Urban Enoteca

December 17, 2010

Although San Francisco's Press Room got out of the gates with a similar concept, Seattle's new Urban Enoteca might take it a step further. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of stopping by and sampling this south Seattle mega-wine tasting oasis. With 7 wineries (including McCrea Cellars, Cote Bonneville, Fielding Hills, Fidelitas, Kiona, Cave B and Five Star Cellars) you can see that most of the winery representatives hale from east of the Cascades. Translation: you don't need to brave Snoqualmie Pass in winter when you can camp by a lovely fireplace and experience multiple wineries under one roof.

And quite a roof it is.

This ain't your ordinary tasting room. Au contraire. This is as they say, a "tasting center" complete with comfy chairs, couches and friendly pouring staff. (Even a concierge desk that welcomes sojourners.) Think barrel staves and brass meet urban loft.

Truth be told, I was there for reconnaissance since I am writing an article for Washington Tasting Room magazine. Now I have the enviable task of interviewing the owner/brainchild of this venture, Terry Thompson, as well as the folks that bring their delicious wines to this venue. Oh well, tough duty but maybe I can squeeze a pour or two out of it.

Check it out. Really. Plug in 4130 First Avenue S, Seattle, WA into the GPS and discover this little touch of heaven in Sodo. It’s an urban enoteca at its finest.