Walla Walla-based Foundry Vineyards opened a tasting room in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. Founded in 1998 by Mark and Patty Anderson, the winery launched in 2003 utilizing fruit from their estate vineyard. Second-generation siblings Jay and Lisa Anderson now run the winery, continuing to expand and bring new vision to the business.
In addition to their red and white wines, Foundry has developed a line of organic Pétillant-Naturel (low-intervention sparkling wine known as Pét-Nat) affectionately labeled Pét Project. According to Lisa, their Pét-Nat released in 2018 was the first to be produced and sold from a winery out of the Walla Walla AVA, and they’re now looking forward to the projected release of five different Pét-Nats for 2020.
“We were very thoughtful in picking a location [for the tasting room],” says Lisa. “Pioneer Square has the oldest art walk in America, and since our brand is steeped in how winemaking can truly be a form of art, there really was no better place for our first satellite tasting room.”
Adding to the personalized and welcoming vibe, Jay handcrafted almost everything in the tasting room from the tables to the tasting bar to the shelves.
Foundry’s wines and Pét-Nats are fresh, creative and artistically expressive of the caring passion that is evident in everything this family sets out to accomplish.
The tasting room is a shared space inside the Fruitsuper shop at 524 1st Avenue S, Seattle; learn more at www.foundryvineyards.com.
Below are 2 releases we recently reviewed:
Foundry Vineyards 2016 Walla Walla Valley Malbec, $38
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Taut and firmly structured, this red combines densely packed flavors of violet, dried red currant and dried cherry with deft notes of dusty cocoa, spice and eucalyptus. Lively acidity and sinewy tannins meld pleasantly on the expansive finish. 100% Malbec from Summit View Vineyard.
Pét Project 2018 Roussanne Sparkling Wine
Editor’s Choice – Excellent (88-90 pts.)
Crisp and expressively detailed, delivering sparkling effervescence glistening with rich pear, baking spices and nutty umami hints that add unique character to this refreshing bubbly white wine.