Kirkland Uncorked!

by Robert Painter

If you’re a regular Costco shopper chances are the name Kirkland is familiar to you.  As you might guess Kirkland, Washington was a big part of the beginning of what has now become the largest wine retailer in the country, located in the fastest growing wine region in the United States.  

So, it’s only fitting that Kirkland should offer a wonderful three day festival in mid-July to celebrate the many terrific wines of the region. There are over 580 wineries licensed and selling wines in the state.  Many of them are small boutique wineries and some are giants.  Most of them get their grapes from the other side of the Cascades, but some are now growing grapes on the west side. 

A name you’re likely familiar with is Chateau Ste Michelle. You’ll surely want to visit this beautiful facility when you get to Kirkland.  But, first let’s check out the big event, Kirkland Uncorked: A Festival of Art, Style & Taste. 

The festival is only a few blocks from the beautiful Heathman Hotel.  If you stay here you’ll be within an easy stroll of the wine festival, the Lakeview Walk, the downtown shops and, maybe best of all, you’ll be directly across the street from the French Bakery. But, on to the festival.

The first thing you encounter is the Artist Lane with about 40 artist’s booths.  I’m happy to tell you that it is a high quality show with a very nice variety of offerings.  Maybe you’ll find that special piece for your home or office. <

The Artist Lane leads right down to the shoreline of Lake Washington where lots of families have come to spend the day.  Children are playing in the water and adults along the waterfront are showing each other their dogs.  By all appearances, the local folks here would seem to have a penchant for large dogs, although I did see a few smaller ones mixed in.  The feeling is one of a congenial small town, but sophisticated enough to have jazz groups playing in the background at the festival.  

Before we pay our entry fee and get into the tasting area there are boats anchored at the docks that are open to walk through and dream about.  At least for most of us it’s probably a dream – these are expensive boats.  But, it’s fun to see how the rich folks live.  There’s even a tall ship to explore – the Lady Washington.

Next stop – and the main reason for coming to Kirkland Uncorked – the Tasting Garden.  The $25 admission ($20 in advance) gives you a souvenir glass and 10 tasting tokens.  Most of the wine samples take two tokens with a few requiring only one and some needing three.  This means you will get about 5 samples for your entry fee.  Of course, you can purchase more tokens if you wish to sample more wines.

Don’t forget, this is a festival not only of fine wines, but also fine food.  A number of restaurants have booths set up serving some of their specialties for you to enjoy and these don’t require tokens.  You may have to stand in line for a couple of minutes but it’s worth the wait. And, you can find a comfortable spot on the grass to sit back, sip your wine and listen to the music. Or take a chair on the beach and watch the grilling competition.  Enjoy the wine.

Along with the wine and food and music there is even a Dog Cover Model contest for CityDog Magazine- maybe your pet can become famous.  One of my favorite parts of the weekend was the Sunday Kirkland Classic Car Show.   I spotted a fabulous old Jaguar XK120 and a really cool red Ferrari.  The one that really got my attention was a beautifully restored International truck with a Waste Management logo on the side.  Not sure how authentic all that was, but it was a fine looking vehicle.

Now, lest you think that the wine festival is all there is to do in Kirkland let me offer some more possibilities.  If you don’t take an Argosy Cruise around Lake Washington you’ll miss some of the most interesting parts of the area.  First of all, if it’s a reasonably clear day, you’ll get lots of views of Mt. Rainier to the south. The Kirkland Lake Cruise departs from the city dock and takes you on a delightful 90 minute journey through much of the history and mystique of the Kirkland area.  You’ll glide past the majestic homes of the famous Microsoft magnates, Google goliaths and Costco kings.  Your pilot and guide will tell you who has parking for only about 20+ autos and who has a much larger home than Bill Gates. You will see castles, palaces, trams coming down from the heights and even a vacant lot where someone bought the million dollar home at the bottom of the hill and simply removed it so they wouldn’t have it marring their view of the lake from their home above. As you cruise around the lakes and all the points and inlets you will learn about the history and the people who have made it their home.  I should mention that two complimentary cruise tickets are part of your Heathman Hotel package.

Back on shore there is another adventure that you will enjoy.  If you’re heading out later for more wine and dine activities this will be the perfect opportunity to burn off a few calories in advance and enjoy the beautiful waterfront and art of Kirkland. If you stopped at the French Bakery downtown for breakfast and had one of the cinnamon rolls or maybe a Chocolate Almond Croissant or an Apple & Raisin Strudel, this walk may be mandatory!  You don’t have to do the entire length in one session, but the 6-mile, self-guided Lakeview Walk is something I think you’ll really enjoy. Believe me, you won’t get bored.  The walk follows the waterfront, but it’s not just along the water.  It weaves in and out and around many of the homes and offices along the way.  It seems some of the walkways are boardwalks that were built over the water and around private residences – like walking through their backyards – backyards that front the lake.  A most pleasant feature of this walk is the opportunity to view all the art along the way.  You’ll find dynamic, moving sculptures that rotate with the wind as well as traditional bronzes of children playing in the parks. Even water features.  And park benches.  Stop and rest when you like, then continue on.  It’s worth the walk and you’ll be able to have an extra glass of wine at dinner.  Try the Trellis Restaurant back at the Heathman Hotel for a fine dining experience.  Of course, if you are staying more than one night remember that the hotel will provide you with complimentary Town Car service anywhere in the surrounding area.  Ask them to drop you off at the bin on the lake restaurant – 80 different wines by the glass.  What more do I need to tell you?  O.K., the food is excellent, too!

Have I saved the best for last?  That’s your decision.  Before leaving the Kirkland area take a 15 to 25 minute drive north and east of Kirkland.  If you print out a Google map before you leave home or ask for directions at the hotel, you will discover that this short drive has taken you to the gates of the beautiful Chateau Ste Michelle winery. 

Be prepared to be impressed. This is a very large winery.  A 30 minute tour will explain much of the wine making process and along the wall will highlight some of the people who have been important to this winery’s success. One of the is of Ernst Loosen, owner of a German Riesling estate with a 200 year tradition of producing wines in the Mosel region of Germany. You can read about Ernst and other European winemakers that have influenced the wines of Chateau Ste Michelle during the tour.  The number of stainless steel vats and wooden wine casks is overwhelming.   

So, let’s get to the real reason for being here – the tasting room.  A typical tasting of their Columbia Valley wines is complimentary, along with the tour.  There are other options for tasting the premium wines, none of which is unreasonable.  Of course, for the Ultimate Wine Tasting of the Premium High End wines you will pay the price.  While $75 might seem a bit expensive, you must remember that it includes not only the finest wines, but also a pairing of artisan cheeses, specialty meats, fresh fruits and tantalizing sweets.  By appointment only, and I would guess well worth the price. 

Do you wonder what my recommendations are from this visit? Yes or no, here they are.  First, for the folks on my kind of budget I can highly recommend the 2007 Dry Riesling, Columbia Valley.  It’s $12 a bottle at the winery and I do think I have seen it for less in a few stores.  What do I suggest if you have either a special occasion coming up or just plenty of cash?  Try the 2006 Ethos Late Harvest White Riesling. I think it was about $39. If you don’t love this wine, maybe you shouldn’t be sampling Rieslings. 

I really did enjoy the Canoe Ridge Estate 2006 Merlot.  Of course, if you saw the movie Sideways you may prefer the 2006 Ethos Cabernet Sauvignon.  They tell me 2006 was an almost perfect growing season.  Anyway, why take my word for any of this?  Seattle has a great airport and is a wonderful city to visit along the way.  Rent a car and do the wine tour anytime. Washington is a great state to visit year round.

Keep on Traveling.

When You Go

http://www.explorekirkland.com. Kirkland’s official tourist info center. Click on the video for a quick peek at what you’re going to find in the area.

http://www.kirklanduncorked.com. To learn more about the wine festival.

http://www.ste-michelle.com. Visit this beautiful web site – everything you’ll want to know before your visit.

http://www.heathmankirkland.com. Check rates, specials, amenities, location & restaurant.

Story and by Robert Painter (rpainter2006@comcast.net)