Try Before You Buy: 4 Seattle Wine Shops with Tastings

Remember when we were younger and fussy about eating new things? My mom always told me to try something first before deciding if I hated it. As I grew, so did my palate. I stopped rejecting onions and hot sauce simply because I finally gave them a try. Over time these flavors became important, and even desirable for me.

Wine is as varied as food when it comes to what appeals to people. A delicious soave for me will taste astringent to another. So it makes good sense to try many varietals and styles of wine as you learn what appeals to you.

However, wine can be an expensive hobby. We can learn the primary varietal characteristics and hope that a bottle featuring that grape lives up to its promise. While we can’t guarantee every bottle or vintage, we can taste. I believe that wine shops that feature customer tastings are the real heroes of the Novice Wine Drinker. So here are four small bottle shops in Seattle that offer patrons a chance to try a few sips before diving right in to a whole bottle (or case!) purchase.

Wine selections at Bin 41

Bin 41, West Seattle

Located in the West Seattle Junction, Bin 41 is a beautiful, well-stocked wine shop that focuses on client service. The proprietors will walk you through your menu and help find the best-paired wine from their collection. They offer weekly themed tastings on Thursdays for $5, with the fee rolled into whatever bottle purchase you ultimately make. The wine stock is centered on small production, family-operated wineries.

Pro Tip: Love animals? So do the owners, so much so that they routinely donate proceeds from their own wine and special fundraising events to animal rescue organizations.

Tasting room at Portalis

 Portalis, Ballard

Near to my heart, this is my neighborhood wine shop. I often walk down and have been seen lugging a half case the 10 blocks home. Portalis stocks an eclectic mix of wines, beers, and other beverages in the shop’s new home at NW 70th Ave and 15th Ave NW.  Seriously good and rare imports here. Portalis has a beatuful private tasting room replete with referenceable wine region maps. With free tastings Wednesdays through Sundays, you can expect to taste a varietal flight, focus on a certain region, or meet a winemaker. Check the shop’s website often to find out what’s up next.

Pro Tip: Jens of Portalis also owns a wine import company, so if you’re looking for something rare or unusual, he’s a good man to know!

Tasting wines from Tranche Vineyards at Vino Verite

Vino Verité, Columbia City

Recently relocated from Capitol Hill to the bustling main street of Columbia City, Vino Verité is Columbia City’s only dedicated wine shop. Here the owners are laser focused on value for their selections: Wines that are both delicious AND at the right price points. Thursday are tasting nights with complimentary pours of about five wines between 5-8 pm. Frequented by a mixture of walk-ins and regulars, the shop has taken hold in the neighborhood over the past year. I left with what promises to be a glorious bottle of Grüner Veltliner — how could I not?

Pro Tip: Every single wine on the shelves has been tasted and verified as DELICIOUS so you won’t buy any duds here. Good wine AND good value!                

Madrona Wine Merchants, Madrona

Back when I lived on Capitol Hill, Madrona Wine Merchants was a wonderful weekend walking destination. Tucked into a small shop on 34th Ave, they always seemed to have something open to taste. The owners really like to showcase the wines they love with the neighborhood and enjoy sharing “true bargains” with their loyal clientele. I have never been disappointed with their weekend tastings and lament the fact I don’t get over to that side of town as frequently anymore.

Pro Tip: These gents focus on wine producers with deep respect for both their craft and the land, whether that’s sustainable farming, biodynamic practices, or organic wine making. For the conscientious wine collector, Madrona Wine Merchants is a great choice.

 All four shops advertise their tasting schedules on their websites and offer email newsletter updates. If you live in Seattle, I encourage you to give your neighborhood shop a swirl and a sip. From out of town? These are great places to learn more about Seattle’s wine culture. Salud!

Amy L. Dickson is a communications professional, freelance writer, and contributor to Rain or Shine Guides. She’s currently training at the NW Wine Academy for her Level 1 sommelier certification. Follow her at @amyldickson75

Fremont Solstice Festival: Where Naked People Ride Bicycles at Seattle's Free Spirit Salute to The Sun

All are welcome!

Who doesn't want to see naked people, incredibly painted, riding bicycles down a public street? I mean really, even the most prudish person has got to be thinking, "But isn't that uncomfortable, where do all their bits go?!" and you want to know how you find out, by going to the Fremont Solstice Festival.

This three day festival running June 17-19 has something for everyone. There is music, tons of local craft vendors for shopping unique items, a parade for the naked bike riders, dogs (separate parade, dogs are always naked so that wouldn't be as entertaining), and food galore (seriously, SO MUCH FOOD).

The Naked Bike Parade is actually called the Solstice Parade since it does include incredibly constructed floats, groups of dancers, talented musicians, many costumes and other fun things, but we decided to rename it Naked Bike Parade, because let's be honest, the naked bike riders is why 99.9% of people are attending the parade. The body paint on some of these people is insane! There are entire galaxies painted on groups of people, Seahawks team uniforms, mermaids, and more. The creativity is endless, and you honestly forget about the bodies and just admire the talent it took to create some of them.

Of course some people half-ass the paint jobs, we are looking at you Dalmatian/Cow/? and then there are some people who just like to be naked and don't put any paint on (#FreeTheNipple, amiright?!?).

The bike riders kick off the parade (at 3pm on Saturday, June 18!) and then the floats come after, which are usually very liberal (did we mention Trump supporters aren't allowed at this festival?) and creative. After the parade go hit the beer garden and see some shows on one of the music stages. We also recommend coming hungry. Serious eaters will plan their time in order to be there over two meal times to maximize the potential for eating. 

Hidden Gems Seattle: Panama Hotel

They say those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Today we remember the past and take a trip to a Seattle institution where they proudly represent a trying period of time in the Pacific Northwest.

For such a young city, Seattle has an incredibly interesting history. Unfortunately, parts of the history are also very sad. Some would argue the biggest stain is Seattle's participation in the internment of local Japanese immigrants, many of which were American citizens, during World War II. This is a page in the history books we usually skim over. Many people aren't aware that we sent over 100,000 men, women, and children to camps around the U.S., forcing them to leave almost all their possessions behind, strip them of their freedom, and move them to confined camps with dismal living conditions. 

The Panama Hotel Tea House

The Panama Hotel works to educate people. When you walk into the Panama Hotel you are walking on floors that have a large piece of history beneath them. In the dark basement you can still find items left behind by Japanese families who believed they would return to Seattle for them someday. Sadly, many never did and their possessions remain here, protected, to tell their story. 

You can see the items left behind through a glass floor.

In 2006, the Panama Hotel was awarded the title of National Historic Landmark. You can visit it and peer into the basement via a glass floor in the back of the tea house. It is absolutely worth a visit and then we encourage you to share the story with friends and family; it is one we should talk about openly, so we can learn not to repeat it in the future. 

While you are there stop to have a pot of tea. Enjoy the atmosphere (and of course, a pastry, you can't NOT eat the pastries) and take in the old photographs and news clippings they have that document the past. 

If you want to learn more...

We see this story being told and remembered more and more now. If you would like you can check out popular books like Snow Falling on Cedars and The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet that tell the story of the people who were unjustly sent to these camps because of mass paranoia during the war. Actor George Takei also wrote and performed in a musical, Allegiance, which tells the story of the internment that he was a part of as a child, and the Seattle Times did a great piece on the Panama Hotel, which you can read here. 

Your Ultimate Father's Day Guide

Actual Rain or Shine Guide Dad

Father's Day is coming people (Sunday, June 19 for those of you who forgot)! Even though it is after Mother's Day, it is still important. I mean, he didn't have to physically give birth to you, but he still probably did some nice stuff over the years. We've compiled a list for you to successfully wow dad into loving you the most (it is a competition, don't let your sibling tell you differently). 

Photos From: Ray's Boathouse Instagram, Tom Douglas Co. Instagram

Best Restaurants

Ray's Boathouse is dining with a decent view (you know, only 30 feet of waterfront bar seating with views of the perfect Puget Sound). Their seafood is delicious, their service is friendly, and seriously, the view is unreal. Dad will love their cocktails too :) 

Dahlia Lounge is that place in town for a good steak, but for other good food too. So if dad wants a juicy cut of red meat, but other people in the family don't, head to Dahlia and order anything, literally anything, on the menu. 

Chandler's is famous for their local Dungeness Crab, but any of their other 20 crab dishes are worth the price tag too. Plus, they have unique views of Lake Union. 

And for the casual dad, Royal Grinders makes a mean sandwich and serves up delicious ice cream too! Spend the afternoon at the Solstice Parade (see below) after you are so full you want to die.

Best Activities

Snoqualmie Falls is a great day trip out of Seattle. 

A ride on the antique steam engine is a treat for all ages. 

America's Car Museum in Tacoma, WA is any gearheads dream. They have an exhibit right now featuring the Hot Rods of Route 66. 

Snoqualmie Falls is a fun family outing, especially during the beautiful summer months! The Northwest Rail Museum is conveniently down the road for a second stop that dad will love. Plan your visit according to the train schedule because no trip is complete without a ride on the steam engine.

The Museum of Flight is a place everyone has to visit in Seattle, so if you haven't yet, hit it up! If you've already been and loved it, we recommend driving up to Everett, WA to visit the Flying Heritage Museum. This collection of planes is primarily from WWII and provides a lesson in the history of aviation different than what you gain from the Museum of Flight. 

Your Dad will love all the wacky Fremont Solstice events

Fremont Solstice Festival has a great stage on Father's Day, particularly the Seattle Rock Orchestra from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM. Take dad to jam out and don't forget to go hungry and thirsty to take advantage of all the awesome vendors that will pack the area! 

Photos From: Seattle Thread Instagram, Seattle Cutlery, Fitbit, NFL Shop

Best Gifts

Seattle Thread Company is a local men's fashion company that sells only the best. This shirt is calling your dad's name ($145). 

This Shippu Santoku Knife ($139) is a chef's best friend. Prep vegetables, meats, or fish with this beauty. 

Help him track his fitness goals with the stylish new Fitbit Blaze ($245). Pair it with this sleek watch band (137.17) and we guarantee he will be the sexiest dad around (ok, we aren't going to guarantee that, but with "Dad Bod" taking the world by storm it is a lower bar to hit).

No Seattle Father can have too many Seahawks items. Get him a new shirt ($27.99) or if you want to really go big, an autographed Marshawn Lynch football ($279). Be sure he is sitting down when he opens that, we aren't responsible for any harm that may come if he isn't.

And if you really love him...

Photo from Lily

Meet Lily. The coolest drone around for the coolest dad around. Throw her into the air and she will follow you and film all your adventures whether that is rafting, biking, fishing or partying at a summer BBQ. 

Alright, we release you! Good luck and god speed. May the best sibling win.