Vino Volo Offers a Wine Oasis for Airport Travelers

Flying out of Seattle or having a lengthy layover at Sea-Tac after a flight originating from Bellingham can be a royal pain.

Security checks, uncomfortable seating, and pricy airport food and drink only add to the misery. So I was pleased to find that there’s an oasis, of sorts, for wine-loving travelers that might have to spend a bit of time at the airport.

Vino Volo, located in the Sea-Tac Airport Central Terminal Marketplace offers a quiet setting, cushy chairs, and prompt service. If it weren’t for the stream of luggage-toting travelers on the outside concourse, I might have mistaken it for an upscale neighborhood wine bar.

Vino Volo really shines with its offering of wine flights, which are about a two-ounce pour of three different red or white wines. Flights are based on a theme (such as a single varietal or common blend) and generally priced in the $8 to $17 range. General Manager Susan Magen informs me that her flight list changes on a monthly basis.

The wines, thankfully, have no resemblance to the overpriced, flavorless airport fare of the past. Washington wines are particularly well represented, with current labels such as Brian Carter Cellars, Milbrandt Vineyards, and DeLille Cellars, to name a few. There are also plenty of other choices from California, Oregon, Italy, France and South America.

In addition to wine flights, wine is available for purchase by the glass and the bottle and a small but surprisingly fresh menu including olives, cheeses, meats, sandwiches and salads is on hand to provide a nibble for those feeling a bit peckish.

During a recent layover, my partner and I shared one flight each of Washington wines and an appetizer. The suggested pairing of the Fortnight Wine Company Columbia Valley 2008 Riesling included in our whites, and a plate of smoked salmon and crabmeat on crostini was sublime.

We could have easily been in and out in 30 minutes, but chose to linger for an hour in the relaxed atmosphere. The cost of the two flights and regular-size appetizer ran us about $35 before tax and gratuity – not bad considering the level of quality and service we received.

Vino Volo can be found in 11 other US airports including west coast locations in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Orange County. Plans for additional outlets are in the works.

For more information on the Sea-Tac store, which is open from 8 am to 11 pm daily, visit vinovolo.com or phone (206) 246-4801.