Frequent visitors to Woodinville’s wine scene may be familiar with the cultural and viticultural landmark known as the Hollywood Schoolhouse, a distinctive three-story brick structure dating back to 1912. For years it has housed two of the area’s iconic tasting rooms—Maryhill Winery and Alexandria Nicole Cellars.
When Alexandria Nicole recently moved out of the building, Isaac Schmid and Nova Chamberlain, owners of Synne Cellars, snatched the opportunity to secure the location (Suite B on the floor below Maryhill Winery).
Schmid and Chamberlain are no strangers to Woodinville. Having made his first wine at another local winery under an alternating proprietorship more than a dozen years ago, Schmid obtained his own commercial winery license in 2016. His wines quickly became popular-sellers at local restaurants.
Prior to moving into the Hollywood Schoolhouse, Synne Cellars operated a tasting room in Woodinville’s winery warehouse district, which they had opened in 2020 during the global pandemic.
Synne’s red wines are top notch, pure and rich tasting in every respect. And the Schoolhouse’s beautiful setting makes for an exciting backdrop for tasters looking for a slower pace.
“By partnering with sustainable, regenerative, and organic vineyards Synne Cellars ensures every bottle supports healthy soils and a thriving ecosystem,” Schmid says.
He says he makes his wines “without added sugars, animal products or chemical agents—meticulously eliminating inflammatory compounds such as histamines and mycotoxins.”
Schmid believes his “commitment to health-conscious winemaking” introduces a “well being” aspect that is appreciated among conscientious consumers.
“The result is biologically superior wines that minimize headaches and allergic reactions, while showcasing the character of Washington’s vineyards,” he says.
The new tasting room offers curated tasting flights that rotate monthly, designed to highlight the range of Synne’s portfolio.
Beyond tastings, the Hollywood Schoolhouse location will host year-round events including live music, winemaker-led tastings and seasonal celebrations.
Visit the Schoolhouse tasting room at 14810 NE 145th St, Suite B, Woodinville; open Wed-Sun, (425) 236-1835, learn more at www.synnecellars.com.
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Synne Cellars 2022 Superiority Complex Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley
94 pts.
This focused, tightly-meshed red delivers a grip of powder-fine tannins that hug the edges around the palate, bolstered by firm acidity. Full bodied, streaming with rich flavors of plum sauce, dark cherry and red currant accented by roasted coffee and cocoa. Long and juicy, there’s terrific appeal to the underlying spice and mineral notes that unfold with duration and complexity on the well-structured finish. $49
Synne Cellars 2022 The Day After Yesterday Merlot Walla Walla Valley
94 pts.
Smooth and rich, with bold flavors of red cherry that show expressive layers of blue fruit, fig preserves, bittersweet chocolate and spice, supported by a snap of acidity and rounded tannins. Ends with exciting concentration as the fruit details gain momentum and power. $49
Synne Cellars 2022 Del Toro Tempranillo
94 pts.
This reserve-level red wine is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes grown in the Naches Heights AVA. The glass swirls with aromas of dark red fruit, leather and coffee beans. The well-polished structure reveals a tight weave of firm tannins and generous acidity underpinning the earthy-toned flavors of black cherry, red plum, licorice and mineral notes that stretch out on the long finish. $49