Vancouver, WA — The Vancouver Waterfront added a new attraction on June 24, 2020, when Brian Carter Cellars Tasting Room & Wine Bar opened its doors to the public. Currently in its soft opening phase, due largely to COVID-19 related restrictions, the Tasting Room has already garnered a following, including current and new wine club members.
With up-close views of the Columbia River, Brian Carter Cellars’ new venue joins fellow Washington wineries Airfield Estates, Maryhill, and others in their mission to reach folks where they live, work and play along the beautifully redeveloped stretch of waterfront.
“We are always looking for new ways to make our great wines more accessible to the public; opening a second tasting room is a great way to make that happen,” says veteran winemaker Brian Carter, who opened his flagship tasting room in Woodinville 14 years ago. When he was ready to open another tasting room, he settled on Vancouver, WA as a prime destination spot. “I looked at several possible locations in both Oregon and Washington. When I heard about the Waterfront project in Vancouver, I drove down there and immediately fell in love with the whole place; there is a beautiful river park, a nice collection of restaurants and wine tasting locations.”
Originally slated to open in November 2019, the Brian Carter Cellars team of staff, designers, architects, marketers, and Brian himself, ran into the typical challenges and delays that come with the territory of opening a new space, especially around the holidays. Then, enter a global pandemic and all of the confusion and shutdowns that came along with it. For nearly four months, the team was in a state of limbo. “Do we order tables and chairs now, or should we wait? Is it too early to create our menu? When should we start trying to create some hype?” These were but a few things that kept everyone on their toes.
Soon after Clark County entered Safe Start Phase One, it became clearer that the tasting room would be able to open in some form or another. Exactly when was another story. But the team used that time to put in all of the finishing touches, including the “Brian Wall,” a familiar sight for those who have frequented Brian Carter Cellar’s flagship location in Woodinville.
At full capacity, the space can seat about 35 people inside, with outdoor seating available in the warmer months. Their wine list includes a rotating selection of Brian Carter Cellars classics. Their menu will feature house made soups, salads, flatbreads and other small plates. In addition, Wine Club benefits will extend to the Vancouver tasting room, including special offers and the always-popular release parties (when they’re allowed again). And just like Woodinville, you may see Brian floating around from time to time. “Sit and enjoy a glass of my wine, eat some fantastic food pairings, and look out at the ever-moving Columbia River; we guarantee a good time at the new waterfront location in Vancouver.”
Brian Carter Cellars Tasting Room & Wine Bar is open Tuesday – Sunday, 11:30-8:00pm, and is located at 660 Waterfront Way, Vancouver, WA 98660. Visit www.briancartercellars.com for more info, or contact us at vancouver@briancartercellars.com or (360) 216-1444.