Beer, Wine & Spirits in Tacoma

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.

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.

During a stretch of economic hardship, Brad and Lisa Havens decided to trade in their worry for a tandem bicycle, on which they rode to wineries, outdoor concerts, famers markets, and art festivals over the stretch of nearly 1,800 miles. On this mobile sojourn, the Havens eventually pedaled their way to the idea for Tandem Dinner and Wine Bar.

In the comfy eatery, a constantly changing selection of local Northwest wines complements Brad’s contemporary take on American classics, including butternut squash ravioli, crab cakes made with local Dungeness crab, and mac and cheese. Besides crafting menu items from local, organic ingredients, Brad also leads cooking classes to share his skills with customers.

Paying homage to the epic journey that started it all, they mounted a tandem bicycle to the outside of the new restaurant. To decorate the rest of the space, they collected pieces inspired by the feel of their own home, with history behind each item. Live music fills the space with laid-back atmosphere during concerts held three nights a week.