Bainbridge Island Vineyards & Winery

Do you realize that you are just a short ferry-boat ride away from experiencing Puget Sound–area estate wines? It may be true that 98 percent of the grapes in Washington come from the east side of the Cascades, but Gerard and Jo Ann Bentryn have proven that you can grow grapes and produce some wonderful wines west of the Cascades as well. Don’t be surprised to hear Jo Ann note that “we make 101 percent estate-grown wine” at Bainbridge Island Vineyards and Winery. Essentially their wines are a convergence of viticulture philosophy with the cool-climate grapes that thrive in Western Washington. The winery’s “Ferryboat White” is a perfect example of this pairing.

The Bentryns’ 8 acres of grapes produce some unusual Washington wines, including Müller-Thurgau, Madeleine Angevine, and Siegerrebe (which I love hearing—when pronounced correctly). You’re not here to sample conventional Bordeaux wines but rather some high-country Alp-like wines made in the traditional Alsace style. Müller-Thurgau will remind you of a spicy riesling and would be a perfect dance partner with a four-star Thai dish. However, if you are looking for a back-porch wine to quaff on a perfect summer day, try the Ferryboat White, which presents a nice balance of citrus flavors and acidity while remaining dry. Also of note is Bainbridge Island Winery’s Madeleine Angevine, which has its roots in the Loire Valley of France. With its citrus flavors and bright finish, this white wine will remind you of a sauvignon blanc.

WineTrail Tip: On Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m., Gerard leads anyone who happens to be visiting on a tour of the vineyard. He walks visitors through the entire wine-making process, from growing the grapes to uncorking Mother Earth at the dinner table.