Back in 2012, we met Doug Long, co-owner and winemaker at Obelisco Estate, at a Washington Wine Commission event in the “other Washington” — D.C. We were immediately drawn to his friendliness, his humor, and his knowledge of the grape. Subsequently, we quickly became friends and frequently visited his Woodinville tasting room. At the time, I wrote “Obelisco meets our personal criteria for incredible wine and great people.” Sadly, Doug passed away in 2017. But his legacy continues. In August, we had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Doug’s daughter and Obelisco General Manager, Melissa Long Vilar, and her husband, Jacques Vilar. What lovely people. They poured six tasty wines in the Obelisco lineup. And they raved about their winemaker, David Rosenthal, who is returning to the winemaking style that Doug Long pursued, and we adored.
Tag Archives: Doug Long
Unexpected Trip
Last week, we took an unexpected trip with good friends to taste wines in central WA. First, we visited the tasting rooms of Boudreaux Cellars, Obelisco and Hard Row to Hoe in Leavenworth. Next, we decided to continue the adventure in Chelan Valley, where we tasted more of Hard Row’s lineup at their vineyard. We also stopped at Succession Winery, another favorite. Over three days, we experienced outstanding wine including sparklers, refreshing whites, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Read on for details. Continue reading
Tribute to Doug Long of Obelisco Estate, R.I.P.
It is with both tears and smiles that we write this tribute to our friend, Doug Long, who lost his 18-month fight against leukemia on November 29, 2017 at his home in Gig Harbor, surrounded by his loving family. Tears, because we miss him. Smiles because he brought such joy to so many people, including us.
Washington state’s wine industry lost a great man and we lost a friend. Doug was so warm, welcoming, gracious and passionate, with a wonderful smile and lots of entertaining stories to share.
Continue reading
Second Tasting Room for Obelisco Estate
If you haven’t visited Obelisco‘s new, second tasting room in the Hollywood schoolhouse area of Woodinville, what are you waiting for? This is an opportunity to taste magnificent wine, kick back and enjoy good conversation in a relaxing environment. On weekends, you just might find live music, too.
Obelisco is one of our favorite wineries in Washington state. Winemaker Doug Long is as friendly as he is talented, creative and dedicated. He came here from Napa, where he started his first winery, David Arthur, which was named “Winery of the Decade” by Wine Spectator in 2000. The 1997 vintage scored 99 points.
Once here, he planted a vineyard in the incredible Red Mountain AVA in 2004. And then he applied his Napa Valley winemaking skills to Washington state grapes.
While Doug has received dozens of awards for many of Obelisco’s wines, from Syrahs to Malbecs, our favorites are his Cab-based productions — Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Electrum, Nefer and a refreshing Cabernet Rose’.
And now you can experience these beauties in a comfy, cozy, conversation-friendly tasting room in the schoolhouse area, in addition to the original Obelisco tasting room in the Woodinville wine warehouse.
Shortly before the grand opening, we spent about an hour in the new location, chatting with Doug and manager Ken Abbott, tasting through the lineup and enjoying the ambiance — it was hard to leave!
Obelisco’s second tasting room is located at 14525 148th Ave NE, suite 121 in the Apple Farm Village of Woodinville, near Otis Kenyon and Lauren Ashton and across the street from Alexandria Nicole Cellars.
The original tasting room at the Woodinville wine warehouse is located at 19495 144th Ave NE, suite B-220 in Woodinville.
We hope to see you there!
Cheers!
Margot and Dave