Don Carlo Vineyard

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“We don’t need no stinkin wine glass,” says a Don Carlo Vineyard devotee as he tipped the open bottle to his lips. Although done in jest, the urge to drink rather than merely sip is there. A wine glass is helpful for sipping but when you really need a big dose of cabernet, why wait!

Producing estate wines from you guessed it, Don Carlo Vineyard; this relatively new winery to Walla Walla produces classic favorites including chardonnay, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. (Unfortunately, the newly bottled cabernet franc wasn’t released when this WineTrail trekker visited.) As you taste through this manageable portfolio, don’t be surprised if the word “expressive” comes to mind because these wines convey the Walla Walla terroir. From the soft round mouth feel of the merlot to the layered complex dark fruit flavors of the cabernet, these are nice wines to savor while enjoying the friendly chatter of owners Lori and Tim Kennedy working the tasting room.

Named in honor of Lori’s Italian grandfather Carlo, the Kennedys opened a tasting room in a strategic location – a ground floor retail space of the Marcus Whitman Hotel. Talk about a captive audience…most folks that flock to the hotel come to taste Walla Walla wines. Now you don’t even need to leave the Marcus Whitman.

There’s an added bonus as well. Namely, you can pair Don Carlo Vineyard wine with chocolate dipped potato chips. It’s like going to the Texas State Fair and noshing on chocolate covered deep fried bacon on doughnuts. Forget the calories and enjoy the culinary journey! However, it’s not by accident you find a bowl of Tim’s Cascade Style Potato Chips. Yes indeed dear reader, the “Tim” behind the counter pouring your sample is none other than Tim of Tim’s Cascade Style Potato Chips proving that BBQ flavored chips really do pair well with merlot.