. Located in the heart of Gastown, Steamworks is immediately distinguishable by its ample outdoor seating, relaxed gastropub-esque atmosphere, and good times being had all around. Josh and I grabbed a seat in the downstairs restaurant and did what any online beverage journalist worth his salt would do; ordered one of almost everything they brew. OK, so maybe it was just a taster tray, but at the same time, look at this monster:

If this is a typical Canadian taster tray then we Americans have been seriously one-upped! What you're looking at are five on Steamworks' regular brews along with three seasonals. We took notes on all of them, but I'll highlight three for the sake of time.

Lion's Gate Lager - Of the array put in front of us, this was definitely the most surprising in terms of how much I enjoyed it. I'm really not a lager guy at all and more often than not I probably would have skipped this one, but it was unlike any lager I had ever tried. This one poured an almost amber color with big, malty hues of butterscotch. Much more complex than a typical lager and it even got a little bit sweeter as it warmed up. This may put off fans of traditional lagers, but it made a new fan out of me.

Empress IPA - Dry-hopped with hops from Mt. Hood, this IPA comes out actually quite muted compared to typical Northwest variants. Josh's guess is it sits somewhere in the 60 IBU range, which for him made it a perfect session beer. If you're a fan of most Northwest ambers, pick this one up and you won't be disappointed. Want something super hoppy? Their Double IPA is where you should look.

Coal Porter - Most surprising about this porter is that it doesn't or feel like a porter at all. My first question after looking at it is whether or was poured on nitro or not, but apparently it normally pours as if it was. Super creamy mouthfeel with a decent amount of white head combine to what most would equate with a milk stout. Other than the creaminess, it's malty and contains the typical notes of a porter.

All in all, Steamworks is an excellent place to hit up for good beer, great food, and watching three hockey games at the same time. Do yourself a favor to and go for the taster tray.

With eight little beers in us, it was time to do what any great Canadian citizen would do; go to a soccer match! Ok, so maybe soccer isn't quite as popular as hockey, but Vancouver is home to Major League Soccer's Vancouver Whitecaps FC. As fellow Cascadians (Go Timbers!), Josh and I thought it would be fun to round out the night by watching the Whitecaps take on FC Dallas in the brand new BC Place stadium. While the crowd wasn't nearly as rowdy as what we're used to in our respective cities (Go Timbers!), the match itself was thrilling and the crowd really got into it towards the end. For you beer fans, the picture is much bleaker. 99% of the vendors only carry Budweiser and I had never heard of the couple of micros we found. They also only come in little plastic cups, but on the bright side, the come with a Starbucks-esque top so you don't spill on your way to your seat or dump it on your face. Hooray safety! Vancouver ended up winning 1-0 and the closest thing we saw to a soccer riot was a drunk guy unsuccessfully kicking a road barrier (Go Timbers!).

With a full day of Vancouver under our belts and a night of restful slumber, it was time to head back home. A huge thank you goes out to Steve for his great dining suggestions, Tourism BC for information on lodging, and the Coast Coal Harbour hotel for such incredible hospitality and fantastic room service. Another shout out goes to the US border guards who have on file no less than 50,000 photos of Josh and I crossing into the country. USA! USA! USA!

By Rick with 2 comments

2010 Jackson Triggs Silver Series Sauvignon Blanc

While WestToast's bread and butter is covering the best of California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, we often forget that our neighbors to the north also produce fine wine, beer, and spirits of their own. As a departure from our norm, I've decided to throw an additional review into the White Wine Month Hat and cover a little something Josh and I picked up in a recent trip to Vancouver, BC.

Oh yeah, Josh and I spent a day in Vancouver recently and a comprehensive review is on its way. It was awesome aside from a confusion about what "debit" means. More to come.

British Columbia's Okanagan Valley is perhaps the most up-and-coming wine growing region in the world. Sharing many latitudes with other wine-growing countries, a similar terroir as many Eastern Washington AVAs, and a pocket climate perfect for growing healthy vines has brought wine makers to British Columbia in droves. To date, approximately 95 wineries are operating throughout British Columbia and they're going everything from Chardonnay to Syrah. Our friends at Avalon Wine have much more information on the region if you're interested.

Admittedly, I knew almost nothing about Canadian wine prior to perusing one of BC's finest bottle shops. Based on personal preference and bottle description alone, I came across a bottle of Jackson Triggs Silver Series Sauvignon Blanc. I'm always eager to find a good Sauvignon Blanc and a ballsy description like this had me hooked:

Jackson-Triggs is a name you know. It’s a name your friends know. It’s a name that stands for our commitment to crafting the perfect wine for any occasion. And our attention to detail shows. We are Canada’s most awarded winery and have been named “Best Canadian Winery” an unprecedented number of times in both international and domestic competitions. You can feel proud when you serve Jackson-Triggs knowing that no matter the varietal, vintage, or region, you’ll be pouring a premium wine that pairs well with any moment, large or small.

I didn't know the name, but I also didn't know what a flashing green traffic light meant. This was a time when my American ignorance was going to result in sinking or swimming, so I picked it up and brought it home with me for future consumption.

Said future consumption happened three days later as Alyssa and I decided to make a fennel-inspired macaroni and cheese dish served with grilled sweet Italian chicken sausage. I couldn't think of a better dish to pop a bottle of good white wine with, so we screwed the cap off of this bad boy and took some notes.

This Sauvignon Blanc holds up literally to its name as it pours a very light hue. A lightly sweet aroma is immediately noticeable with what I picked up as hues of melon and green apple. Jackson Triggs' tasting notes are a bit different than what I picked up, but you can decide for yourself. Upon first sip, I was very surprised as the mouthfeel is incredibly smooth and covers your whole palate. You're not at all met with an initial tanginess as you are with some whites and the feeling allows you to taste the entire wine without having put put forth any effort.  The taste itself is similar to what you get off the nose, but a bit more floral and toned down in the green apple department.  Alyssa was even on board with this one after commenting, "I normally don't like whites, but I really like this one. Very refreshing" That's quite an endorsement!

All in all, this is a solid Sauvignon Blanc that should appease almost any wine fan. I don't foresee it redefining what the world sees as a quintessential Sauvignon Blanc, but I definitely see itself carving out a large segment of the mid-range white wine market. If you're looking for a solid Sauvignon Blanc at a moderate price, you can't go wrong with this one. Kudos, Okanagan Valley.

By Rick with No comments

Saving The Day

 I first met Bill Collins thanks to a fellow Arizona State University alum.  The Seattle ASU Alumni Chapter held a social at Columbia Winery to allow Sun Devils to mingle and try out a few of their Washington wines.  That gray and drizzling day Bill talked me into joining BJ Bryan as a winery member.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the wines, but if Bill hadn’t been there I wouldn’t have signed up, and would have a very different White Wine Month post for you today.

I recently realized that I need to do a better job of taking white wine notes.  I don’t drink it as often as I do red so when we started talking about doing this series, I knew I didn’t have anything in my back pocket to rely on.  I started my search by emailing a few wineries to see if they had anything new or promotional they wanted reviewed.  No luck.  With my submission deadline approaching I jumped in my car last week and cruised around the North end of Lake Washington to see if Bill could help save the day.

Wearing yoga pants and with my hair pulled back and starting to curl from the spring downpour that started during my drive, I rushed into Columbia hoping that he was at work.  I was in luck. I smiled widely as he greeted me warmly when I walked in.  A little stressed about finding something I quickly rattled off what I was looking for: Something red drinkers can handle, under $25, a great summer taste and not too sweet.  Bill started pulling out bottles to meet my needs and calm me down.

He started with two options.
2010 Small Lot Series Rose of Syrah (*remember Josh says Rose counts)
2010 Small Lot Series Viognier

I altered sips and sniffs taking in the tastes and smells of both.  I picked up:

Rose Nose: Roses, Strawberries

Rose Taste: Pear

Viognier Nose: Honeysuckle
Viognier Taste: Crisp, not as sweet as it smells

I was trying to decide between the two when Bill calmly pulls out a third bottle.  Try this he says, as I sigh thinking I had nearly decided on the one I would write about, is our Chardonnay.  Before I can even take a sip he asks, “Have you tried our UnOaked?”

All of a sudden he’s got two more glasses in front of me.  At his advice, I’m alternating sips between the two to compare and loving the clean taste of the UnOaked when he pulls out yet one more.  The smell of the Gewurztraminer made me feel like I was in a meadow full of blooming wildflowers (think Twilight, but without Bella and a vampire) and the taste of a liquid honey rolled over my taste buds.  Despite that description it isn’t too sweet to finish a glass after dinner with some soft cheese as a delicious dessert.

I tasted some more UnOaked and then told Bill I was going to take home my first choices, the Rose & Viognier, but really the entire selection of whites that Columbia has to offer would be great for your dinner table, party or summer patio.  

Columbia’s website doesn’t currently have tasting notes up on the 2010 Viognier but its 2006 was “fermented and aged in neutral oak barrels for four months” and has an alcohol content of 13.5% with a total acidity of 5.8 g/L.

The 2010 Rose of Syrah has a varietal combination of 95% Syrah with 5% Barbera grapes from the Columbia Valley’s Oasis and Millbrandt Northridge vineyards.  There is 12.98% alcohol content and a total acidity of 5.6 g/LGrapes were harvested in October 2010 and the wine was released nearly a year ago in May 2011.

Unfortunately for those of you outside of the Seattle area, these wines are only available for sale and tasting at Columbia’s tasting room, Fortunately for those of you in the area - the Viognier is Wine of the Month during White Wine Month and you can get the bottle (normally $26) for just $18.20 right now.

Columbia’s tasting sheet describes the Viognier as: “On the nose are aromas of lemon, citrus and honeysuckle, followed by hits of tasted oak.  The crisp acidity on the front of the palate is followed by undertones of creamy, slightly toasted oak.  This wine is light and easy to drink, as well as refreshing and well-balanced.”  It recommends a Cobb salad or creamy Risotto dish to go with this wine.

As for the Rose: “Aromas of fresh cut roses, strawberries, pomegranates and blood oranges come through followed by hints of Bartlett pear, green apple and mint tea in the background.  On the palate are flavors of rose petals, potpourri, red berry and hints of mineral.”  It recommends sushi, crab cakes or most soft cheeses though suggests this wine is just fine on its own.  You can get a bottle for just $20 (or $16 for Cellar Club members).

As the mercury rises and we head toward summer, consider one of Columbia’s whites when you look for a cork to pop.  While the Viognier and Rose I mention above aren’t available in stores, their chardonnay is.  To get the royal treatment, head out to the Woodinville tasting room to meet Bill and sign up to be a Cellar Club member.   Tell him Andrea sent you and he’ll take good care of you.

By AEFlatley with No comments

White Wine of Whidbey

Earlier on during White Wine Month I spent some time on vacation on Whidbey Island in Washington.  Though I used to live in WA, I'd never really spent much time out and about among the islands and the Olympic Peninsula, so I was glad to get an invite to an Easter gathering at a beach house in Freeland.  The weather was spectacular, in that it was not cold or rainy.  I marvel at how this desert dweller has shifted in her view on what makes weather lovely.  That said, it was a prime opportunity to do some exploring on bicycle.

We hit up Blooms Winery/Vineyard in Freeland on one of our cycling excursions.  Excited about doing some wine tasting, I was equally pleased to see that they were hosting some live music to round out a Sunday afternoon.  Though we did get some amused looks from patrons when we trekked in with our bike gear on, the greeting from our hosts was warm and welcoming.  The tasting room was a lovely space, and the guitarist playing was spectacular.  The ambiance made way for some wonderful wines.

Fun and beautiful decor in the tasting room

We tried some remarkable reds - the Blooms Poetry and Blooms Syrah in particular, but, this being white wine month, I am going to highlight one of the whites I tried that was truly wonderful.  The Blooms Whidbey Blend 2009 comes from grapes grown right on Whidbey (you know me and keepin' it local - all over it).  Rich in the nose with grapefruit and floral notes, I found it to be remarkably crisp with a wonderfully balances flavor.  I found grapefruit as well as guava early on, tapering into a barely there sweetness and floral sensibility that hinted of clover and violets.  This is a fantastic wine for drinking alone, but it could easily be put with a summer grill of chicken, shrimp, or fish to make an incredible meal.  

 A lovely citrus flavor 

We appreciated the hospitality and the wine at Blooms, and I will certainly be hitting them up again.  The tasting made for a fun and refreshing pit stop en route to...wait for it...more cycling (what else???).

Whidbey Island traffic jam

By Clare with No comments