Boeing employees have always had a wide array of interesting clubs to participate in and expand their knowledge, indulge in their hobbies and just plain enjoy socializing. The Boeing Employees Wine and Beer Making Club is no exception. This club has been going strong since 1971 and has produced some very respectable wine labels – Cadence Winery, Nota Dene Cellars and Willis Hall Wines are some of the better known.
Recently, I had the opportunity to meet two new wineries that both got their start with the BEWBC. Kaella Winery (named after the winemakers two daughters – Katlin and Ellen) produces about 500 cases of wine per year. They have just opened a tasting room in Woodinville. We found the Syrah to be quite nice. The conversation with Nancy, one of the owners, was very interesting. She was very enthusiastic about her wine and the grapes that they are able to source from some very respectable areas of eastern Washington.
On this tasting trip we also came across Apenwood Cellars. The tasting room is normally closed to the public. Luckily, we happened upon it on a day they were offering public tastings. Pete’s Wine Shop in Bellevue carries Aspenwood Cellars as does Wine Alley in Renton. On this sunny Saturday,, Wayne and James were pouring. They claim that what their tasting room lacks in ambiance they make up for with hospitality and I do agree with them. We had a very pleasant chat – learning where they obtain their grapes and the inspiration for their wines.
Visiting a brand new tasting room and winery usually offers an opportunity to chat with the actual winemaker and often the winery owner. It is a great way to learn about the process and what made them want to trade in their day job for the 24/7 job of making wine.
Minor Correction: our winery is closed to the public but our tasting room in Woodinville is open from noon to 5PM every Sat and Sun. Please stop by and enjoy our hospitality and our wines.