Matthews Estate has undergone a change in ownership and must apply for a new license from the Federal Trade and Tax Bureau. Until our license is granted, we are required to suspend all winery operations, including wine tasting and wine sales. We thank you all for your interest in our winery, and we look forward to sharing our wines with the public again in the near future.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvience this interruption in service may have caused.

Thank you,
The Staff and Owners of Matthews Estate

Hours: None, currently

Matt Loso left the winery back in July, and he will be missed. I had a chance to meet him at a dinner he hosted at the winery back in 2000 and it was a real treat. There was a post a few weeks back by Kori at Wine Peeps who felt the staff provided sub-optimal service under the new management. Perhaps this break will give the new owners a chance to regroup.

A Fresh New Look At The Washington Wine Scene
Join us on Monday, September 8th between 5pm and 8pm at our Woodinville location to meet some of the up-and-coming Washington Winemakers:

~ Darby Winery - Darby English (a Woodinville Winery)
~ Efeste Wine Cellars - Brennan Leighton (a Woodinville Winery)
~ O’Shea Scarborough Winery - Darryn O’Shea & Travis Scarborough
~ Steppe Cellars - Anke Freimuth-Wildman

Cost is $50 all inclusive and includes a wine tasting and light appetizers. Space is limited; please contact our Direct of Event Planning to make a reservation 206.838.3853.

Delille, August 29, 2008
Acclaimed by the likes of Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast, Delille Cellars is one of the most honored wineries in Washington State. Dining guests can enjoy complimentary tastings of wine from Delille Cellars and mingle with winemaker Jay Soloff. There is no extra charge for these tableside and bar-side tastings and the event lasts from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

JM Cellars, September 12, 2008
Best known for their full-bodied red blends, JM Cellars strives to create wines with complexity and intensity. Dining guests can enjoy complimentary tastings of wine from JM Cellars and mingle with winemaker John Bigelow. There is no extra charge for these tableside or bar-side tastings and the event lasts from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Join us on Monday, July 28th at 6pm in our Woodinville location for a Riesling focused winemakers dinner featuring four wineries: Long Shadows Vintners, Jacob’s Creek, Navarro Vineyards and Schlossgut Diel.

First Course ~ passed hors d’oeuvres
Ahi Tuna Tartare, cucumber rounds and soy reduction
Asparagus, gruyere and phyllo bundles
Smoked Salmon Gravalax, lemon dill creme fraiche and warm potato cake
~ Long Shadows Vintners ‘Poets Leap’ Riesling . Columbia Valley, WA . 07

Second Course ~
Frisee Salad, bacon lardoons, caramelized cipollini onions, soft poached egg and smoked vanilla bean vinaigrette
~ Jacob’s Creek ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay . South Australia . 06

Third Course ~
Pate de Campagne and traditional accompaniments
~ Navarro Vineyards Riesling . Anderson Valley, CA . 06

Fourth Course ~
Pan Roasted Sea Bass, roasted vegetable hash, green curry sauce and cilantro
~ Jacob’s Creek ‘Reserve’ Merlot . South Australia . 04
~ Schlossgut Diel ‘Dorsheimer Pittermannchen’ Riesling . Nahe, Germany . 05

Fifth Course ~
Grilled Pork Tenderloin, herb and pecorino parsnip puree, caramelized apple, red wine reduction and crispy sage
~ Long Shadows Vintners ‘Chester-Kidder’ . Columbia Valley, WA . 04
~ Schlossgut Diel ‘Dorsheimer Pittermannchen’ Spatlese Riesling . Nahe, Germany . 03

Sixth Course ~
Brown Butter Cake, stewed cherries and vanilla creme anglaise
~ Navarro Vineyards Pinot Noir . Anderson Valley, CA . 06

This 6 coursed winemakers dinner costs $100 per person, plus tax and 18% gratuity. Space is limited; please contact our Direct of Event Planning to make a reservation 206.838.3853.

As Charlie says, it’s just wine. Just wine crafted by one of Washington’s most-respected winemakers-a guy who knows just about every vineyard site in the region like the back of his hand. Just wine made from the finest grapes each appellation has to offer-harvested at their peak; crushed, destemmed, sorted, and obsessed over for weeks on end. Tested and tasted, examined and extracted, barrel-aged to perfection-all to ensure the right flavors come to fruition at precisely the right time. Some consider it an optimal blend of art and science. But we all know, it’s just wine.

2006 M100 White Wine, Columbia Valley
2006 M100 Red Wine, Columbia Valley
2005 Merlot, Columbia Valley
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Champoux Vineyard, HHH
2005 Eight Syrah, Coulmbia Valley

The noteworthy item(s) were that a delay in delivery of one of our entrees resulted in the entree being taken off our bill. Then one of my team then noticed a flaw in their order, and noted it to the waitress who alerted Sara Goodenow the manager. There was no major issue on his end, he just wanted to flag it so they could take action early. The result was another comped meal and a gift certificate for a future visit. Yet another example, of the “above and beyond” service The gang as Purple have internalized.

Nordstrom has become a legend due to their unflagging dedication to customer satisfaction. From this blogger’s point of view, Purple is on track to achieve similar status.

Note that Purple is NOT a sponsor of this site or any of our endeavors, and that I don’t love every restaurant I visit…

Betz Family Winery Syrah Columbia Valley Syrah Chapitre 3 2005
93 points
“Supple and generous, with a spicy, peach-like note adding interest to the currant, blackberry and tar flavors. Finishes with an open texture that makes this feel subtle and graceful. Drink now through 2015.”

Betz Family Winery Syrah Columbia Valley La Serenne 2005
91 points
“Lithe and appealing for its bright raspberry and blueberry flavors, wrapped softly in a blanket of fine tannins. The fruit persists against white pepper notes on the long finish. Drink now through 2012.”

The description, as posted in their calendar, explains:

We invite you to join us in our wineshop from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm as we pour our award winning wine with gourmet cheeses that enhance the wine tasting experience.

It’s going to be held at the Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Shop, and the cost to enter is only $20 dollars.

They’re hosting the event on March 29th at 1pm. Here are the details from their calendar:

We’ll challenge your senses and your brain with this fun class on the basics of wine tasting

followed by a little test of your wine knowledge. Space is limited so get here early! Cost is $10.00

at the door. Plus, everyone attending the class will receive 15% off the wine purchased that day!

On March 8th and 9th, Silver Lake Winery is hosting a bottle your own wine event. Here’s the info from their calendar page:

You write the text for a one-of-a-kind gift or commemorate your own special occasion. Try before you buy free samples available. You’ll get to bottle it, cork it, foil it and label it. Red or white wine just $15.99 each (includes label) or $12.99 when you purchase four or more with the same label. Wine club members receive $2.00 off all pricing options.