After our cruise, Amber, Michael, and I had some time to kill before heading to the airport. We made a quick stop in Chinatown since Michael hadn't been before, but the main objective was to find a place to sit and relax for a while.
We found the perfect solution by stopping at a wine-tasting bar near Pioneer Square—Browne Family Vineyards. The building, a striking 1906 Seller Building where the tasting bar resides, was designed by A. Warren Gould. The tasting room is made up of dark wood, antique brass lighting, and leather seating areas that makes it a very cozy bar.
This winery was founded by Andrew Browne as a tribute to his family, particularly in honor of his late grandfather, William Bitner Browne. Each of us ordered a tasting flight to sample a variety of their wines. The bartender laughed at our wide variety of tastes. While we enjoyed our wine we relaxed and thought about the amazing cruise we had been on.
Michael’s Tasting Flight: Bitner Flight
2020 Estate Vineyard Malbec – This dark red wine opened with aromas of blueberry and wild berry blossom. It was full-bodied with soft tannins, and the flavors of blackberry pie and mixed berry jam lingered on the tongue, complemented by hints of toasted oak.
2020 Premier Collection Merlot – This wine was very aromatic and finished with a surprising hint of coffee, which Michael found interesting.
2016 Alder Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon – Deep red in color with aromas of dark fruit, this wine had a strange earthy tone that Michael couldn’t quite place, though I was able to identify sage. It ended up being Michael’s favorite of the bunch.
2020 Rye Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon – The rye barrel aging added both flavor and alcohol content, but Michael thought this one was oddly toned down.
My Tasting Flight: Seattle Flight
2023 Mural Collection Cabernet Franc Rosé – This bright wine had aromas of cranberry and lemongrass, with lingering citrus flavors.
2022 Unoaked Chardonnay – I liked that it was unoaked, but it wasn’t quite for me. It had strong citrus notes, so I traded this one with Michael for something else.
2021 Mural Collection Red – This medium-bodied red had spicy aromas of black pepper with hints of raspberry and black coffee.
2022 Premier Collection Petit Verdot – This wine had floral aromas of violets and roses, with flavors of plum and leather. It was probably one of my favorites from the flight.
Amber’s Tasting Flight: Dottie Flight
Gigi Brut Rosé – A sparkling wine that started with lovely floral and berry aromas.
2022 Mural Collection Willow White Blend – This pale green wine had notes of Asian pear, citrus, honeydew, and wet stone. Amber made me guess the notes, and I managed to get most of them right!
2023 Mural Collection Viognier – This wine had delightful honeysuckle notes mixed with peach and apricot, making it one of Amber’s favorites.
2021 Medallion Dottie Chardonnay – With aromas of apple, papaya, and hints of grapefruit, Amber didn’t care for this one at first, but after finishing her flight, she reconsidered. Or maybe that was just the alcohol talking!
Overall, we really enjoyed our time at Browne Family Vineyards. It was a fun and relaxing stop, and the bartender was super sweet, not minding at all that we had our suitcases with us. Honestly, the best part was finding a cozy spot where we didn’t have to drag our luggage around!
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