Venture Out on Saturday Afternoon and Enjoy a Glass of Wine

Saturday afternoon is my favorite time of the weekend. For many of us, it’s the midpoint of a two-day break where the stresses of Friday’s workload can be temporarily put aside and Sunday is on the horizon; offering another day for rest, relaxation, and recharging our batteries for the week ahead.

The past two Saturdays I’ve spent some time at a couple of wine-related venues in Bellingham. Skylark’s Hidden Café & Wine Parlour, located at 1308 11th Street in Fairhaven (and pictured at left), is perfect for a winter’s visit, with a gas fireplace and wingback chairs situated within the bar.

During my last outing I sampled the Jean ‘d Aosque 2005 Sauvignon Blanc ($6 a glass), a lovely white wine with peach and pear aromas and flavors of citrus and pineapple. I also tried the Firestone Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon ($7 a glass), a pleasant California cabernet with dark berry and plum flavors and subtle tannins.

The wine list has plenty of other California wines and a few choices from the Pacific Northwest. I’d like to see some more European wines and perhaps a selection or two from Australia, but overall the list is adequate and well-priced.

Skylark’s also hosts a wine tasting the first Wednesday of each month from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at a cost of about $10 per person.

Another of my favorite places is The Temple Bar, at 306 West Champion Street in downtown Bellingham. The cozy, inviting space currently offers a happy hour special served from 4:00 to 7:00 Tuesday through Saturday and 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Sunday.

For $15, you get a bottle of red or white wine – the selection usually changes every three to four days – and a plate of nibbles to nosh on. During my visit I enjoyed a Crow Canyon 2004 Syrah, along with cheeses, sliced apple, olives, bread and pistachios. Grab a friend and go split a bottle of wine; it’s a great destination on a Saturday afternoon.