Six of seven Woodinville wineries that make up the Grape Killers generated lots of fans and fun at their annual “Holiday in the ‘Hood” wine tasting event last night in Woodinville’s Wine Warehouse District.
Winemakers, and friends, from Gorman Winery (Chris Gorman), Mark Ryan Winery (Mark Ryan McNeilly), Darby Winery (Darby English), Guardian Cellars (Jerry Riener), Baer Winery (Lisa Baer) and Sparkman Cellars (Chris Sparkman) offered some amazing wines, appetizers and good cheer. Perfect example? Chris Sparkman appeared dressed as Elvis. (Photo courtesy of our friend Taryn Miller)
Not surprisingly, we enjoyed all the wines we tasted at Grape Killers Holiday in the ‘Hood party. But these were our favorites:
- Gorman Winery 2008 Bully Cabernet Sauvignon (blended with Petit Verdot), Red Mountain
- Sparkman Cellars 2009 Kingpin Old Vine Cab (blended with Petit Verdot), Red Mountain
- Darby Winery 2009 Dark Side Syrah (100% Syrah), Yakima Valley
- Baer Winery 2009 Arctos, a Cabernet-driven blend, Columbia Valley
- Guardian Cellars 2008 The Rookie Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain
- Mark Ryan Winery 2009 Dead Horse Red, Bordeaux blend, Red Mountain
Do you sense a trend here? Indeed, our palates prefer Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends, and as Dave said, “I never met a grape from Red Mountain that I didn’t like.”
You could tell the six winemakers (plus Tim Stevens of Stevens Winery who couldn’t participate this time) are pals who hang out together in their spare time. Their camaraderie was evident at each of their tasting rooms. This was a night full of smiles and laughter!
And to top off the good fun, a portion of all wine sales will benefit Woodinville’s Homeward Pet Adoption Shelter.
If you didn’t make it to the Grape Killers event last night, be sure to stop by these wineries in the future. They make good juice!
Cheers!