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Tasting Room Magazine

The magazine for people who love wine tasting

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Guide to Wine Scores

Our wine reviews are based on evaluative tastings by Tasting Room Magazine’s editors. Overall score ratings are based on aroma; flavor; typicity of character; structure and balance. Quality-to-price ratio (QPR) can play a factor, meaning that an $80 wine with a score of 90 pts. falls in a much higher league than that of a $15 wine given the same score.

95-100 pts. – Extraordinary: a truly great wine of its variety
91-94 pts. – Outstanding: exceptional quality, character and complexity
88-90 pts. – Excellent: very well made and highly recommended
85-87 pts. – Recommended: a solid wine, may offer superior value if the price is right

Summer 2022 Top Picks: From Chardonnay to Zinfandel

July 1, 2022

WASHINGTON winemakers push tough boundaries in their quest to make world-class vino. In this section, we review seven distinct styles emerging from the region. First up is Chardonnay, which has greater competition nowadays in the category of easy-to-love-white-wines but still remains the most popular white varietal for good reasons. Sparkling wines are on the rise and … [Read more...] about Summer 2022 Top Picks: From Chardonnay to Zinfandel

La Dolce Vita: Reviews of 20 Italian Varietal Wines

April 6, 2022

Reviews of Washington-grown Italian varietals that rival their European counterparts and pair delightfully with your favorite Italian-American dishes.  … [Read more...] about La Dolce Vita: Reviews of 20 Italian Varietal Wines

Trio of Pinot Noir from Bayernmoor Cellars

April 6, 2022

Owners Kim and Larry Harris opened their first tasting room during the summer of 2021 in Woodinville’s Woodin Creek neighborhood. Although they produce a Chardonnay, a Cabernet and Rosé with grapes from eastern Washington growers, the real story centers on their series of estate Pinot Noir grown north of Seattle. They began planting vines on the family’s estate land in … [Read more...] about Trio of Pinot Noir from Bayernmoor Cellars

Cairdeas Winery’s Deep Dive Into Rhône Varietals

April 6, 2022

This outfit consistently turns out head-turning wines, and the caliber of guest services scores high marks, too. Since 2009, Washington Tasting Room magazine has followed Charlie and Lacey Lybecker’s wine "journey," if it’s fair to call it that. Considering their many accomplishments over the past decade on a deep dive into Washington-grown Rhône-style wines, the term “journey” … [Read more...] about Cairdeas Winery’s Deep Dive Into Rhône Varietals

Red Mountain Trails Offers Tastings & Horseback Tours

April 6, 2022

Red Mountain Trails Winery founders Teresa and Jeff Owen have built up their family business quite literally on horseback. The couple have been leading horseback rides and horse-drawn wagon rides through vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA since 2013. It seemed only logical when Red Mountain Trails expanded their offerings in 2016 to include a “wine tasting by horseback tour.” … [Read more...] about Red Mountain Trails Offers Tastings & Horseback Tours

Itä Wines Hatches in Walla Walla

April 6, 2022

Kelsey Albro Itämeri is behind the latest “incubator winery” to hatch at the Port of Walla Walla's Incubator Winery Facilities along Piper Avenue near the airport. She came to winemaking via a long and winding road, having tried her hand at many occupations in the years following college: political campaign manager, reality TV production assistant, executive assistant at … [Read more...] about Itä Wines Hatches in Walla Walla

DeLille Cellars Hits 30th Anniversary Milestone

April 5, 2022

Known as one of Washington’s vanguard wineries to raise the benchmark on Bordeaux and Rhone varietal blends in the state, this year marks DeLille Cellars’ 30th anniversary. Veteran director of winemaking and viticulture Jason Gorski, along with winemaker Nick Bernstein and together with their cellar team continue to impress with impeccably-balanced red blends that manage to … [Read more...] about DeLille Cellars Hits 30th Anniversary Milestone

4 Releases from Warr-King Wines

April 5, 2022

This Woodinville winery continues to churn out small-lot red and white wines with amazing alacrity. Concentrating on fruit culled from both the Royal Slope and the Wahluke Slope AVAs in eastern Washington, the winery is in the heart of Woodinville’s warehouse winery district. Visitors will find a full lineup of current releases, and a few library wines to boot. Located at 19501 … [Read more...] about 4 Releases from Warr-King Wines

Rolling Bay Winery Explores the Square Root of Pinot Gris

April 5, 2022

Alphonse de Klerk of Rolling Bay Winery has a natural gift for crafting solid red and white wines. It could be said he is the foremost ambassador for Upland Vineyards, the largest family vineyard operation in the Snipes Mountain AVA, a subset of the Yakima Valley appellation. Alphonse has been producing classically styled wines with grapes grown at Upland Vineyards for many, … [Read more...] about Rolling Bay Winery Explores the Square Root of Pinot Gris

Top Picks: Winter 2021/22 Reviews

January 14, 2022

Reviews of 20 Washington-grown Rhône style wines, proving that Washington terroir is every bit as bold, brash and exciting as France’s.  … [Read more...] about Top Picks: Winter 2021/22 Reviews

Vertical Vintages of Mourvèdre from Nota Bene Cellars

January 9, 2022

Washington Tasting Room Magazine recently sampled a vertical flight consisting of three consecutive vintages (2015-2017) of Mourvèdre from Seattle-based craft producer :Nota Bene Cellars. Each bottling was sourced from Heart of the Hill Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA. Vintners Tim Narby and his wife Carol Bryant have been at this a long time and are staunch believers in using … [Read more...] about Vertical Vintages of Mourvèdre from Nota Bene Cellars

3 Releases from Prohibition Cellars

January 9, 2022

Sandor and Sabrina Faludi put their heart and soul into every release at this fashionable winery in Woodinville’s warehouse district that opened in December of 2019. Winemaking runs deep in Sandor’s bloodline—his grandfather was a winemaker with a small vineyard in Hungary where Sandor grew up. These latest releases from Prohibition Cellars continue to impress. Visit & … [Read more...] about 3 Releases from Prohibition Cellars

Glacier View Cellars 2018 Horseshoe Basin Red Wine

January 9, 2022

Vintner Stephanie Jones links her passion for winemaking to her avid exploration of the great outdoors. Horseshoe Basin, a stretch of unspoiled backcountry in the north Cascade Mountains, is one of her favorite trailheads and holds a special place in her heart, she says. Stephanie’s recent “trailhead series” is named after this pristine wilderness—a bold, savory red blend of … [Read more...] about Glacier View Cellars 2018 Horseshoe Basin Red Wine

Jaine Cottage Captivates and Inspires

December 22, 2021

Jaine is a captivating new brand from Matthews Winery devoted exclusively to handcrafted white, sparkling and Rosé wines. The official tasting room, affectionately called Jaine Cottage, brings a breath of fresh air to the center of the Hollywood District in Woodinville, where the vibe feels more like a comfortable setting at a dear friend’s vacation house than a typical tasting … [Read more...] about Jaine Cottage Captivates and Inspires

Heritage by L’Ecole Nº 41

December 22, 2021

In mid-2021, Heritage by L’Ecole Wine Bar opened in downtown Walla Walla in the marquee ground floor position at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel. Deemed one of Walla Walla’s most respected flagship wineries, L’Ecole Nº 41 was founded in 1983 and has been receiving guests for decades at their historic Frenchtown Schoolhouse in Lowden. Visitors to the winery can experience … [Read more...] about Heritage by L’Ecole Nº 41

3 Releases from Dahlman Cellars

December 22, 2021

Jim and Andrea Dahlman grew up in Washington and have deep roots and a connection to the Pacific Northwest. “Wine truly begins in the vineyard and the story of our wines begins with the people who grow the grapes,” Jim tells Washington Tasting Room Magazine. He sand Andrea are purposeful in their task to seek out smaller vineyards and growers in Washington and Oregon, exploring … [Read more...] about 3 Releases from Dahlman Cellars

Synne Cellars Makes An Entrance in Woodinville

December 22, 2021

Isaac Schmid has been on a trajectory to open a winery as far back as 2003. He left the trades as a journeyman electrician and re-entered the workforce in the restaurant industry. After earning a sommelier certificate in 2009 he apprenticed with Joseph Miglino, owner of Martedi Cellars in Monroe. When Martedi relocated to Woodinville in 2013, Isaac was granted an opportunity to … [Read more...] about Synne Cellars Makes An Entrance in Woodinville

Top Picks: Fall 2021 Reviews

October 7, 2021

  » Royal Slope AVA-Sourced Wines: A highly distinctive selection of wines sourced from among the most exciting vineyards of the Royal Slope AVA … [Read more...] about Top Picks: Fall 2021 Reviews

Westport Winery Releases 6 New Reds & Whites

September 10, 2021

Westport Winery in Aberdeen was founded in 2008 by Blaine and Kim Roberts. This splendid coastal destination is also home to Ocean’s Daughter Distillery, the Sea Glass Grill restaurant, and the International Mermaid Museum, the only one of its kind in the world. The breadth and scope of the wines have grown in recent years, evidenced by this latest batch of releases. Visit: … [Read more...] about Westport Winery Releases 6 New Reds & Whites

Single-Vineyard Reds From Warr-King Wines

August 27, 2021

Among vintner Lisa Warr-King Packer’s latest releases are a series of single-vineyard reds. Crafted with deep fruit flavors and a backbone of acidity (that Washington State is famous for producing), these wines are enjoyable now, yet hold great promise of aging potential as well. Lisa's eponymous winery is in the heart of Woodinville's warehouse winery district, where she … [Read more...] about Single-Vineyard Reds From Warr-King Wines

2 Summer Releases from Prohibition Cellars

August 24, 2021

Owner and winemaker Sandor Faludi was named one of Washington Tasting Room Magazine's "Winery's to Watch" in 2020 for his work producing solidly-crafted red wines. Here are two new releases we reviewed this summer as this Woodinville talent continues to shine with other varietals in his repertoire. Well worth a visit, the winery and tasting room are located in the Woodinville … [Read more...] about 2 Summer Releases from Prohibition Cellars

Top Picks: Summer Issue 2021 Reviews

August 5, 2021

From robust to smooth reds, fruity to dry whites, lip-smacking sparklers and a range of Rosé styles, this assortment of incredible wines are guaranteed to bring pleasure to every gathering Exotic Beauties » Recommended listening: You Sexy Thing – Hot Chocolate Maryhill Winery 2016 Kiona Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, 94 pts. A sumptuous expression that combines power and … [Read more...] about Top Picks: Summer Issue 2021 Reviews

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About the Magazine

Tasting Room® magazine is the ultimate authority on the Washington wine scene and your personal tour guide to wineries, vineyards, destinations and travel tips, and artisan foods, chefs and artists. In short, Tasting Room is a metaphor for life’s simple pleasures that pair remarkably well with wine—touring, food, travel, culture, recreation and people.

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