With tasting rooms in Walla Walla and downtown Seattle, Browne Family Vineyards has opened a third one in Tacoma, not far from the Point Defiance Zoo. “The excitement and vitality of the Proctor District, along with its charming neighborhood feel, is what really attracted us to this fantastic location,” says proprietor Andrew Browne.
Renowned for exceptional quality and Bordeaux-style reds, Browne Family Vineyards was built as a legacy to Andrew Browne’s grandfather, William Bitner Browne. Bitner was a World War II hero and attorney. Much of the look and feel of the tasting room is an extension of the Brownes’ home, which also incorporates nostalgic touches of Bitner’s house in Springfield, Ohio.
Andrew and Courtney Browne, along with their daughter Elliott and son Brooks, moved to the South Sound in 2018 and reside on Fox Island. The tasting room is a feature of the Madison 25 building, a mix of retail and apartments. “I’m excited to bring the heart and hospitality of Browne Family Vineyards from Walla Walla to Tacoma and to welcome our wine club members,” says Courtney Browne.
Tasting room guests will also have access to exclusive wines featuring single vineyards, unique varietals and small lot offerings not offered elsewhere.
Browne’s award-winning reds and whites are the real deal, flawlessly executed with pure lines of grace and power. Veteran winemaker John Freeman goes to great lengths to create expressive wines from their estate vineyard in the Spring Valley district of Walla Walla.
Visit the Tacoma tasting room: $20-25 tasting flights; 2805 N Proctor St, Tacoma, (253) 904-3066; open daily, check website for details at www.brownefamilyvineyards.com
Below are four releases we recently reviewed:
Spymaster 2017 The Continent Cabernet Sauvignon
93 pts.
Only 285 cases were made, all from the prized Bitner Block in the Browne Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. Ultra-savory, dark and brooding, revealing black plum and cassis framed with singed cedar, tea leaf, eucalyptus and underbrush. Fresh acidity runs through the long complex finish. $67
Browne Family Vineyards 2019 White Arrow Blend
91 pts.
A study in contrasts is in play, leading with a creamy mouthfeel that snaps to attention on the juicy midpalate, displaying a complex swatch of grapefruit, yellow apple, pear and lime citrus. Deepening textural notes on the finish highlight stony mineral elements in this intriguing white wine. Grenache Blanc/Marsanne/Picpoul $32
Browne Family Vineyards 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
91 pts.
Precise, sturdy and tightly focused, zeroed in on dark cherry and blackberry flavors layered with cedary oak and loamy earth accents. The masculine finish is supported by a lift of firm tannins and balanced acidity. $35
Browne Family Vineyards 2017 Tribute Red Blend
91 pts.
The solid structure stands out with firm tannins in this red ensemble of all five Bordeaux varietals blended with a tiny splash of Syrah (6%). Appealing flavors of rich blackberry, cherry, blueberry and red currant are framed with balanced acidity and lingering notes of mocha, baking spice and sweet tobacco. $30