Reflections in a Wine Glass: Discover Guardian, Patterson and The Dirty Bucket Brewery

Kevin and I had a busy Saturday in Woodinville last weekend.  There were a lot of wine releases happening.  Once again, Woodinville provided us the best in wine tasting and entertainment in our own backyard. 

In order to keep up with what’s going on in wine country, this is the “go to” site for the latest in parties, releases and events here in wine country. http://www.woodinvillewinecountry.com/  From the homepage menu bar, click on:“Events” > “Woodinville Winery Events” link.  Not every winery is mentioned here, you can also go directly to your favorite winery’s Facebook page for release events and information.  “Like” them, and you’ll be in the loop on what’s happening!

Our first stop, Guardian Cellars

Guardian Cellars release party, August 25th & 26th, 2012

Location: Woodinville Wine Warehouse District

2010 Chalk Line: This Cabernet-dominant wine includes Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Where most of Jerry’s wines are single vineyard or AVA, the fruit for Chalk Line hails from all six of their vineyards. Aged on new French oak before release in August 2012, they changed it up a bit for the 2010 vintage and included Malbec and Petit Verdot. 

The Red Mountain blend, The 2009 Alibi, is back for a second time.  The Alibi is a true showcase of Red Mountain fruit, with great coffee and licorice undertones, a very silky drinking blend.  This release was bottle aged for 15 months at release in late August 2012.  Jerry’s commitment to bottle aging his wines before release shows a sign of a true craftsman who is very passionate about the wines he puts his name on.  This bottle aging allows the wine to develop more character.

Check out the Guardian Facebook page for ongoing events and information on their new releases:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Guardian-Cellars/105822852752

Our next stop, Patterson Cellars, Official Grand Opening & Release at their new Hollywood Hill location

Location: Hollywood Hill tasting room at 14505 148th Ave NE, Woodinville

Patterson now has two tasting locations.  Their first one is at the Woodinville Wine Warehouse. Their second location on Hollywood Hill, is next to The Station Pizzeria.

On this Saturday, we visited the Hollywood Hill location.  After a few hours of quiet wandering about and tasting in Woodinville, we were happy to end our day at Patterson Cellars.  Obviously, this was THE place to be.  As soon as we walked in, we were greeted to an exciting atmosphere, the music was great and the staff was immediately engaged with the guests.  We were already off to a great start.  Upon our arrival, there was no space at the tasting bar, but Jarod immediately came out from behind the bar to greet us and to ask us if we would like a couple of glasses to start tasting.  John and Stephanie were there to greet us and ensure that everyone was having a great Patterson tasting experience. 

This was Patterson’s Official Grand Opening of their Hollywood Hill tasting room.  The location is fantastic for several reasons. First, it is next to The Station Pizzeria, and combined, they have a great atmosphere and youthful energy.  They have in and outdoor patio seating that provides for great people watching. 

The weather was beautiful, and their doors were wide open.  They were celebrating the release of their 2011 Late Harvest Roussanne, you could be entranced with just the nose only of this wine paired with Chef Kent Betts' poached pear gelato (Owner of Italianissimo and The Station).  We drizzled some of the Roussanne on the gelato and it was an amazing!

Their wines are always done right, our favorites are the 2011 Melange Blanc, 50% Chardonnay and 50% Voigner, a great white wine blend that is easy to drink and crisp and delightful.  When we were there, it was selling fast, so you need to come get this wine! This blend is my new favorite white.  Here’s one of the best values on their list of wines, the Woodslake Due Anni, “Due Anni” meaning “two years” it Italian, is a blend of 2009 and 2010 vintages. 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot, 10% Syrah, with a touch of Temrpanillo and Sangiovese.  It is a great easy everyday drinking red wine, and at a $15 is a steal.

On your next trip around the roundabout, you must stop by Patterson’s Hollywood Hill location, and while you are there, order a pizza or appetizer from The Station to enjoy with your bottle of wine.  What is really cool is the free tasting coupon on the back of the wine bottle.  After enjoying your bottle, it easily tears off of the back of the label.  Bring it in on your next visit for a free tasting for four people.  If this isn’t already patented, it should be!

We look forward to our next visit soon to enjoy more wines!

Patterson now has two tasting locations:

Woodinville Wine Warehouse: 19501 144th Ave NE Suite D-600, Woodinville, Saturday & Sunday from 12:00 - 5:00 pm (425)483-8600

Hollywood Hill Tasting Room: 14505 148th Avenue NE (Right next to The Station Pizzeria) Open 7 days a week.

Keep up on their events and releases on Facebook:

Patterson: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Patterson-Cellars/119372784759130

http://pattersoncellars.com/

The Station Pizzeria: https://www.facebook.com/theSTATIONpizzeria

Kevin and I finished off our day at The Dirty Bucket Brewery.

Location: 19151 144th Ave NE,  Suite 101, Woodinville (next to Shake and Go)

“Commited to creating a handcrafted experience in every pint.”

Steve Acord is quitting his corporate job to devote his full time and attention to his business. 

After a short hiatus traveling for his corporate job for the last time, they are reopening on Sept. 7th, come by and have a pint!  The beers here are amazing, and the location has a very local feel

Saturday's Tap List included:
Dirty Amber Ale
Dirty Blonde Summer Ale
Filthy Hoppn' IPA
Bedraggled Irish Red
Black Lab Stout (On Nitro)

You must try the Black Lab and the Dirty Amber is Julia’s favorite.  Ask for a paddle to taste them all! And while you are there, donate to their campaign to provide access to clean drinking water.

Dirty Bucket making a difference: http://mycharitywater.org/p/campaign?campaign_id=29389

Dirty Bucket Brewery: http://dirtybucketbrewery.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dirty-Bucket-Brewing-Co/193666467349061