Beer, Wine & Spirits in Kirkland

The story of family-owned and operated winery, Northwest Cellars, began nearly 12 years ago, when Bob Delf received a custom-labeled bottle of wine that was so repugnant he poured it straight down the drain. This was troubling, especially given Bob's experiences growing up in a family of wine importers and distributors. Determined to raise the bar, Bob founded Northwest Cellars, where today he creates award-winning wines with grapes grown at vineyards across Washington state.

But his commitment to local libations doesn't stop at his own—Bob partners with fellow Washington wineries Skylite Cellars and Waving Tree Winery to create all-star tastings. At Waving Tree Winery, the 34-acres of vineyards in Maryhill, WA., yield an array of velvety vinos, including renowned Italian and Rhone dry red varietals, two stunning sweet wines, and two dessert wines. At Skylite Cellars boutique winery in the Walla Walla Valley, a mother-daughter team of wine enthusiasts produce less than 1,500 cases of elixir per year before revealing their charms at their three tasting rooms in Spokane, Kirkland, and Walla Walla.

Years before opening Smash Wine Bar & Bistro, Dana Hannon worked behind the scenes, piecing together a vision of perfect portions and wine pairings. In the country-style bistro, Dana's vision now unfurls atop each intimate table and booth. More than 45 different wine selections keep glasses brimming with flavors from grape-bearing countries ranging from France and Italy to Argentina and Narnia. Smash arranges them into 10 different wine flights that play nicely with cheese flights, which feature artisan breads, local honey, and fresh fruits alongside names like "Big Blues," "The Sheep Stands," "Grab Your Goat," and "French Connection." The menu also features several well-portioned specialties such as yukon gold tots with lemon-chive crème fraiche, fig flatbread with Oregon blue cheese, and duck-and-shiitake spring rolls.

Though microbrewers celebrate limited flavor runs and regional ingredients, they still need much of the same equipment as the big brewers to concoct their craft beers. That's where The Cellar Homebrew comes in, outfitting winemakers, brewers, and cidersmiths with the equipment and ingredients needed to make their drinks. The store's owners––who boast more than 30 years of experience and a past line of fine wines––collect organic ingredients such as hops and yeast and sell them alongside fermentation equipment, keg systems, and cleaning supplies. They even offer one-hour on-location classes to instruct people in the basics of beer brewing. In addition to supplying items for alcoholic beverages, they also hawk basic supplies for cheese-, soda-, and vinegar-making, all of which go well over lettuce.

Located in the heart of the Woodinville wine country, winemaker Aryn Morell focuses on the creation of bordeaux style and single varietal vineyard-designated wines using grapes grown in Washington State. A diverse selection of wines, from sauvignon blanc to cabernet, embodies the unique affinity between the hills, vines, and winegrowers of Washington state. Matthews Estate Winery also accommodates guests in an on-site bed and breakfast, and performers often play live music to accompany tastings and special events.