Meet the Winemakers of Walla Walla’s Airport Incubators
Kelsey Albro Itämeri of itä wines itawinery.com What are your main goals when it comes to itä, and how would you describe…
The Best Banh Mi On the Block | Banh Mi & Bubble Tea
For most, a gas station parking lot may not come to mind when looking for a bite to eat. But Vinny and Ruby La, the owners of Banh Mi & Bubble Tea, are trying to challenge that. They’ve operated their food truck out of the parking lot of a 76 since 2022, and they have no plans to move. By…
City Filter
Cuisine Filter
Recipe Filter
Wine Pick of the Month: Van Vino Vineyards 2021 Cabernet Franc
I had the tremendous honor of judging Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation’s 8th Annual Pacific Northwest Wine Competition (formerly Bellingham Northwest Wine Competition) this past July in its new location: Walla Walla. The weather was warm and welcoming as I arrived to judge an astounding 557 wines over four days among reputable palates…
STEAKS, SEAFOOD, AND SIPS
When selected with care, drink pairings have the potential to exchange and extend the flavors of an already-delicious meal.
Mixing Tin: Red Velvet Margarita
The Black Cat
Elegance, Innovation, and Honesty: A Visit to Bellingham’s Newest Bar
Matthew’s Honest Cocktails
Lovely Liqueurs
If liquors are the backbone of the cocktail world, then liqueurs could be thought of as their sweeter, more playful sibling. Unlike standard liquor, these spirits are high in sugar and often (but not always!) lower in alcohol content as a result. Better yet, the options for flavorings and infusions are practically unlimited– you’ll find liqueurs made with…
European-Style Sips on San Juan Island
Madrone Cellars
The Mixing Tin: Kiwi Bloom Cooler
Mixing Tin
A Culinary Oasis in Edison
Slough Food
A Tradesman’s Tavern
Time & Materials Taphouse
Renovations and Distillations
Chuckanut Bay Distillery Expansion
The Mixing Tin: The Blue Moon Paloma
The Mixing Tin May 2022
The Mixing Tin: Captain’s Grog
Mixing Tin April 2022
At Lake Chelan’s Succession Wines
Your Tasting Experience Means Everything
Making a Difference Through Wine
Eagle Haven Winery
The Mixing Tin: Speedy Gonzales
The Mixing Tin
A Welcome Addition to Bellingham’s Laid-Back Wine Scene
Welcome Road Winery
The Mixing Tin: Jade Maiden
If you need an antidote to the winter blues, the Jade Maiden is just what the doctor ordered.
Wines to Make Your Holiday Season Even More Memorable
The holiday season means it’s time for special gatherings with family and friends, so why not celebrate with an extra-special bottle (or two) of wine? Variety is the key, and Washington and Oregon wineries have you covered with an incredible range of reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines that are perfect for the holidays.
The Gift of Good Spirits
Infused spirits are the best kind of holiday gift: Simple, homemade, and delicious. You can whip them up in batches for everyone on your Christmas list, but we wouldn’t blame you if you kept a jar (or two) as a present to yourself as well. Best of all, they couldn’t be easier to put together. All you need are Mason jars, ingredients of choice, and a little bit of patience.
Holiday Cocktails
When I think of holiday punches, there is a lot to choose from. Traditional Moscow mules are simple and fun, while fruit-based rum and gin punches are also popular. Other options for Thanksgiving and the holiday season include hot ciders…
Bellingham’s Judged Wine Competition Gives Northwest Wineries Reason To Celebrate
The 2021 Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival Judged Competition was one for the record books. It featured a record number of entries, participating wineries, and Gold and Double Gold medalists. It was also capped with a pleasant surprise: the Best in Show award for the top point-receiving wine ended in a tie. The…
A Year in Cocktails
A Year in Cocktails
How Garden Path Fermentation’s Unique Process Exceeds Expectations
Created and operated by Amber Watts and Ron Extract, Garden Path Fermentation (GPF) is located in Burlington near the Skagit Regional Airport.
Whatcom Wines
A Look at 5 Whatcom Wineries
Black Fern
There’s a new coffee shop/wine bar in town. Black Fern is located in the Granary Building, in easy reach of downtown, Waypoint Park, and the new Wednesday Bellingham Farmers Market.
SERVING WINES AT YOUR NEXT BARBEQUE IS AS SIMPLE AS RED, WHITE, AND ROSÉ
Find your perfect wine pairing for an end of summer BBQ
The Mixing Tin: Concrete Jungle
Locus Concrete Jungle Ingredients: Stout, Irish cream, cold brew, heavy cream $11 In honor of National Coffee Month — I know, there’s a month for everything, but everyone loves coffee so why not embrace it? — we’re highlighting this creamy coffee concoction from Locus in downtown Bellingham. Locus is known for their creative drinks (Wine latte? Check. Grapefruit, rosemary, and pomegranate White Claw…
The Mixing Tin: When Doves Cry
Temple Bar
Cocktails That Glitter and Shine
Snowy River Cocktail Co.
At Wit Cellars, “We’re In It Together” Carries a Special Meaning
Wit Cellars’ award-winning wines are flavorful, thoughtfully crafted, and deserve to be on your ‘must-try’ list.
The Mixing Tin : Portofino
According to Storia Cucina’s beverage director, Matthew Boudousquie, this drink is like if a gin and tonic got a PhD.
The Mixing Tin: Lavender Fields Forever
Galloway’s Cocktail Bar Lavender Fields Forever Ingredients Empress gin Giffard creme de mure house-made lavender syrup organic lemon egg white butterfly pea blossom garnish $13 With spring on the horizon, Galloway’s cocktail menu offers a fresh array of seasonal delights. The warm,…
Temperate Habits Brewing
Mount Vernon Gets a New Brewery
The Mixing Tin: The Bishop
Storia Cucina Bishop Ingredients: mastika mezcal creme de cassis green chartreuse $11 This drink may look fruity, but don’t let the rosy color fool you. The mezcal creates a smoke-forward elixir layered with complex flavors. One such flavor is the mastika, which gets its name from mastic, a piney resin that imbues the liquor with an evergreen taste. The drink’s dark red color comes in part from the creme de cassis, a sweet French liquor made…
A Tropical Escape on Holly Street
Lorikeet
The Reach of Red Mountain Extends Well Beyond Its Vineyards
Tucked away on a hillside about 15 miles west of the Tri-Cities, the Red Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA) is one of Washington’s most prominent wine grape growing regions.
New Brewpub Offers a Cozy, European-Inspired Escape
Otherlands Beer
The Mixing Tin: Hot Buttered Rum
The holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate the season with a warm winter cocktail.
Don’t Put a Cork In It
Wine preservers keep your wine fresher, longer; decanters aerate it for better taste
Mixing Tin
This issue’s Mixing Tin is the Bosco Fresco from Storia Cucina. With hints of rosemary, honey, and cranberry, this cocktail is like Thanksgiving in a glass! Keep the holidays with you all year long with this drink.
Artivem Mead Co.
Artivem Mead Co., located in the Granary Building on Bellingham’s waterfront, is the newest addition to the North Sound’s beverage scene.
In a Year Many of Us Would Like to Forget, Washington Wines Were Truly Memorable
Take your taste buds on a tour of the state with these select Washington wines.
Serving Wine with Dessert? Keep It Sweet and Simple.
Find the perfect pairing without sacrificing sweetness.
The In-Cider’s Guide
A closer look at Bellingham’s budding cider scene
The Mixing Tin: A Stone in the Woods
This month’s Mixing Tin is A Stone in the Woods from Galloway’s Cocktail Bar.
Revival Cocktail Lounge
Mount Vernon’s Newest, Oldest-Feeling Bar
Refresh your taste buds, go Nude
Looking to drink healthier? Go Nude with Nude Beverages.
The Mixing Tin: Katie’s Killer Mimosa
Skylark’s Hidden Cafe Katie’s Killer Mimosa Ingredients: Fresh muddled orange orange vodka peach schnapps pineapple juice orange juice champagne $9 This delightful cocktail, named after a former employee, is the perfect addition to a Sunday brunch. While it may just taste like orange juice at first sip, don’t let it fool you — it packs a tropical twist. Splashes of peach schnapps and pineapple juice launch this breakfast beverage to a whole other level,…
The Mixing Tin: Aviation
This edition’s Mixing Tin is the Aviation from L&L Libations, an elegant classic cocktail with a floral twist.
The Mixing Tin: L’italienne
April’s Mixing Tin is the L’italienne from Gainsbarre, a classy wine-and-champagne-based cocktail that’s both simple and sophisticated.
Terramar Brewing Takes Locally Sourced to a Tasty New Level
Terramar Brewing, which opened in Edison this past summer, is the area’s newest brewery, pizzeria, and soon-to-be distillery.
Pacific Rim Winery: Dedicated to Riesling 365 Days a Year
Bring on the Riesling! Pacific Rim Winery offers a variety of choices to meet every taste preference and budget, no matter the wine or the season.
Freshly Tapped
Thousand Acre Cider House expands Bellingham’s cider scene. Read more about its owners as well as more about what makes this cider so awesome.
For Some Wineries, the Freshest New Releases Are in the Can
CAN you handle this new drink trend? Many of the season’s winning wines are coming in a can! Find your local favorites and see how these beverages stack up.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Perfect Pear Martini from Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse—a fall cocktail reminiscent of the most perfectly ripe Bartlett Pear.
Holiday Travel Beer Guide
Nationally-ranked beer judge, Neal Tognazzini, is here to help you prep your holiday wish list—for beer that is—with his guide to the best beers in the U.S.
Bellingham Rock Star Opens Herb’s Cider
How Bellingham rock star, Tim “Herb” Alexander—the celebrated drummer for the alt-rock band Primus—came to co-own Herb’s Cider with his wife, Shama.
Wine Judging Requires Sniffing, Swirling, and Tasting Your Way Through a Lot of Wine
Wine enthusiast Dan Radil shares the importance of tasting, not drinking, when wine judging—sniffing, swirling, and sipping your way to the best wine.
The Mixing Tin
For this month’s Mixing Tin we indulged in the Hogwarts House Cocktails offered at Rook & Rogue Board Game Pub—Which house are you?
Stemma Brewing Co. Joins Our Beer Family
Stemma Brewing Company, owned by Jason and Kim Harper, has officially joined the Bellingham brewery scene—opening a taproom at 2039 Moore Street in June.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Bramble from Swim Club Wet Bar—a rich, spiced cocktail to defend against the early fall chill.
Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris
Wine enthusiast Dan Radil talks tasty white wines for the warmer summer months, with a wide range of flavors, styles, and sweetness levels.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Summertime Blue from Fireside Martini & Wine Bar—a refresher that changes from sapphire blue to fuchsia in seconds.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin is the Salish Sea Daiquiri from Saltine—a fruity twist on the original Cuban cocktail recipe.
Grain to Glass in Skagit County
Farmstrong Brewing Co. in Mount Vernon is making use of local grain—All of their beers contain some percentage of barley that was grown and malted locally.
Polarizing and Popular
Wine enthusiast Dan Radil gives readers the inside scoop on Pinot Noir: common perceptions, best practices, and some budget-friendly recommendations.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin is Strawberry Fizz from Valley Shine Distillery. The perfect cocktail to leave winter behind and get in that summertime mood.
IPAS, Hazy and Otherwise
Why are IPAS so popular? Nationally-ranked beer judge, Neal Tognazzini, tells all about the history and variety behind brewing IPAS.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin is El Beso de Virginia from Northwater. This tequila-based drink is not a margarita, but a delicious way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Woodinville Wine Country Matures
Woodinville Wine Country is being put on the map as a true destination location. Wine lovers will find a large selection of wineries and restaurants to try.
Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin features The Temple Vesper from The Temple Bar in Bellingham. Try pairing this cocktail with the “Everything Plate.”
For Valentine’s Day, Try Something Crisp, Pink or Bubbly
Dan Radil brings you a guide to non-traditional drinks to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day. Try something bubbly, pink, or cool and crisp for a change.
The Mixing Tin
This month’s Mixing Tin features True Love by Pink, an exotic cocktail using lychee made by Studio B. The perfect romantic drink for Valentine’s Day.
Dark Beers for Dark Days
Neal Tognazzini reminds us not to forget about dark beers during these long, dark winter months. Selections from Wander Brewing Co. are among the favorites.
At Home on Whidbey Island
These two wine bars on Whidbey Island are ideal for tasting: The Terrace Wine Bar and Bistro in Oak Harbor and Vail Wine Shop & Tasting Room in Coupeville.
For Thanksgiving, ‘Tis the Saison
How are you going to wash your traditional starch-and-fat lover’s delight of a meal down this Thanksgiving? The answer: Saison.
The Mixing Tin
Cocktail consultant Mike Rothmeyer has developed three versions of the classic Mai Tai for The Union Tavern in Anacortes.
Looking to Bounce Back
Dan Radil gives an inside look into the current downturn of Whatcom County Wineries and which wineries were distinguished at the Northwest Wine Festival.
In Wine Versus Beer Debate, Wine Has Summertime Edge
Both beer and wine have a wide variety of flavors perfect for the season. Summer is the ideal time for a cold beer, flavorful white, or bold red.
Finding Sunshine in a (Beer) Can | Sip
Only the most radical (and misguided) beer snob would insist on a glass for every beer-drinking occasion. Smart drinking requires an appreciation of context.
Mixing Tin
Maple and brown sugar? These flavors were made for each other, we all know that. But if you thought they existed only in your morning oatmeal, think again.
Tri-Cities and Prosser Areas: A Haven for Washington Wine Lovers
Western Washington wine lovers in search of a wine-related getaway should look no further than the eastern side of the state. The Tri-Cities and Prosser areas boast plentiful sunshine, a dry climate year-round, and scores of wineries that feature some of the best food and wine the state has to offer. THE TRI-CITIES According…
Red Rum Tiki Bar | Mixing Tin
Heeeere’s Johnny! (With Your Cocktail) Are you ready to be transported to an island oasis? Take one step into Red Rum, the new tiki bar in downtown Bellingham, and you’re greeted with bamboo huts, tiki torches, and no visible windows…
Bellingham’s Drinking Scene Grows Up
Most of the watering holes in Bellingham glow with youthful exuberance and do-it-yourself charm. This is one of the things I love about the breweries in town: their unpretentiousness and aura of simple fun. But every now and then a grownup needs a grownup place to drink: a place to be reminded that…
The Mixing Tin – The Five Joaquins
This drink was named after the tale of the Five Joaquins. The Five Joaquins were, well, five guys named Joaquin. Between 1850 and 1853 it was reported that the Five Joaquins and a man they called “Three-Fingered Jack” were responsible for a majority of the robberies, murders, and cattle thefts in the Sierra Nevada. Joaquin Murrieta, the leader,…
The Mixing Tin – The Brandied Cherry Collins
When you walk into The Blue Abode Bar in Barkley Village, it feels like you are home —even though it’s new to the neighborhood. A cozy spot for cocktails, it has a wood bar, tables are accented with blue paint, and chairs and blue lights line the walls. On each table, empty spirit bottles with twinkle lights on the inside provide a DIY home decor feel. The Brandied Cherry Collins is exciting to the eyes. Its light pink color made…
Marking the End of the (Traditional) Brewing Season
From Spring, Lager Awaits Its Day The older I get, the more I appreciate the seasons. Our lives are always emerging from somewhere, always headed somewhere. We always have something to remember and something to anticipate. And it all goes in a circle, so that we can say farewell to one season in the confidence that it will always come back around in about nine months. Modern technology can make the seasons somewhat…
The Mixing Tin: Pina Mas Macho
Redlight- Pina Mas Macho If you’re looking for a tropical treat to steal you away from the cold Bellingham weather, look no further than the Pina Mas Macho drink from the Redlight bar. Rum, infused with guava to give it a sweet exotic, flavor and basil to freshen it. With an ounce of pineapple…
Mixing Tin
EAT Restaurant and Bar The Mon Dieu (My god) Ingredients: Captain Morgan’s rum, maple, lime, topped with BelleWood Acres Cider, $11 Tucked on the corner of East Chestnut and Cornwall in downtown Bellingham, EAT Restaurant and Bar is surprisingly upscale for its unassuming location. The cuisine is modern French with a strong emphasis on keeping the menu local and seasonal. For those looking for an…
Walla Walla Wines Become a Growth Industry
The explosion of wineries in the Walla Walla Valley mirrors the impressive growth of wineries in Washington state. How impressive? Consider this: According to the Washington Wine Commission, there were 163 wineries statewide in the year 2000. Today the state boasts over 900 total wineries… and nearly…
The Vault Wine Bar
Bank on Blaine’s Rich New Wine Bar The Vault Wine Bar, in Blaine, is a restaurant in a unique venue: a former bank building. Teller cages and desks…
The Mixing Tin: The Black Cat
Sangria in the Rain INGREDIENTS Clear Creek Pear Brandy, Rene Barbier Catalunya Red Blend, lime, orange, pineapple, Sierra Mist, $8 Perhaps the most appealing part of choosing The Black Cat (or Le Chat Noir if you’re feeling French) for an after work drink or two is the view from upstairs. Set of the second floor of the historic Sycamore Square building in Fairhaven, The Black Car provides a romantic atmosphere coupled with Bellingham funkiness. The large interior offers a…
West Coast Dominates Domestic Scene
What would happen to the wine industry in the United States if, by some crazy chance, Washington, Oregon, and California were hit by a devastating plague that wiped out every vineyard in the three-state area? Would it be the “end of the world,” so to speak, for domestic wine drinkers? Without a doubt, the answer to that highly unlikely scenario is a resounding “yes.” Certainly, California is far and away the biggest producer of premium…
The Mixing Tin
Mambo Italiano Mambo Rosemary Margarita Mambo Italiano’s bar sits above the regular dining seating in the front of the café. Up the stairs and to the left you find the quaint bar. A small yet cozy atmosphere — not the place to bring a large group, but…
Reds for BBQ
Have you been ignoring red wines altogether during the summer months? Then it’s time to reconsider. Yes, a chilled white wine or rosé makes a great warm-weather adult beverage, but red wines deserve a little summertime love…
The Mixing Tin: The Temple Bar
The Illuminati INGREDIENTS: Jameson, Elderflower liqueur, Drambuie, Genepy des Alpes, Angostura bitters, orange flower water, lemon peel garnish. Served on ice. $11 This month’s cocktail will have you raving like Alex Jones. With the number of sweet cocktails out there today, it…
Once Maligned, Rosés Are Here to Stay
As little as 20 years ago, rosé wines from Washington wineries were, more often than not, likely to be a novelty instead of a tasting room standard. But since that time, rosés have really caught on, almost to the point that they’ve practically become fashionable among Washington winemakers and consumers alike. Can rosés continue to grow in popularity and shake off the stigma of their decades-old, cloyingly sweet predecessors? That remains to be…
Spring Bouquet
Celebrate fickle season with a versatile wine menu There’s an old saying around the Pacific Northwest this time of year: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute.” April is one of those crazy, capricious months where the calendar says spring, but the weather doesn’t always agree. Hail, windstorms, the possibility of frost, and of course, plenty of rain can overrun any chance of sunshine that’s trying…
Sips of the Season
Cosmos Bistro and Portteus Winery On March 4, a sold-out crowd at Cosmos Bistro experienced a range of wines from…
Wine Festivals Set for State, Vancouver
One of the many great things about living in Bellingham and the Whatcom County area is the “small-town feel” the region carries despite its close proximity to two major metropolitan areas. With Vancouver, B.C. to the north and Seattle to the south, Bellinghamsters have a wealth of recreational…
Sipping Local Spirits: Valley Shine Distillery
During Prohibition, Ben Lazowski’s grandfather worked as a bootlegger for infamous gangster Al Capone. Young Ben grew up hearing stories of his grandfather’s adventures (with certainly a few misadventures) and exploring secret passageways…
Treveri Cellars
Like a fine bottle of sparkling wine, Treveri Cellars, located just east of Yakima, has burst onto the Washington wine scene with style, character, and an understated air of elegance that have made it a Champagne-inspired favorite of many area wine enthusiasts who enjoy bubbles in their glass….
Budget Wines
With the holidays a distant memory in the rearview mirror, it’s time to focus on a new year, new beginnings, and, unfortunately for many of us, a fresh new set of credit card bills from the past season. The reality of our over-giving and overspending is that we eventually have to make some budget-conscious decisions in the future, and that…
Thanksgiving and Harvest Wines
The fall and harvest season is upon us, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and big, indoor feasts will soon be the order of the day. Trying to pull off a near-flawless menu, especially while coping with family and out-of-town…
The Mixing Tin – Epulo Bistro’s Apple Pie
Ingredients: Dry County Small Batch Apple Pie Liquor, Fresh Lemon and Orange Juice, Maple Syrup, All Spice | $10 This time of year it’s hard to resist the enticements of Edmonds’ Epulo Bistro on a cold, wet evening. Bright warmth radiates from the bistro’s windows,…
The Mixing Tin – The Redlight’s Elk Street
This beautiful bar with dark wood tones and exposed brick is the perfect place to cozy up with a friend and a perfectly balanced cocktail and enjoy the State Street life passing outside the large, antique windows. Gallery-appropriate artwork and a casual-yet-distinctive atmosphere make Redlight special. Chic enough to be at home in Paris or Berlin— and yet so essentially Bellingham— this fine place makes some of the very best cocktails in town. The red book by…
The Mixing Tin – Beardslee Public House’s The Abyss
Beardslee Public House’s The Abyss Ingredients: Läka Gin, maraschino, lemon juice, créme de violette, soda | $11 In December 2015, Distiller…
The Mixing Tin
The Loft at Latitude Forty-Eight Five’s Strawberry Gin Fizz Ingredients: Gin, strawberry puree, soda water, lemon juice | $6 A sunny summer afternoon…
Wines for Grilling Out
Remember the “good old days” of outdoor barbequing? Assemble a stack of charcoal briquettes in the grill, saturate them with lighter fluid, set it aflame, and, more often than not, burn the food to a crisp. Then serve with your favorite six-pack of domestic beer and Kool-Aid for the kids. Today’s barbequing and outdoor grilling routine is often a major undertaking with glistening, stainless-steel, multi-burner propane and ceramic charcoal grills and menus loaded with racks of beef…
Adventurous Brewing
On a perfect Fairhaven Saturday, a group of cyclists walked into Stones Throw Brewery. It was only noon, but the taproom was abuzz with activity. Owner Tony Luciano reached above the bar to pull a handle, TOOOOT TOOOT! The cyclists cheered at the sound, an old train whistle that someone gave Luciano. A passion for beer and outdoor fun inspired owners and WWU alumni Tony Luciano and Jack Pflueger to open Stones Throw…
The Mixing Tin
Bluewater Organic Distilling’s The Salish Sea Ingredients: Bluewater Vodka, housemade elderflower, lime juice, simple syrup, cardamom bitters, basil leaf | $11 Bluewater Organic Distilling’s tasting room and cocktail bar offers refreshing libations to both seafaring adventurers and landlubbers. It is a prime spot to observe the hustle and bustle at the Port of Everett Marina — the largest public marina on the West Coast. You’ll find lots…
DiSaronno Sour
next time your work week gets the best of you, head to the Lighthouse and try the DiSarrono Sour.
Red Wine Body Styles
You see it all the time when sifting through the wine section in search of the perfect bottle to serve with tonight’s meal: “body style.” But what does it mean?
The Mixing Tin – The Hollywood Tavern’s Woodin Sidecar
The Woodin Sidecar served up at The Hollywood Tavern — an historic tavern adjacent to Woodinville Whiskey Co.’s production facility and tasting room — is a fantastic cocktail to sip this winter.
The Hollywood Tavern
Located in Woodinville’s Hollywood District on a curved stretch of road in view of the iconic, tree-lined driveway to Chateau Ste. Michelle’s estate and across the street from the geometric concrete and slatted-wood walls of Novelty Hill – Januik Winery’s tasting…
Sips of the Season featuring Signature Cocktails by Keenan’s at the Pier
Keenan ’s at the Pier and The Chrysalis Inn hosted the inaugural Bellingham Alive Sips of the Season event on the restaurant’s open air patio. Gentle ocean breezes, fun people, and remarkable hors d’ oeuvres and fantastic cocktails made for an unforgettable afternoon. Keenan’s staff members presented appetizers paired with each hand -crafted cocktail. They also demonstrated how to make each cocktail, advising guests…
Remarkable Vartanyan Winery
Siberia is, by extremes, a far cry from Whatcom County. It’s a chin-scratcher that a Siberian winemaker by way of Armenia would settle down in this part of the world. Margarita Vartanyan’s story emerges from revolution, international strife, oppression and liberty. In November 1920, the Republic of Armenia was abolished and, under Dictator Joseph Stalin, became the Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia. Margarita’s relatives were exiled to Siberia where the family…
The Beauty of Bergevin
Riddled with many wonderful wineries, Walla Walla is one of those places where one couldn’t swing a cat without hitting an award-winning wine maker. Annette Bergevin, co-owner of Bergevin Lane Vineyards, is one of those winemakers.
Chuckanut Bay Distillery
Chuckanut Bay Distillery owners Matt Howell and Kelly Andrews aim to make the highest quality spirits using as many regional ingredients as possible. So far, the pair have created a gluten-free potato vodka and a wheat vodka. Soon, their gin and coffee liqueur will hit the shelves of…
Bertelsen Winery
Regular I-5 commuters through Mount Vernon have likely seen the “Winery Coming Soon” sign along the northbound highway. It was an attention grabber for years, promising the imminent arrival of a winery that was curiously slow to open. First the…
Samson Estates Winery- Samson and Delilah
Samson Estates is nestled among the berry farms and pastures of rural Whatcom County, with the Mount Baker foothills in the distance. The tasting room staff is very friendly, and Samson’s wines are definitely worth the drive. As with most local vineyards, they source for…
Five Faves: Washington Rosé Wines
1. Syncline | $19 The winemaker’s tasting notes describe the 2011 Syncline rosé: “Our creation of this wine is in direct response to our love of crisp, dry Rosé. The color is a striking pale rose with aromas of strawberry, stone fruit and melon. Each grape lends unique attributes to the overall complexity.” Blend: 33% Pinot Noir, 17% Grenache, 17% Cinsault, 15%, Carignan, 9% Mourvedre, 9% Counoise 2. 2013 Matchbook Rosé of Tempranillo |…
Snohomish Wine Journey
Washington Wine Country—it’s a descriptor that has become as much a part of our state as apples, evergreens and rain. Although we might not have joined the ranks of Napa yet, we’ve certainly earned some recognition. With many wineries, small and large, growing in popularity and…
Compass Wines
A mecca for hard-to-find Washington wines! The Shop Compass Wines opened its door 11 years ago on Commercial Avenue in Anacortes. The owners have about 16,000 bottles of wine in stock and constantly taste wines to find others they would like to carry. If the shop doesn’t have a particular wine a customer is looking for, they can…
Lullaby Winery
Virginie Bourgue completed her migration to Port Townsend, Washington in 2010. In June of this year, she celebrated the opening of Lullaby Winery tasting room….
Working the Gate: Kate Gerwin and Russell Davis take Poppe’s 360 pro
The team at Poppe’s 360 have always been known for their extensive martini list, making Poppe’s a favorite among area cocktailistas. But what had been a reliable bar before is now becoming craft cocktail central for our area. Their secret sauce is the consulting team of Unlimited Liabilities, which is owned by Russell Davis, and his associate, Kate Gerwin. Both Davis and Gerwin are regulars on Jon Taffer’s Bar Rescue (on Spike). Kate is famous for being the first American…
Apples & Oranges- Pairing Wine, Beer & Spirits
Ten strangers met on a warm summer evening in Bellingham, WA for a night of wine, beer and cocktail pairings at The Real McCoy, which is owned and operated by in-house mixologist, Brandon Wickland. Oh sure, it would have been easier for one person to write all the comparisons, organize all the details and forego the planning. But this cozy roundtable had a great discussion about what tastes do, and do not, pair well. Tasting goes best…
The Cork, The Tap & The Cask- A guide to drinking locally
1. North Fork Brewery 6186 Mt. Baker Highway, Deming northforkbrewery.com The home of the Beer Shrine, North Fork was established in 1997 by Sandy and Vicki Savage. Sandy is the former head brewer at Triple Rock Brewery in Berkeley, CA. He brews in very small batches, so the beer menu is in regular rotation. The North Fork is known for more than beer, though. Not only is there great pizza,…
San Juan Vineyards
Established in 1996, San Juan Vineyards is a Puget Sound American Viticultural Area winery destination for locals and tourists alike. The wine room, a renovated schoolhouse that was built in 1896, is an easy 10-minute drive from downtown Friday Harbor. The pastoral…
Honeymoon
Mead, also known as honey wine, is said to have been the first alcoholic beverage, coming before both wine and beer. Originating in Northern China and Dating back to 7000 BC, this beverage has been part of cultures all…
Toast the Winemakers
Meet the men and women behind the craft of wine making at six Washington wineries…