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The Best Places to Drink Wine in Seattle

There’s no shortage of wine in the Emerald City. In celebration of Taste Washington, we’ve picked 10 spots to enjoy a glass (or bottle) of Washington’s finest.

Presented by Taste Washington March 2, 2017

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As the second largest premium wine producer in the country, great vino is easy to find in Washington State. And there’s no shortage of spots to enjoy a glass in Seattle. The question is: how to choose? In honor of Taste Washington, we’ve picked the top 10 places to drink Washington wine in Seattle.

  1. In an Adirondack Chair

When skies are blue, there's no better spot to be with a glass of wine than an Adirondack chair at Westward. On the shores of Lake Union, this award-winning restaurant has its own boat launch and beach complete with fire pits and skyline view. With a glass of Washington wine and a dozen oysters, you‘ll feel so Seattle.

  1. On a Ship

Get out on the water for your Washington wine tasting, thanks to Argosy Cruises. In celebration of Taste Washington Wine Month, Argosy is offering free tastings every Saturday in March on their Lake Union Cruise. Enjoy pours from Columbia Crest, Chateau Ste. Michelle and more while you’re aboard. The tasting is complimentary with your ticket. We'll drink to that!

  1. On a Swanky Rooftop

With all the new towers going up, there are tons of primo rooftop spaces. Dress for a stylish evening of wine drinking atop the sparkly new Thompson Hotel. Their bar, The Nest, offers views of Puget Sound and a succinct but intentional selection of Washington wines. Settle into these swanky sky-high digs for the night with a glass, or two.

  1. With the Experts

If there’s one classic wine bar on this list, it has it be Purple Café & Wine Bar. The enormous tower of wine bottles at its downtown location should be a big hint: this place is devoted to wine. In fact, you'll find a pairing next to each item on the dinner menu. And their staff can find you the perfect glass or bottle from their extensive selection of Washington wines.  

  1. At Seattle’s most famous restaurant

Canlis is the special occasion wine-drinking spot. For an anniversary, birthday or otherwise, head to Seattle’s iconic fine-dining establishment. Last year, Canlis was nominated for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Program. Beyond that, it’s renowned for its food and service, so make a reservation for that special date and choose the spendy bottle—it’s worth it.

  1. At an Urban Winery

Sip wine at the source, even in the city. You don't have make the trek to Woodinville (home to oodles of tasting rooms) or the vineyards in Eastern Washington—Seattle has its own collection of urban wineries and tasting rooms. Many are concentrated in the SoDo neighborhood, where you can taste pours from Waters Winery, Kerloo Cellars, Rotie Cellars and more. Now that’s a post-work happy hour!

  1. In a House

Bottlehouse is far from your typical wine bar. Located in the quiet neighborhood of Madrona, it’s a sweet little house with a back deck serving wine by the glass, bottle or tasting flight. They have a rotating selection from Washington and beyond, and even a few on tap! It’s the coziest place to drink outside of your own home.

  1. In a Market

Melrose Market is an indoor market in Capitol Hill. It’s an unexpected place for wine drinking, but two jewels hide within: a restaurant called Sitka & Spruce and wine bar called Bar Ferdinand. Both are owned by Seattle Chef Matt Dillon and boast impressive wine lists matched with lovely Northwest cuisine. It's a one stop shop for Washington wine magic.

  1. While Cheering at Safeco Field

Sports games are usually all about cheap beer, but wine-lovers in Seattle don’t have to settle. Watch the Mariners while sipping a glass of Washington wine; last year, the “house” pick at Safeco Field was Stimson Estate Cellars from Columbia Valley. Pair your pour with fresh pasta from Chef Ethan Stowell for bonus points!

  1. At Taste Washington’s 20th Anniversary

Bringing together nearly 300 Washington wineries for four days, Taste Washington is the best place to try Washington wines. You’ll meet winemakers, hear from industry experts and (of course) taste as much Washington wine and food as your heart desires. Celebrate the festival’s 20th Anniversary in Seattle, March 23-26. For more information, visit tastewashington.org.

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