2024 Thanksgiving Wine & Food Guide

The holidays are officially here! Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner or plan to bring a bottle to your gathering and have no idea what to choose, we can help! Here are our favorite food and wine pairings for Thanksgiving. All featured wines can be picked up today in the tasting room.

Make your Thanksgiving celebration effortless with our Thanksgiving 2-Pack! Featuring a bottle of 2021 Grenache—a perfect pairing for turkey—and the 2022 Sparkling Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay, it’s a great way to bring something special to the table. Don’t miss your chance to take these home!

2024 Thanksgiving Food & Wine Pairings

• 2023 Grenache Blanc (2024 Fall Release)

• Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Vegetables

• 2023 Chardonnay

• Pumpkin Risotto, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Cornbread Stuffing, Smoked Turkey

• 2020 Sangiovese

• Hearty Charcuterie, Balsamic Bruschetta, Garlic Prime Rib

• 2021 Grenache (featured in the Thanksgiving 2-Pack)

• Brie, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Smoked Turkey, Ham, Gravy Dishes, Roasted Squash

• 2022 Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay (featured in the Thanksgiving 2-Pack)

• Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Baked Mac & Cheese, Lemon Pie, Turkey

• 2023 Late Harvest Roussanne

• Figgy or Bread Pudding, Lemon Meringue Pie, Shortbread Cookie, Vanilla Ice Cream

Have any additional food and wine pairing questions? Email hailey@pattersoncellars.com. Cheers and happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Patterson Cellars!

A Guide to Magical Leavenworth | With Recommendations from our Leavenworth Team

Since 2017, we've had the pleasure of serving thousands of tourists visiting Leavenworth, a charming Bavarian-themed town just 2.5 hours east of Seattle. With stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, shopping, delicious food, wineries, breweries, carriage rides, hiking, Oktoberfest, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. 

Our family-friendly Front Street tasting room is open seven days a week for tastings, sparkling flights, frosés during the summer months, hot mulled wine during the fall and winter months, food and wine pairing experiences, live music, and more. Enjoy the grandeur and beauty of the mountains from our patio and inside our tasting room with your four-legged friends, too!

So, how do you decide what to prioritize on your week-long vacation or a one-day visit to this lovely town? Our Leavenworth team has put together this guide with recommendations and favorites to help make your planning a little easier. Here, whatever the season, there is always something to do. Prost!

Pro-Tip: If you plan to visit for Oktoberfest on October 4-5, 11-12, or 18-19, get your tickets as soon as possible! This event sells out every year.

Places to Eat: Leavenworth is home to many outstanding restaurants. Ensure your spot at any of these favorites is reserved by making a reservation as soon as possible.

• Breakfast: Bear Bear

• Lunch: Wok About Grill, South, Ludwig’s

• Dinner: Larch, Prusik Kitchen and Bar, Yodelin Broth, Old World Chophouse

• Dessert: Fudge Hut, Whistlepunk Ice Cream Co., Dass Sweet Shoppe, Gingerbread Factory

• Quick Bites: The Cheesemonger’s Shop, München Haus

Wineries: Wine tasting in the heart of Leavenworth is an experience you won’t want to miss! With several wineries to choose from, including our own, guests will have no problem finding something to please their palates.

• For Whites, Rosés (including Frosés), Reds, Sparklings, Hot Mulled Wine in the fall and winter, and Dessert Wines: Patterson Cellars

• For Reds: Chateau Faire le Pont

• For Whites: Milbrandt Family Wines

• For Sparkling: House of Champagne

Breweries: You can't go wrong with either of these family-friendly craft breweries if you're a beer fan.

• Icicle Brewing Company

• Doghaus Brewery (very dog-friendly)

Activities: In addition to the many things to do downtown, there are plenty of activities to do outside the city as well! Here are some of our favorite Leavenworth activities you can enjoy with the whole family.

• Leavenworth Reindeer Farm

• Horse-drawn carriage around Downtown

• Local Hikes

• Waterfront Park

• Alpine Coaster at Leavenworth Adventure Park (Reservations required)

Shopping: What’s a vacation without a little retail therapy? Explore the many shops and boutiques all across town, including clothing, Christmas year-round gifts, home decor, children’s toys, pet stores, outdoor shops, and much more.

• Kris Kringle Shop

• Krampus Cave (for kids)

• Boutiques

• Obertal Mall

Lodging: You won't regret staying in one of these wonderful hotels or inns! We are proud to be the official winery of the Post Hotel and Enzian Inn. Our friendly Leavenworth team will ensure your Patterson favorites and jcoco chocolates are waiting for you in your room upon arrival! Cheers to great wine, gorgeous accommodations, and relaxation! Give us a call to place your order at 509-888-5629.

• Post Hotel

• The Enzian Inn

• Obertal Inn

Oktoberfest Activities: Pull out your dirndls and lederhosen! Oktoberfest is returning to Leavenworth and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Every year, thousands of visitors come to enjoy German beer, talented musicians, dancing, beautiful fall foliage, and a bratwurst or two. This year, the event will be spread out into two fully programmed venues in Leavenworth Festhalle and Front Street Park. Take in the breathtaking views of the Cascades with our hot spiced mulled on our patio. This family recipe is a customer-favorite and is available exclusively in the fall and winter. Prost!

• Get your Tickets: Oktoberfest - Leavenworth Washington

• Patterson Cellars Hot Mulled Wine

If you have any questions about your upcoming visit, please contact our Leavenworth Tasting Room Manager, Taylor Cole, at taylor@pattersoncellars.com.

Our tips for storing your wine at home!

Chances are if you’re bringing home a bottle or two of Patterson Cellars wine you are enjoying it with friends and family not long after it makes it through your door! And that’s great! Wine is meant to be enjoyed and shared, paired with great food and cataloged in your memory long after the last sip. But if you find yourself wanting to lay down a few bottles for the future, it’s best to follow a few simple steps to make sure your favorite bottle ages gracefully. We’ve put together a few tricks of the trade for you to keep your investment safe for years to come… if you can wait that long…

1. Consistent cool temperature is key! Ideally, between 45° F and 65° F.

2. Consistent humidity should be kept in mind if you live in a particularly dry climate or a very moist one. Think about your cork here… if it’s too dry, the cork will dry out too much, and if it’s too humid it could swell. Either one of these scenarios can be problematic for wine.

3. Keep your bottles away from light. The darker the better! Any UV exposure can cause your wine to prematurely age.

4. Most bottles should be stored on their sides, but our winemaker suggests keeping sparkling upright, because like still whites, sparkling generally doesn’t benefit from much age once it’s been disgorged.

5. Patterson Cellars Reds are ready for your glass now, or can be aged for up to 5-7 years.

6. Enjoy Patterson Whites and Rosés within a year or 2 of the vintage date.

So now you’re probably thinking “where can I keep my wine that will meet all of these standards?”… If you don’t have a wine cellar, find a closet that stays relatively consistent in temperature throughout the year, look for similar conditions in your basement, or maybe even invest in a wine fridge. At the very least, don’t keep bottles on your sunny kitchen counter next to the stove, and you should be just fine! Keeping your wine tucked away somewhere cool and dark is not only a great way to help it age properly, but it also keeps it out of sight, which may in turn reduce your changes of drinking it before your desired date!

So come visit us in any of our four tasting rooms to gather some bottles for now or for later. Either way, we know you'll find something you love!

Let’s Stay Home (& Cook!)

In light of what is going on in our world, country and our community, there has never been a better time to settle in and practice our culinary skills! Whether cooking for 1, 2 or 10, we have some unbelievable recipes that can be adapted for everyone’s needs.

In April, we usually roll up our sleeves and get ready for the Spring Wine Club Release Party. This celebration is something we at Patterson Cellars look forward to just as much as our guests, who have really become more like family over the years. Our chefs arrive at the crack of dawn to fire up the ovens, chop fresh herbs and prepare to share their passion for food and wine with all of us.

Sometimes, we make Paella for the crowd in our 4 foot, custom made Paella pans. Other times, we are slicing warm, freshly baked focaccia bread to serve alongside an earthy, braised chicken dish. This year, we decided to focus on what we do best, and create a recipe that pairs exquisitely with each of our newly released club wines. From a mouthwatering citrusy salad, paired with our 2019 Pinot Gris, to a rib sticking braised beef that is an excellent accompaniment to our 2017 Red Willow Syrah, these recipes are in a class unto themselves. Our chef, Aubri Travis Hawley, who also happens to be a Level 1 Sommelier, WSET2, and our very own tasting room manager at the winery, meticulously crafted these dishes to not only stand up to the wine, but moreover to enhance the experience with every sip.

While we were so looking forward to being able to share these delectable dishes with you at the party, we hope that you will take a moment to pick through and find your favorite, or maybe even make them all! After all, most of us are facing an abundance of time at home, and let’s be honest, you can only make tacos so many times before you need to spice things up a bit!

Share your home culinary journey with us! Snap some photos and tag us on facebook or instagram, or email the photos to wineclub@pattersoncellars.com, and of course, make sure to get your glasses and bottles of Patterson Cellars wine in the picture! If you don’t have our club wines, but would like some recommendations on pairing another one of our wines with the dishes, please reach out!

We are so grateful for our club members, customers, staff and friends who have supported us throughout the years, and especially during this time. We will get through this together, and we can’t wait until we are able to fill your glass in the tasting room once more! Cheers!

Washington wine is on the map!

It’s no surprise that Washington State is rising up in the ranks and becoming a world renowned wine growing region! According to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB), there are over 1,000 active wineries in the state! That kind of growth is remarkable because if you look at the numbers from the early 1980’s, there were only 20 wineries in the entire state! We are so proud of our roots, and as Patterson Cellars is celebrating 20 years in the biz, we have the pleasure of being able to look back on the last two decades fondly. We were one of the first wineries in the Warehouse District in Woodinville and we have been welcoming new neighbors ever since!

Our favorite things about Washington Wine

Washington makes it really easy to love where you’re from and bloom where you’re planted. With over 14 unique AVAs and 300+ days of sunlight, our wine region offers some of the best growing conditions in the world! At 45 degrees latitude, we are situated closest in line with Bordeaux, France. It’s no surprise one of our most popular wines is BDX, which is our take on a Bordeaux blend. We’ve just released our 2017 BDX in all four tasting rooms. If you’ve never tried the BDX or are a lifelong fan, make sure you stop by any of our tasting rooms this month to swirl a little in your glass.

While we have four tasting rooms in three different communities, here in Woodinville Wine Country, we can attest to a real sense of family. Patterson Cellars has been “crushing it” in the Warehouse District since 2000, and planted ourselves in the Hollywood Hill district in 2017, so we definitely have some history here. Our owner and winemaker, John Patterson is the president of Woodinville Wine Country and is deeply rooted in the community, helping Woodinville continue to thrive. So whether you live in Washington year round, or you just visit from time-to-time, raise a glass of fabulous Washington wine and celebrate all that beautiful Washington Wine Country has to offer. See you in the tasting rooms!

Top Three Things to Look Forward to from Patterson Cellars in 2020

So many wonderful things happened in 2019 for Patterson Cellars that it’s hard to pick favorites!! There is so much to look forward to in 2020 and we are excited to share the top three things to look forward to in 2020 with you.

New Leavenworth Tasting Room

This first announcement just might be the biggest we have for the start of 2020! We have been jumping out of our seats waiting to share with you that we have officially signed a lease for a new tasting room in Leavenworth right on Front Street! We’re so excited to be closer to the action in downtown Leavenworth and look forward to sharing our wines and experiences with you in a brand new, updated spot. We anticipate being open around April 1st and can’t wait to celebrate with you! We appreciate your continued support as we grow and change in order to make the entire Patterson Cellars experience the best it can be.

Our 20th Anniversary Celebration

The year 2020 happens to be our 20th anniversary! John Patterson founded Patterson Cellars in 2000 in the Warehouse District of Woodinville. The Warehouse District Winery has become our hub for not only making our wine but also for hosting tastings and special events. Woodinville wine country really is like a family and we’ve developed beautiful relationships not only with out customers, but with the other businesses around us. Did you know we even rent out our equipment to other boutique wineries in Woodinville? 12 years after we opened our Warehouse District winery and tasting room, we opened our second location in Hollywood Hill District of Woodinville. In 2017, our current Leavenworth tasting room opened and most recently, our Seattle SODO tasting room was born. After 20 years, we now boast an extensive wine portfolio expanding from sparkling, white, and Rosé wines to single-varietal, red blend, and dessert wines. We’ve opened four tasting rooms, have introduced indulgent wine and food pairing experiences, and built a wine club that has grown into a family. We’ve also hosted countless events, live music nights, and created a community of wine lovers that we’re proud to be a part of. All of that deserves to be celebrated, don’t you think? Don’t worry, we plan to celebrate our 20th anniversary in all of our tasting rooms & you’re invited! We will be announcing the dates and details soon, but expect it to be sometime during the summer months.

Spring Release

Spring release is quickly approaching! A new wine release is always something to look forward to no matter the year, and we can assure you that the wines we are releasing in March will exceed your expectations! We can’t share all of the details just yet, but we can tell you that there will be three delicious wines including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. Wine club members get first dibs, so if you want to get your hands on these bottles before everyone else (plus amazing discounts on all Patterson Cellars wines) sign up today. We can’t wait to share more delicious wines with you in the spring, and delicious food pairings if you’re joining us for the release party! 2019 is a wrap and 2020 is looking so bright! We hope you get the chance to help us celebrate our new Leavenworth tasting room, our 20th anniversary, and our spring release. Thank you so much for all of your ongoing support, 2020 is for you as much as it is for us. Cheers to the new year!

Three Things We’re Thankful for this Season

Harvest has wrapped up, busy season is slowing down, and the holidays are right around the corner. All of these signs point to Thanksgiving arriving very soon! Besides turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and butternut squash soup, we have a lot to be grateful for this season and we wanted to share our top three with you!

Our Incredible Team

We are told this all the time by our patrons and experience it every day ourselves, but we have the best team in the game. From John Patterson to our cellar team to our tasting room staff, we are beyond lucky to have such quality people representing Patterson Cellars.

With so much going on every day at our four of our tasting rooms, we would not be able to host industry nights, special events, or amazing daily tastings and experiences without the quality and quantity of our team’s work. So, glasses up to all of the amazing Patterson Cellars team members who we are oh so thankful for. Cheers to you!

A Successful Harvest and Fall Release

The 2019 harvest was bountiful and we could not be more excited to share what comes of it with you in the future. We brought in fruit from Red Mountain, Yakima Valley, Walla Walla Valley, and more.

We’re also very thankful for a successful fall release! Our wine club pick-up parties were so much fun and we had fantastic turnouts. Thank you to all the members who made fall release month one of the best we’ve had! We released six wines - 2016 Syrah Sirah, 2016 Malbec, 2017 Zinfandel (our first ever), 2016 Red Mountain Cuvée, 2016 Petit Verdot, and we also just released the 2018 Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Chardonnay for all of you sparkling fans out there. The Patterson Cellars team is so proud of these releases and hope you will get a chance to taste them very soon if you haven’t already!

All of You!

Choosing just the top three things we’re thankful for wasn’t easy, but we couldn’t put out a list that didn’t include you! We’d be nothing without your support as we love the process of making wine, but we love sharing it with the world more. A big thanks to everyone who has ever visited a Patterson Cellars tasting room, sat down for an experience, enjoyed a bottle of wine, or suggested us to your friends. We’re grateful to have created such an amazing, smart, and exquisite community in this little Northwest corner of the country that we call home. 

We could continue on with everything we are thankful for this year, but we’ll leave you with these top three. Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to reflect on what you’re thankful for. Cheers to a happy and healthy Thanksgiving and start to the holiday season!

Halloween Upgrade: Patterson Cellars Wines Paired with jcoco chocolates

When you think of October you think of crisp air, colorful foliage, harvest, and, of course, Halloween. Dubbed as Spooky Season, the month of October offers a lot, especially for those of us in the Seattle area. It’s a time we can all indulge in cozy, home-cooked meals, scary movies, haunted houses, scenic drives and hikes, and decadent candy. We’re chocolate fans here at Patterson Cellars, specifically jcoco chocolate fans, and thought we’d share three of our favorite wine and chocolate pairings to upgrade your Halloween celebrations this year.

2018 Mélange Blanc Paired with Veracruz Orange & Cayenne Pepper White Chocolate

To kick-off this spectacular experience, we’re pairing Veracruz Orange & Cayenne Pepper White Chocolate with our 2018 Mélange Blanc. This wine is made with fruit from some of the most exclusive vineyards in Washington State. Made with 55% Roussanne, 30% Viognier, and 15% Chardonnay, this white blend provides aromas of honeycomb, fresh-cut pear, and light herbal tea. The Viognier lends supporting aromas and flavors of white peach and flowers that end with a mineral note that lasts throughout the long finish. The Chardonnay adds citrus and green apple notes that provide a crisp and agile feeling on the palate. Probably the most interesting pair you’ll hear of today, we can attest the 2018 Mélange Blanc and Veracruz Orange & Cayenne Pepper White Chocolate belong together. The orange and cayenne pepper notes of the white chocolate complement sweeter, floral notes of this full-bodied wine perfectly. A compromise of fruit, sweetness, and spice, this pairing brings out the best in each other.

2018 Forbidden Rosé Paired with 80% Dark Chocolate

Our next pairing features the 2018 Forbidden Rosé and 80% Dark Chocolate. Decadence paired with decadence is the best way to describe this incredible combination. Our 2018 Forbidden Rosé is a rich blend of the finest fruit from the Columbia Valley AVA. Slightly off-dry in style, aromas and flavor of ripe raspberries, cherries, and melons dominate the palate with just enough acid to balance and provide a long, refreshing finish. After a sip of this gorgeous Rosé and a bite of the 80% dark chocolate, you will experience a match made in heaven as the fruity notes of the Rosé complement the richness of the dark chocolate perfectly making for a fan (and winemaker) favorite.

2017 Forbidden Red Paired with Boharat Dark & Bali Sea Salt Toffee Milk Chocolate

We’re rounding out this Halloween upgrade of Patterson Cellars wines and jcoco chocolates with the 2017 Forbidden Red paired with the Boharat Dark & Bali Sea Salt Toffee Milk Chocolate. Our dark and mysterious 2017 Forbidden Red is a blend made of 41% Mourvedre, 31% Syrah, and 28% Grenache. This beautiful blend opens with lush notes of blackberry cobbler, sweet dark cherries, and plums, followed by hints of strawberry compote, thyme, and vanilla. Smooth and slightly earthy flavors of dark cherries and blackberries lead to a long finish of light tannins and lingering fruits with just a hint of smoked meats. With such a seductive and indulgent flavor profile, we had to pair this wine with chocolate that could fend for itself. Enter: Boharat Dark & Bali Sea Salt Toffee Milk Chocolate. We couldn’t have paired better chocolate, or food in general for that matter, with the 2017 Forbidden Red. With flavors of both dark and milk chocolate, as well as toffee topped with sea salt, this jcoco chocolate found a home next to this wine as it not only matches the darkness and mystery of the Forbidden Red but brings out its lush, light, and fruitier notes.

We’ve come to the end of this sweet journey. If you’d like to experience this decadent selection and more for yourself, visit us at any of our four tasting rooms for a wine and chocolate pairing experience. We’d love to host you and be a part of your new Halloween traditions!

Top Three Places to Visit Before or After a Seahawks Game

Fall is here and with it comes Seattle Seahawks football, baby! We’re so excited for this season, we thought we’d share a gameday routine for visitors and locals alike. Seattle has so much to offer for sports fans. We had a hard time narrowing down the top three places to visit before or after the Seahawks game – but we managed to come up with our favorites – and we hope you use this guide to your full advantage come Sunday. Buckle up and Go Hawks!

Capitol Hill

First up on the Seattle Seahawks gameday itinerary is exploring the Capitol Hill neighborhood! About ten minutes north of CenturyLink Field, Capitol Hill has everything a Seahawks fan is in search of both before and after a game. From food to shopping to nightlife, this gorgeous neighborhood has an abundance of energy. This is perfect for foodies who are looking for a brunch spot with mimosas or a dinner date outside of the post-game downtown madness. Don’t forget about live music and bars with karaoke and games including bocce ball, shuffleboard, and darts! If you’re an out-of-towner looking for quintessential Seattle vibes or a local looking to try out trendy places to eat, drink, and cheer on the Seahawks, Capitol Hill is for you!

Patterson Cellars SODO

Next on the list is a wine tasting at our South Downtown Seattle location! We’re open from 12-6 p.m. every Sunday and offer a variety of wine tasting options as well as wine cocktails and chocolate pairing experiences. The tasting room itself is open and inviting along with patio seating and televisions that stream Seahawks games on Sundays, so you’ll never miss a down. Our tasting room is located in the SODO Urbanworks building that houses several other winery tasting rooms, a distillery, and a pizzeria, making SODO the perfect one-stop-shop for all of your pre and post-game needs. We’re also less than a ten-minute drive from CenturyLink Field so you won’t have a problem getting to and from the game. Why not shake up your gameday routine and fit in a Patterson Cellars wine tasting into the mix? We’d love to host you.

Pike Place Market

Last, but not least is a Seattle staple for not just game day, but any day - Pike Place Market. Remarked as one of America’s oldest farmers' markets, Pike Place Market is a perfect place to start or end a Sunday. From the farmers, crafts, and fish markets to the specialty foods, collectible shops, and places to eat, Pike Place has everything to offer tourists and locals in search of exploring the best of Seattle before or after a Seahawks win. Just a quick five-minute drive from CenturyLink Field, why not visit this iconic Seattle attraction? 

We hope we’ve sparked some inspiration for your game day plans! If you enjoy watching the Seahawks away from all of the action with a glass of wine in-hand, we’ll be streaming every game every Sunday at all four of our locations. Come on by and help us cheer on the home team!

Patterson Cellars Red Wines and Where They Come From

National Red Wine Day is August 28th this year, and even though we celebrate red wines daily here at Patterson Cellars, we thought we’d grace you with some new additions to the Patterson Cellars red wine family and a little behind-the-scenes about where they come from. Bust out the corkscrews and prepare for a journey starting at Red Mountain and ending with a glass of Patterson Cellars red wine in your hand.

2016 Red Mountain Cuvée

Red Mountain

First up on this exclusive list is our 2016 Red Mountain Cuvée. This wine is a gorgeous blend of 37% Cabernet Franc, 36% Merlot, and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon. All of the grapes are sourced from the Ciel du Cheval and Quintessence vineyards located in the Red Mountain AVA. 

The Ciel du Cheval vineyard was replanted in 2005 with a mission to “grow grapes that are the best reflection of the unique terroir and give a sense of place.” By focusing on soil conservation and environmentally friendly farming tactics, this vineyard grows some of the best grapes in Washington, and it shows in this wine. 

The Quintessence vineyard is on the younger side as the first phase of planting took place in 2010. The first harvest in 2012 blew people away with the quality of the grapes for such young vines. This vineyard sits on a slope angled to the Southeast facing the morning sun, allowing the grapes to ripen early in the Red Mountain AVA resulting in intense and extremely concentrated wines.

The grapes in our 2016 Red Mountain Cuvée were cold-soaked for two days followed by seven days of primary fermentation in stainless steel. They were then barreled down into French oak barrels. The steps taken from harvest to blending resulted in a new-world nod to classic right-bank Bordeaux wines. In the glass, it presents a dark purple color and opens with aromas of raspberries, dark cherry compote, bramble, and earth. Intense flavors of blackberry and pomegranate follow and are joined by plum, dark cherries, and firm tannins. The long finish features lingering dark fruits with hints of vanilla and dark chocolate making it the perfect partner for a hearty fall meal. This is an age-worthy wine that will evolve beautifully for years to come!

2017 Zinfandel

Horse Heaven Hills

Our 2017 Zinfandel is a Patterson Cellars first that will also be an exclusive wine for club members! This wine is made with 97% Zinfandel and 3% Syrah sourced from Alder Ridge Vineyard located in the Horse Heaven Hills Appellation. 

Horse Heaven Hills is naturally bound by the Yakima Valley AVA on the northside and the Columbia River on the southside. The Alder Ridge Vineyard consists of bone-dry desert soil that averages four inches of rain per year, making it the perfect climate to grow delicious, fruit-forward Zinfandel. 

Once the Zinfandel arrived at the winery it was carefully hand-sorted and fermented in 1.5-ton stainless steel fermenters and pressed earlier than usual to keep the tannins in check and preserve fruitier notes. Once dry, the wine was barreled into French oak and aged for 17 months before blending and bottling. 

This wine is a medium purple color in the glass that invites you in with aromas of ripe raspberries and dark cherries followed by hints of sagebrush, thyme, and warm caramel. Flavors of blackberry, tart black cherries, and a touch of bramble flood the mouth backed by smooth, supple tannins, and a finish that tastes of plums with notes of light leather. We could not be more proud and excited for wine club members to taste Patterson Cellars’ take on a classic. Perhaps with a simple burger or herb-crusted pork roast?

2016 Petit Verdot

Walla Walla Valley

Last but certainly not least on this special list, we’d like to tell you a bit about our 2016 Petit Verdot. This wine is made with 100% Petit Verdot and is a perfect example of a powerful wine with a softer side that can be produced with fruit from the Seven Hills Vineyard, one of the first commercial vineyards planted in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. 

Planted in 1980 and expanded in 1989, this vineyard has an elevation of 850 to 1,050 feet, with incredible soil and air drainage. Seven Hills Vineyard is one of the most technologically advanced in the industry, ensuring that the fruit reaches the highest quality it can. Fruit from this vineyard is generally soft and supple, making it the perfect place to cultivate a usually tannic and unforgiving grape. 

After the fruit was crushed during the 2016 harvest, it was cold-soaked for two days prior to inoculation. Fermentation was done in stainless steel bins for nine days. The wine was then barreled down into 100% French oak and racked once during aging. This wine was bottled in May 2018 and we are so excited for you to taste it! It opens with classic aromas of violets and dusty lavender joined by notes of vanilla, almond extract, and sage. Ripe plums, dark cherries, and marionberries dominate the intense flavor profile and smooth, fine tannins along with a lush mouthfeel eventually give way to a finish of lingering dark fruits and flowers. Pair this beauty with salty cheeses or grilled chicken thighs to bring out the best in both.

We’ve made it to the end–are you ready to sip on a glass of Patterson Cellars red wine in celebration of National Red Wine Day and the upcoming releases of these beautiful wines? Join the Patterson Cellars wine club today and get your hands on these top-tier selections. We’d love to welcome you as part of the family!

Washington Summer Wine and Food Pairings

Summer is in full swing and with it comes fresh food paired with gorgeous, bright Patterson Cellars wines! We believe in drinking and eating local, so enjoy these perfect Washington summer wine and food pairings. Let’s get cooking (and sipping)!

2017 Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir and King Salmon

First up is a fan favorite, our 2017 Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir, paired with fresh or smoked king salmon. This sparkling wine is a gorgeous light melon color that provides aromas and flavors of tangerine, apricot, and strawberry with hints of minerality, herbal tea, and green apples on the finish. While sparkling Rosé wines tend to be on the drier side, this wine complements the delicacy of salmon prepared in a variety of ways. Plate smoked salmon with cheese for an appetizer or small plate, bake a filet with garlic, lemon, and butter for dinner, or throw it on the grill for a heartier flavor. However you prepare it, your guests will swoon over this pairing.

2018 Chardonnay and Fried Chicken

Although this isn’t a classic or common combination, it is delicious and more than appropriate for summer. Full-bodied and balanced, this 2018 Chardonnay leads with aromas of vanilla and warm spices followed by fragrant honeysuckle, pears, and light citrus notes. Flavors of ripe pineapples, pears, and hints of honey fill the round palate while key limes and citrus zest linger on the finish complementing the buttermilk and salt of the fried chicken. This pairing will curb all of your rich and savory cravings without being too heavy for those hot and humid summer days. Together they make the perfect dish to take to your neighborhood barbeque or Sunday picnic in the park.

2016 Syrah and Carnitas Tacos

Substitute your summer cerveza or margarita with our 2016 Syrah to go with carnitas tacos on your weekly Taco Tuesday night. This lush, beautiful dark purple wine is made with 100% Syrah and will bring out the crisp, juiciness of the pork and lime with intense flavors of blackberry and raspberry and hints of white pepper and toasted spices. Its acidity and velvety soft tannins then lead into a long smooth finish featuring lingering fruit, cocoa, and a hint of minerality that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed. If you are more drawn to red wines and are in search of a quick, simple weeknight meal, this summer wine and food pairing is for you!

Patterson Cellars Wine Tasting Experiences for You!

Looking for a summer wine and food pairing that you don’t have to put together yourself? We got you covered! You can find wine and food pairing experiences at any of our four tasting rooms in Washington. Whether you’re in the mood for reds and dessert, or Rosés and pizza, Patterson Cellars has an experience that will make summer nights even more enjoyable with family and friends. 

Our new Vivi Pizzeria and Wine Experience is exclusive to our Hollywood Hill tasting room. This summer we’re featuring a poached pear pizza with Sicilian red sauce topped with light mozzarella cheese, French brie, walnuts, and a decadent balsamic glaze paired with a winemaker selection of Patterson Cellars summer white and Rosé wines. Enjoy this flight at a table on our outdoor patio.

If you’re looking for something a little lighter, we also offer wine and cheese experiences, as well as a roasted vegetable pairing experience. Both feature seasonal local cheeses and vegetables paired with a winemaker’s selection of summer favorites. 

From sparkling Rosé to white to red, we’ve provided an amazing Washington summer wine and food pairing for anyone. Book your private tasting experience with Patterson Cellars today!

Six Things to do in Woodinville and Seattle

Are you planning a trip to the great Pacific Northwest? Are you in search of the best ways to spend your time here? Or, are you local to Seattle and the surrounding area looking for new and exciting things to do with your free time? If you answered yes to any of these questions, read on for the top six things to do in Woodinville and Seattle!

Woodinville Wine Country

When most think of Woodinville, Washington, they think of wine. Despite the absence of vineyards, Woodinville is considered a wine mecca in the Northwest. With over 100 tasting rooms, gorgeous scenery, and of course, delicious, well-made wines, Woodinville should be at the top of your list. 

There are two main areas of Woodinville that each offer a unique experience. First, is the Hollywood Hill area. Here you’ll find gorgeous patios, fresh farm-to-table foods, and friendly pours. Grab a pizza from Vivi Pizzeria and enjoy our patio with a flight or glass of your favorite varietal. The other main area of Woodinville wine country is the Warehouse District, a great change of scenery with big, beautiful unassuming industrial spaces. Several wineries house their wine production here and it’s a unique area to host events. In our Warehouse tasting room, you can take a winery tour with our winemaker, John Patterson.

Woodinville Farmers Market

Once you get your wine and food fix, you might be inspired to do some cooking and pouring of your own. Put the Woodinville Farmers Market on your radar. Located in downtown Woodinville in DeYoung Park, the Woodinville Farmers Market is an open-air market offering fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers, handmade items, and so much more Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm. With fun themes, hospitable locals, and amazing food and art, this farmer’s market is one you don’t want to miss.

Molbak’s Garden and Home

If you have a green thumb or just appreciate nature, Molbak’s Garden Home is where you want to go. Enjoy gorgeous, locally sourced floral arrangements, plants, garden gear, outdoor living equipment, community events, gifts, a cafe and wine bar!

Hike and Bike

Moving on to Seattle, the Emerald City. Take in the sites of the city and lush natural landscapes by hiking some local favorites. Kayak, walk, or jog around Green Lake, one of Seattle’s most beloved parks. If cycling is more your style, head over to Burk-Gilman Trail in North Seattle for greenery and a cool bike ride breeze. 

Urban Winery Events

If you’ve had enough of nature, we have the perfect plan to get you back into the city. Urban winery events are a fun, hip way to taste interesting wines and immerse yourself in the culture of Seattle. From food and wine to art and sports, urban winery events can incorporate it all. This month, we’re hosting two unique experiences at our SODO tasting room: Yoga Unwined and Wine for the Climb. 

The first ever Yoga Unwined event will be held on Thursday, June 27 at 7 pm. Your ticket includes an hour yoga session taught by Seattle-based yoga instructor, Donte Quinine. Donte is trained in vinyasa, restorative, yin, and hot hatha classes. He is also a life coach, speaker, and workshop facilitator that’s also given a TEDx Talk! 

Join us for Wine for the Climb on Saturday, June 29 from 12-6 pm. Our own Marina Rockinger, who you may know from the local radio stations, STAR 101.5 and KOMO News, is preparing to climb Mt. Rainier for the Climb to Fight, benefitting the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Come out and enjoy a wine tasting in support of Marina and her cause. She’ll be donating her shift, and 50% of our wine sales on this day will also be donated. If you can’t make it out but would like to support Marina, you can make a donation here.

Wine Adventure

After the events at our urban tasting room in the SODO area of Seattle, grab a couple of bottles and take the ferry to the Kitsap Peninsula! Poulsbo’s historic Little Norway is a popular and beautiful destination for travelers and locals, especially in the summer. Enjoy galleries, museums, shops, and amazing views for a day trip, or make a weekend out of it! Stay on the beach, crack open a bottle of your favorite Patterson Cellars wine, and treat yourself to a wine adventure for the books.

Photo by Mel MCC Photography

We hope we’ve taken some pressure off of your vacation planning and added some new places to your local to-do list with these six experiences in Woodinville and Seattle! 

We look forward to hosting you in one of our three tasting rooms while you’re in the area.