When mapping out a plan for wine tasting in Woodinville, the typical approach is to decide which winery to visit. Why not mix it up a bit and consider the winemakers behind the label? Take a tour to get to know some of the names generating buzz and taste wines that are earning great scores and lots of new admirers.
Morgan Lee of Two Vintners, Aryn Morell of Matthews Winery and John Patterson of Patterson Cellars have each earned high marks for their wines while bringing their own individual style to their winemaking.
A visit to Two Vintners is a pleasure for the wine consumer who appreciates a delicious variety. Morgan Lee prides himself on taking the path less traveled, and that has made all the difference in his wines. He produces one of the only Zinfandels in the state as well as 100% Gewurztraminer with an orange hue and floral and citrus notes, truly unexpected and wonderful. Morgan also makes beautiful Syrah (his 2014 Columbia Valley Syrah was number 31 on Wine Enthusiast Top 100 wines) along with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that are all well received by critics and consumers alike. It is no surprise that Seattle Magazine named him the 2016 Winemaker to Watch.
Matthews Winery features a beautiful tasting room and amazing eight-acre property, complete with a farm and walking trails. But it is the work of winemaker Aryn Morell that has cultivated the winery’s large, loyal following. Aryn cut his teeth on Napa Valley winemaking and arrived at Matthews Winery with the expertise needed to produce exceptional Bordeaux-style wines from Washington’s top vineyards. A self-proclaimed “science and engineering geek”, Aryn also values the “art” of winemaking, particularly in his goal is to craft wines that showcase the purity of the varietal. Spending the last decade as head winemaker for Matthews Winery, Aryn has been able to produce consistent, balanced wines in the classic Bordeaux style.
John Patterson of Patterson Cellars is one Woodinville’s original winemakers, having just wrapped up his 31st crush season. And even after a three decades of winemaking, John still enjoys changing his lineup and keeping things interesting for his tasting room visitors and wine club members. For example, you can buy not one but two types of sparkling wines at Patterson Cellars right now, its sparkling Rose and sparkling Chardonnay. (Word to the wise, however, these wines are both very popular and always sell out so don’t wait long to get your hands on a few bottles.) John’s approachable, new world style of winemaking and his variety of high quality wines make him a perennial favorite among Woodinville wine consumers.