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Experience the best Washington wines when you explore Seattle’s urban wine scene. Read on for some of our favorite spots to stop in for a wine tasting in Seattle.
Washington wines have received greater recognition and following over the last decade, so visiting the state to sample these limited-production wines is a must for any wine enthusiast. Most vineyards are located in central and eastern Washington, more than 3 hours from Seattle . However, the Emerald City is home to a wealth of tasting rooms that feature a wide range of styles and experiences. Here are some of the hotspots in Seattle’s urban wine scene.
Where to Experience Seattle’s Urban Wine Scene
Two highly recommended locations within Seattle city limits that offer ample tasting experiences are historic Pioneer Square and the more industrial, but no less wine-friendly, South of Downtown (SODO). We will look at some of the best tasting rooms in both areas.
Exploring Seattle’s Urban Wine Scene in Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square, Seattle’s early settlement dating to 1852, is home to historic buildings, great architecture, stadiums for concerts and sporting events, and a thriving art community. Walking distance to the main ferry terminal, train station, and downtown hotels makes Pioneer Square an easily accessible neighborhood.
Three Pioneer Square wine options within five minutes walk of each other make it easy to stroll, sip, and explore some of Washington’s premier wine while taking in the city’s history.
Historic Pioneer Square in Seattle is home to some great tasting rooms. Photo by littleny courtesy iStock by Getty Images
Locus Wines
Locus Wines sets itself apart with extensive food and wine pairing, and you’d be remiss for not trying at least one item from co-owner and chef Ton Yazici while tasting their Yakima Valley -focused wine.
Tastings start at $17 for 2 oz pours of four wines. Co-owner and winemaker Rich Burton emphasizes minimal intervention winemaking, so additives and oak aging is limited, generally not more than 25% new oak in any wine. The result is generally lighter to medium-body reds and dry whites with acidity and minerality.
The Basque-inspired chicken in piperade and sherry, paired with 2018 Syrah, was a winner. Tender chicken in savory and caramelized sweet tomato, pepper, and onion sauce brought out savory pepper and fruit in the syrah.
Chef Ton will elevate your wine experience with freshly prepared nosh. Check with Locus about specialty wine, food pairing events, and weekend brunch. Photo by Greg Mazzola
Browne Family Vineyards
Browne Family Vineyards , established as a tribute to the grandfather of founder Andrew Browne, has the most extensive offering of wine, typically more than 30 options at any given time, with something in the mix that appeals to a wide range of interests.
Various tasting flights are offered daily, including four wines with generous 3-oz pours, starting from $25.
Browne Family emphasizes Bordeaux-influenced reds with at least seven cabernet sauvignon at any time. You’ll also find merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, and a rarity—single varietal petit verdot. Spymaster is worth seeking out. It is a series of cabernet sauvignon—five different Spymasters in the series, all from the Walla Walla estate vineyard, each with a different character. From fruit forward to herbal and earthy, there’s an interesting range that any fan of cabernet sauvignon will find intriguing.
Sample the Spymaster Series to unlock the secrets of these unique cabernet sauvignons. Five in the Spy Series, all 100% cabernet sauvignon from the estate vineyard, and all have unique qualities. Photo by Greg Mazzola
Browne Family also routinely has a single varietal petit verdot on hand. Typically a blending grape, petit verdot as a single varietal is a bit of a unicorn, and these consistently deliver a full-bodied wine with dark fruit and tamed tannins.
Full disclosure : The author of the story is an employee of Browne Family.
Foundry Vineyards
Foundry Vineyards also showcases the trend of minimalist intervention to fully represent the fruit and the terroir from where it originates. In addition, Foundry Vineyards received USDA organic certification in 2020 after completing a three-year certification process and is dedicated to sourcing organic fruit.
In addition to a malbec that stands out with dark fruit, baking spice, and balanced acidity, are a couple of unique finds not typical in Washington wine circles: an orange wine (white wine that is fermented on skins and picks up an orange hue) from Muscat Ottonel, and a Washington pinot noir. The latter is light-bodied with high acidity and a combination of strawberry and earthiness. While it may not overtake Oregon pinot noirs, it’s worth tasting and showcases Foundry’s desire to experiment and push the boundaries.
Exploring Seattle’s Urban Wine Scene in SODO
SODO Urban Works, a hub of ten tasting rooms “South of Downtown,” is approximately 2.5 miles from Pioneer Square. SODO is decidedly warehouse industrial, but the wines are no less enjoyable and high quality. Each tasting room provides a unique experience. Two that I always enjoy are Latta Winery and Sleight of Hand Cellars.
Latta Wines
Latta Wines , founded by winemaker and owner Andrew Latta, features Rhône-style wines. The tasting room is no frills, but the wines are solid, and the location doubles as the production facility. So, a visit during harvest season provides an added benefit of witnessing the magic of winemaking, from crush and fermentation to barrel aging, with all the intoxicating aromas.
The Latta Latta is a balanced and fruit-forward GSM (Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre) featuring the classic Rhône trio of grenache, gamey syrah, and the bold dark fruit, peppery essence of mourvedre.
Latta also offers excellent value in their “Kind Stranger” series ($17 per bottle on my last visit). The wine is typically cabernet sauvignon-based, creating an easy-drinking medium-body red. Proceeds from this wine benefit Mary’s Place Seattle, ensuring safe shelter for families in need, and the International Rescue Committee . It’s not only solid wine but also a great community support program.
Sleight of Hand
If you like wine and rock-n-roll, Sleight of Hand is a must-stop. Adorned with music memorabilia and images of iconic rock legends (leaning heavily on Seattle hometown heroes Pearl Jam and Jimi Hendrix), the spacious tasting room pairs impressive wine. There is even vinyl to spin your favorite tunes while sipping anything from light rosé to bold, full-bodied reds.
Spin your favorite rock album paired with Washington wine at Sleight of Hand. The tasting room has comfy couches, more than 100 albums to request, and a great selection of wines. Photo by Greg Mazzola
While the music mix adds some fun, make no mistake, the wines still take center stage with range. A recent tasting included five pours, approximately 1 oz each, ranging from dry, crisp cabernet franc rosé, dry riesling with bright acidity, chardonnay (balanced without an overpowering oak or butter influence), and a couple of varied reds. Headlining was the Psychedelic Syrah from the renowned Rocks District, balancing dark fruit and gamey punch.
Syrahs are a specialty at Sleight of Hand, emphasizing Rocks District fruit. Rocks District is a tiny AVA straddling Southern Washington and Northern Oregon, resulting in complex, unique wines. Several of their Rocks Syrahs are sold out upon release, and there is a waitlist to get a coveted bottle.
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Wine Tasting in Seattle’s Urban Wine Scene
While visiting and tasting wine in the vineyards of any wine region is a memorable experience, for those unable to make the trip to Eastern Washington, a wide range of the state’s world-class wines can be savored on a sojourn to Seattle. When planning your next trip to discover Washington wines or other wines around the world , let Wander With Wonder be your guide.
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Savor Washington Wine in Seattle’s Urban Wine Scene
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