A Woodinville fixture since 2005, Darren and Melissa Des Voigne’s eponymous winery relocated about a half-mile south of the Warehouse District to the area known as Artisan Hill. Darren’s introduction to winemaking came from his father, a hobby winemaker. After deciding to take the plunge to go pro in 2004, Darren fine-tuned his knowledge with classes at UC Davis.
The husband and wife team timed the new location to coincide with the launch of their microbrewery, B Side Brewing (earning them the distinction as Woodinville’s first full production winery and brewery).
“When my wife and I opened Des Voigne Cellars over a decade ago, we had more than wine on our mind,” says Darren. Recent changes to state laws gave the Des Voigne’s the opportunity to fulfill their vision.
The winery and microbrewery sit side-by-side in the gigantic warehouse, with tasting bar, German beer hall tables, even a projector and screen for movie nights and football games. Wine tastings and beer samplers are available, as well as beverages by the glass, bottle or beer growler.
The labels depict the musical jazz theme of the winery which derive from Darren’s hobby of collecting and listening to classic jazz on vinyl.
At press time, there were three beers on tap and two more in the tank. On the vino side, the winery is best known for its smooth non-traditional blends; current releases include “San Remo” Sangiovese, “Montreux” Syrah, and “The Duke” Zinfandel. Darren’s lastest opus is “Untitled,” a lovely composition of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petit Verdot.
Wines and brews can be purchased at the tasting room: 14125 NE 189th St. Suite B, Woodinville, open Thur-Sat 12-7pm, Sun 12-5pm.
Des Voigne Cellars 2011 “Untitled” Red Wine, $37
Nose: Aromas of wild berry cobbler, vanilla, cedar and white pepper.
Taste: A finely composed blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Petit Verdot, delivering velvet smooth tannins, striking finely-tuned chords of black raspberry, crushed cherry, black currant, and treble notes of exotic spice and clove.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Production: 150 cases
Alcohol: 15.2%
Des Voigne Cellars 2012 Montreux Syrah, $32
Nose: Aromas of dark blue and purple berries, clove, bacon and forest floor.
Taste: Full-bodied and rich, touting high-toned flavors of blueberry, boysenberry and black currant with overtures of clove, vanilla-spice and baker’s chocolate.
Editor’s Choice – Excellent
Production: 105 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
Des Voigne Cellars 2012 San Remo Sangiovese, $30
Nose: Pretty aromas of cherry, strawberry, tobacco and graham cracker spice.
Taste: Suave, smooth and rich, with balanced flavors of dried cherry, red berry, red licorice and expressions of tobacco and mineral spice on the finish.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Production: 102 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
Des Voigne Cellars 2012 The Duke Zinfandel, $30
Nose: Dusky aromatics of black and red fruit, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla and spice.
Taste: A rich, bold and powerful red, offering generous dark fruit flavors of blackberry, black plum and cherry layered with licorice, briar patch and tobacco spice. Mouth coating tannins persist on the finish.
Editor’s Choice – Excellent
Production: 154 cases
Alcohol: 15.1%
Website: www.dvcellars.com