Reflections in a Wine Glass: Woodinville Wine and Spirits news and Holiday Happenings

Kevin and I enjoyed the Grand Opening Party at Gard Vinters on Sat May 18th, their Official Grand Opening. We had visited the the tasting room about a month ago, and enjoyed their wines, taking home a couple of bottles of Rose’, they were still under construction and it was great to see the final results of their efforts on Saturday.
 On this occasion, the place was hopping! We enjoyed the music, and the new spring releases, Grand Klasse reserve level white and Rose’ wines were there for tasting along with other selections.

 Gard Vinters: GardVinters.com Woodinville Warehouse District 19151 144th Ave NE, Unit D Woodinville, WA 98072 425-415-3813
Open for tasting: Thurs-Monday 12-5pm
 
After you stop in at Gard, make sure to say hi to Steve at The Dirty Bucket Brewery located just two doors down. Steve’s place is becoming a popular spot where the community gathers to get to know their neighbors and enjoy his excellent brews. His DBB shirts, sweatshirts, growlers and glassware would make a great Father’s Day gift! And don’t forget the salted caramels while you are at it.
Steve is open on Fridays from 4-9pm and Saturday from 12-7pm. The best way to keep up with DBB news is on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/DirtyBucketBrewery Just recently, DBB launched a live cam, check it out: http://dropc.am/p/26ZRr6 
We enjoyed Gard wines, and bought some cheese from the milkman’s daughter truck on site for the event, and of course, I had to go peeking around to see what other business were intending to fill up these really cool warehouse units that were vacant. I was reading a sign for one of the spots, and the door opened up, a very friendly Tim Armstrong greeted me. He was there with the owner of another warehouse business opening up there, a distillery.
Tim is of the Armstrong Family Winery. The distillery guy told us he was going to have schnapps, whiskey and some other interesting spirits. We look forward to getting to know Armstrong wines. Opening day TBD, stay tuned, I’ll be sure to let you know when I find out!
Follow them on FB: https://www.facebook.com/ArmstrongFamilyWinery 
I see that Village Wines announced a new spring menu, and we are looking forward to our next visit there. We love to go to Village Wines, as members, we commit to a 2 bottle a month purchase (around $65 a month). We’ve been members for the last few months and we’ve loved every selection that Lisa has made. We chose the one red and one white package, but there are various combos you can pick from. Along with membership, you can enjoy the complimentary tastings off of their great wine list while you enjoy your delicious tapas selections. On Friday nights, the place is buzzing with live music and lively conversation, it’s a great spot to people watch.
 If you haven’t stopped in to Village Wines, you must experience their excellent staff who are knowledgeable and always friendly, the food is really good, the prices are very reasonable. This is our favorite date night spot. You can even pick out a bottle in the shop to enjoy with your meal. They are open at 7am everyday with free wifi, coffee and breakfast items.
Here is the new menu announcement, they have a happy hour and a new kids menu: http://eepurl.com/zsXvr
Lisa also updates the FB page often: www.facebook.com/myvillagewines

 Who is taking over that really cute red house where Hollywood Hill Vineyard had their tasting room? I stopped by and took a peek at the liquor license, it looks like Cougar Crest just scored a really great location, and I see that they made improvements to the space. I just drove by today, and it looks like they are open and ready for business. Across the way, DeLille has expanded their outdoor deck space, gearing up for a thriving summer season.
 This weekend, Chateau St.Michelle has their “Staycation” Event. Kevin and I will not miss out on this event. Last year was fun, there were great cars on display, lotus, Ferraris, Porsches, Bugati’s, plus live music and of course, what’s a party without a great CSM wine? The cars are a part of a rare exotic car show by @Exotics@RTC.
Bring a picnic basket and the family, spread out on their beautiful grounds and enjoy the music, cruise the car show and pick out your favorite fantasy car! CSM Staycation is on Sunday, May 26th from 12-4pm. Free.
The tasting room and their shop will be open too. They will have 11 of Seattle's hottest food trucks. I can’t wait to see the Road Toad! The Barking Frogs’ new food truck.
You can also Staycation at The Collective on Tap in Woodinville, Jan and Kat are having a staycation event on Sunday and Monday, 26th and 27th. Come on by and explore their 41 different taps of craft beers. In addition, they have wine on tap from Woodinville’s own Vessel Wines. Collective is hosting a 2-day Brewer's weekend featuring their friends at Fort George AND American Brewing Company. Sunday and Monday, they are letting them take over the taps. Growler specials, giveaways and discounts. More details to come...FB them to keep posted on the details! The best way to keep up with the Collective happenings… they utilize FB often http://www.facebook.com/TheCollectiveOnTap 17802 134th Avenue NE, Woodinville, WA 98072 info@collectiveontap.com 425-488-2795
Enjoy your holiday weekend! we hope to see you around town! - Julia and Kevin