Take a Trip to the San Juan Islands for Beautiful Scenery, Wine Tasting

I recently paid a visit to San Juan Island and decided to forego the scenic, but lengthy ferry ride from Anacortes and take a flight out of Bellingham. In addition to some spectacular views of the islands and Mount Baker, the flight is relatively inexpensive – and fast. On the return flight it took only 35 minutes from the runway in Friday Harbor to the time I was in my driveway in Bellingham. Really. I almost felt guilty about it.

nullBut enough about my travel arrangements; let’s talk about wine. San Juan Island is home to San Juan Vineyards, located in a pastoral setting just minutes from the Friday Harbor ferry terminal.

Owner/Manager Yvonne Swanberg took me on a tour of the vineyards and production facility (available to anyone – just call in advance for arrangements) before we settled in on the covered porch adjacent to the tasting room for some sunshine, good conversation and, of course, wine.

My favorites among the current releases we sampled include the 2006 Riesling (about $14), which is quite tropical with spicy notes and a touch of sweetness. The 2006 Madeleine Angevine (about $14) is an estate grown, lighter style white wine, with gentle pear and melon flavors backed by good acidity.

The winery’s crown jewel is the 2004 Syrah (about $19), an award-winning red wine from the Yakima Valley. With restrained dark cherry flavors and hints of clove and chocolate this makes an excellent food wine that is really coming into its own and should only continue to get better. This and other San Juan vineyard wines are well distributed at grocers and wine shops in the greater Bellingham area.

Next week I’ll talk about San Juan Vineyard’s up and coming winemaker as well as a few more wines to watch for in the coming months.

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