Browne Family Vineyards has opened their fourth tasting room, this time in Bellevue WA, bringing Walla Walla wines to residents of Seattle’s Eastside. The elegant and refined décor has a timeless feel, like stepping inside a 1940s-era British manor from the set of The Kingsman film series—a nod of honor to the founder’s grandfather who was a war hero and top intelligence agent during that period. Known for crafting classic Bordeaux-varietal reds, proprietors Andrew and Courtney Browne find inspiration in the decorated feats of Andrew’s grandfather, William Bitner Browne, who walked the walk in all circles of life when it came to integrity and excellence.
“He [Bitner] continues to be the driving spirit behind everything the winery does today. And it is why winemaker John Freeman goes to such great lengths to create the best wines from our estate vineyards in the Spring Valley district of Walla Walla and across the Columbia Valley,” remarks Andrew Browne.
Daily wine flights, wines by the glass and small bites are offered. The tasting room also carries a collection of Rye, Bourbon and Whiskey produced by Browne Family Spirits at their new Spokane distillery. All spirits are available as flights, cocktails, and by the pour. There are also events such as movie and karaoke nights, as well as curbside pickup and local delivery.
Browne Family Vineyards wines are widely distributed throughout the Pacific Northwest but there will be a selection of tasting room “exclusives” that include single vineyards, unique varietals, small lot offerings, and the latest label addition to the Browne Family Vineyards City Collection Red Blends – Bellevue.
“The excitement and vitality of downtown Bellevue with its vibrant energy and mix of business and commerce is what really attracted us to this fantastic location,” says Andrew.
“I’m thrilled to bring the heart and hospitality of Browne Family Vineyards from Walla Walla to Bellevue and to welcome our wine club members,” says Courtney Browne. “The opening of the Bellevue tasting room represents a homecoming of sorts. Andrew previously lived in the area and raised his two sons, Pavin and Riley, here.”
Visit in Bellevue: 10245 Main St, Bellevue; (425) 400-5505, open daily from Fri-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun-Thur 11am-8pm. With tasting rooms also in Seattle, Tacoma, Walla Walla and the Spokane distillery, learn more about Browne Family wines and spirits on the web at brownefamilyvineyards.com.
Below are two wine releases we recently reviewed:
Browne Family Vineyards 2019 Spy Master The Continent
95 pts.
Sourced from the estate’s Williamson Block where meticulous farming allows the savory character of this Cabernet Sauvignon to shine. Dark fruit aromas of tobacco, peppercorn mélange and capsicum highlight a sense of place on the herbaceous-driven palate, fronted by cigar wrapper, black cherry and dried red currant. Silky tannins and bright, fresh acidity wrap around the finish with details of coffee beans and zesty cranberry. $80 Cabernet Sauvignon
Browne Family Vineyards 2020 City Collection Bellevue Red Blend
92 pts.
Aromas of dark fruit and tobacco lead to a posh core of refined black cherry, cassis and pomegranate hints. The fruit shows restraint with an earthen side, offering dusky spice, forest floor, vanilla and toasty oak framed by fine tannins. $40 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot,
Cabernet Franc