Daily Find
I come from a long line of wine drinkers. When I was younger, my parents went through wine "phases," when they would settle on a favorite varietal for a while, then move on to the next trend in the wine world. One summer it was Pinot Gris; the next, Vouvray. If I recall correctly, there was even a boxed-wine phase -- I could swear I spotted some Franzia in our fridge.
By Alison Brownrigg | May 20, 2008
Daily Find
For those of you who are searching for that perfect Valentine's Day gift, I suggest you check out the offerings of Seattle "wine lifestyle" company True Fabrications, purveyors of the "What's Your Vine" collection of women's T-shirts.
By Stacy Nguyen | February 12, 2008
Holiday 2007
The most celebratory of all beverages, champagne and sparkling wine shine during the holidays, whether they hail from France, Napa Valley or just across the bridge in Woodinville. We've compiled (and taste-tested) some of the best bubbly available locally, to serve at your next party, give to your favorite hostess or order at your preferred watering hole.
By Natalie Bow | December 7, 2007
You can't drive past the long stretch of desert and vineyards here, or even past the lakes and beaches, without seeing a resort or a billboard promoting a resort.
South Okanagan Valley, located just across the U.S. border from Central Washington, wants to be the next hot vacation destination in British Columbia — much like Whistler or Tofino.
Its road map to become "The Next It" spot? Follow the blueprints of Napa Valley by piggybacking on the success of Okanagan's emerging wine industry.
By Tan Vinh | September 20, 2007
Daily Find
This Wednesday, Theo Chocolate adds a touch of pampering to an already indulgent event. A two-hour, three-part evening combines tastings of wine and chocolate with a lesson in creating chocolate-based beauty products.
By Marika McElroy | August 16, 2007
Daily Find
May we interest you in a glass of "Pignot" Noir? In honor of the Pike Place Market Centennial – and the Chinese Zodiac Calendar, which names 2007 the Year of the Pig (or boar, to be historically correct) – Northwest Cellars just released "Rachel Red," a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (51 percent), Merlot (25 percent) and Cabernet Franc (24 percent).
By Sarah Jio | February 23, 2007
Life Behind Bars
Though it has a Pike Street address and windows that overlook 10th, the entrance to Havana Cocktail Club can prove elusive to the neophyte visitor -- especially if said visitor has already slung back a few drinks at other worthy Capitol Hill bars. The entrance is on the club's east side, off a darkened parking lot. I had to ask around to get this information, and the first three people I asked didn't know the answer either.
By Geoff Carter | January 30, 2007
Holiday 2006
The key to giving good host/hostess gifts, according to hospitality experts, is purchasing something slightly novel – a luxury your gift recipient wouldn't likely buy for themselves. When it comes to deliciously scented soaps, candles and lotions, Fremont's Essenza has you covered. Check out its ample supply of L'artisan candles, 1.2 ounces for $16 each, in flavors as varied as wild blackberry and fig tree. A dainty package of black and white Maria Evora soap is another great option, particularly the $12 set of eight soaps in alternating scents of carob/sea salt and beach rose. Cote Bastide body cream is also a delicious gift idea, available for $20 in amber, fig and rose.
By Sarah Jio | December 12, 2006
Like any wine shop worth its pinot, a tour of the racks is a walk around the world. But what makes this shop so special is the depth and breadth of the journey in such an intimate space. The philosophy here is closer to the old adage, "The customer's always right." Most of the inventory's passed several taste tests, the most important being that of the Thursday congregation. Prices and bottles range from $7 for something like the Deakin Estate Shiraz to $134 for the likes of a 1999 Le Pigeonnier du Chateau LaGrezette from France.
By Mark Shaffer | September 18, 2006
Convergence Zone
Sometimes it feels like you need a Blackberry and a J. Crew label to be seen in downtown Bellevue. So we're glad the new wine shop in Lincoln Square caters to both the wine snob and the passerby on a budget. Vino 100 offers 100 wines priced at less than $25, and its staff focuses on making wine shopping a stress-free experience.
By Katherine Sather | March 13, 2006
