The Happy Wine!

What can I say about a man that can take a very traditional old world taste and bring it to the new world with a flare.  Brian Carter, wine maker and operator of Brian Carter Cellars has done just that.  His European blends are magnificent and he has been able to bring Washington state a taste of the old style by using grapes from our own beautiful local vineyards.  When Mike and I visited Brian Carter we were amongst people from Switzerland, a group from Scotland, a few out of staters and I remember labeling this winery as the “Happy Wine”.  We were there on a Tuesday(casual Tuesday as stated) and the atmosphere was electric.  Carol, the tasting room hostess is a wonderful ambassador for the winery who is very passionate about wine and although she had a room full of people she was able to make us feel like we were the only ones there and I might add that they are very industry friendly. I was very impressed since I am in the customer service industry and I know how hard that is to achieve.

I believe that this is the place in which I truly learned that appreciating the subtleties of wine can be different for everyone. Just because I am able to put distinct smells and flavors to one wine, doesn’t mean it will be the same for the next person. We must remember that wine can be very complex and though the taste doesn’t actually change, we cannot fully appreciate all of its flavors until we pair it with food. Everyone has a distinct sense of taste and what flavors work in combination with others. I really encourage my readers to try their favorite wine choices with several suggested food pairings to learn the difference between what is food wine and what is casual drinking wine.

What I really like about Brian Carter is that he and his staff are very knowledgeable in this area, so feel free to ask any questions that you may have about food or casual wine.  Carter makes a very good food wine by the name of Corrida, a take after a Noble Spain wine, a lovely blend mostly made of Tempranillo.  I have to mention my most favorite wine from Brian Carter Cellars and that is the 2007 Solesce, I fell in love all over again. Wow! What a nice Bordeaux-style blend made mostly with Cabernet Sauvignon.  Solesce is a very smooth casual wine that you can drink for any occasion.  My favorite time is a quiet moment with my handsome husband.  I would love for all of you to visit this jewel of a winery and feel free to ask any questions that you may have and use the resources that Brian Carter Cellars offers.  Join their wine club for they offer great parties convenient for your schedule and they are very accommodating to all your needs and your pets!

14419 Redmond-Woodinville Road NE
Woodinville, WA. 98072
425-806-9463

www.briancartercellars.com

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