Equal parts enchanting and down to earth, the expansive new site of Blooms Winery in the town of Freeland on Whidbey Island has been thoughtfully cultivated by owners Virginia and Ken Bloom. They have brought a high level of attention to the newly constructed tasting room and restaurant, 5511 Bistro. The bistro offers banquet space, a massive morning-side deck, and a charming sunset-facing garden. Executive chef Wayne Carter has designed a wholesome menu with an emphasis on island ingredients and healthy fare from local purveyors such as Penn Cove Shellfish, 3 Sisters Beef, Mukilteo Coffee and Samish Bay Cheeses.
Herbs, berries and other edibles are being planted in their lush “kitchen garden.” They plan on maximizing the acre lot to the fullest with both an orchard and a vineyard where Virginia says they will grow “two white grape varieties, Madeleine Angevine and Siegerrebe [German cold weather varieties], and for fruit we have peach, nectarine, pear, Asian pear, apple, and plum. We also plan to put in some berries. We already have lots of rhubarb that we use for our Ambrosia wine.”
There is live music Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, and an open mic once a month on 2nd Thursdays. The island has a reputation as an artist colony, and the tasting room has displays of paintings, photography, jewelry, glass and fiber arts. Outside there are wonderful sculptures too. The winery and bistro are located at 5511 Freeland Ave in Freeland and you can find more info at www.bloomswinery.com.
Here are three releases we recently reviewed:
Blooms Winery 2015 Rattlesnake Hills Melange, $28
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Plump and ripe, this Bordeaux varietal red wine has a fruity center of plum sauce, pomegranate and violet with crushed blue and blackberry flavors dovetailed with notes of vanilla, clove, cardamom and barrel spice on the smooth, sturdy finish.
2015 Rattlesnake Hills Merlot, $25
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Fresh, vibrant and well framed with juicy huckleberry and cranberry flavors that meld with jammy nots of cherry preserves and plum. A touch of florality and spice accents fold on to the finish.
2017 Yakima Valley Riesling, $16
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Delightfully crisp and refreshing, this dry version offers enticing floral aromas and flavors of honeysuckle, pear, yellow apple and limestone. A vibrant backbone of acidity carries through the juicy finish.