Owner and vintner Stephanie Jones is an avid hiker and backpacker, and she brings that enthusiasm into Glacier View Cellar’s new Woodinville tasting room in ways that capture the spirit of naturalist John Muir’s holistic vision of the great outdoors. “When you tug at a single thing in nature, you’ll find it attached to the rest of the world,” Muir wrote. He was likely referring to Stephanie’s passion for wine and nature.
Visitors are greeted by a wall-sized topographic map of the Cascade Mountain range upon entering the spacious surroundings. An advocate of Muir, Stephanie stocks the place with hiking maps and guide books.
A beautiful sense of adventure abounds in the one-of-a-kind décor; there is a whimsical climbing wall, and super-comfy indoor porch swings. Even the river rock bar is a tactile experience that feels like you could be sitting next to a riverbed while sipping wine. On the way out there’s a trail register for guests to share their own favorite adventures.
“I love both wine and the outdoors, and this unique space brings those things together,” Stephanie says. Her adventurous personality is embodied in the smooth and savory wines, solidly-built, often the result of non-traditional experimentation. Such as Rosé made from Nebbiolo grapes, experimenting with different yeasts, as well as the influence of lesser-seen oak barrels harvested from Hungarian and Russian forests. “I never make the same wine twice, there is just too much out there to explore!” she says.
The hip tasting room is in the Gateway District next to the Hampton Inn at 19255 Woodinville Snohomish Rd, Unit 3, Woodinville WA, phone (206) 719-1331. The hours are Thurs-Sun and you can learn more online at www.glacierviewcellars.com.
Below are two releases we recently reviewed:
Glacier View Cellars 2018 Benchmark Mountain Red Wine
93 pts.
Rich and sumptuous, this Left Bank Bordeaux-style delivers mouthfilling red plum and blackberry augmented with cocoa, graham and distant cherry. The flavors meld in harmony with a layer of plush tannins inlaid with mineral spice and tobacco. Worth seeking out. $38 
Glacier View Cellars 2020 Turtleback Mountain Red Wine
92 pts.
Cedar-intoned ripe raspberry and dark black currant find good depth in this intriguing red blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, shaded with caramel, cacao nib and amped up barrel spice. Finishes with juicy grip as it winds along a firm edge of tannins. $38