Sparkman Cellars
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
LOCATION : Hollywood District (on the way to West Valley)
HOURS (as of April 2023): Fri 1-5pm, Sat/Sun 11am-5pm
TASTING FEE (as of April 2023): $25 (mixed flight) or $30 (reds only)
If you spent a lot of time in Woodinville between 1996 and 2017, you probably know about the Red Hook Brewery complex. With its iconic green corrugated roofs and vast size—tucked away from the highway behind an evergreen privacy hedge—the brewery operation and its associated taproom were, during Red Hook’s tenure, a local institution. When the brewery announced in 2017 that they were moving on to larger pastures many feared the end of an era, but the Red Hook complex has found new life as the home of several different businesses, including the subject of today’s post: Sparkman Cellars.
Co-founder Chris Sparkman's career in wine began as many do; in the hospitality sector. Starting at the types of Seattle restaurants that make you angry Michelin doesn’t come to Seattle, Chris discovered a passion for wine and began studying enology, eventually leaving the restaurant industry to pursue winemaking full-time. He and his wife Kelly established Sparkman Cellars in 2004; by 2010, he was named Seattle’s Sommelier of the year (no easy feat). Over the years Sparkman’s wines have garnered critical acclaim, including their award-winning Lumière Chardonnay and Kingpin Cabernet Sauvignon. Though he no longer serves as winemaker for the brand that bears his name, Chris’ commitment to thoughtful, carefully-designed wines remains core to Sparkman’s philosphy.
The tasting room itself is vast, with a chic fireplace greeting visitors both outside and inside. After checking in, the host led me past multiple smaller tasting zones and into what they called “the speakeasy” - a precious little room hidden behind a bookcase that looks in on the cellar and winery operations through plate glass windows. The tasting was delivered flight-style (all at once) with wine education provided up front by a knowledgeable employee. Starting with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, the tasting proceeded through a Rhône style white blend, one of Sparkman’s multiple excellent Cabernets, a varietally-bottled Petit Verdot and a deep, dark Syrah.
An interesting standout of the Sparkman tasting experience is the unique names of the wines, which include “Underworld,” '“Rainmaker,” “Stella Mae,” and “Hallelujah.” It’s not clear what convention unifies these names — some are family members, others references to pop culture — but they lend the brand a somewhat enigmatic, rural-wilderness feel, like a fairy tale set in Appalachia.
Bottles range in price from $28-110, a vast range that represents Sparkman’s diverse (and numerous) lineup. Reservations are strongly recommended at Sparkman. Food is available and delicious, and dogs are accommodated on the patio when it’s open. Minors are allowed inside, but it’s worth noting that they will count toward your reservation headcount (which cannot exceed 6). If you’d like to visit this thoughtfully designed winery, let us know in your pre-tour survey and we will be sure not to miss it.
Salut, and enjoy Woodinville!