Two Is Better Than One: Patterson Cellars Opens a Second Tasting Room

The more, the merrier. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. Two is better than one.

Patterson Cellars, a Woodinville “warehouse” winery now with a second location in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, also carries the same sentiment as a French proverb, a biblical verse and a popular alt rock band – just in a more business-savvy, less saccharine tween fashion.

Two is better than one for John Patterson and his fiancee, Stephanie, with this new addition to the winery as well as their pending nuptials. With the hope of bringing back good return for their work, the tasting room is anticipating the business they’ll see with the regular 10 million visitors the market sees annually, according to PikePlaceMarket.org.

The 1,800 square foot space is ready and able to handle private tastings, dinner parties that can seat up to 50 and weather permitting, patio seating over looking the Puget Sounds. Patterson Cellars is now taking John’s 22 years of experience in the industry to the next profitable level.

The winery has been awaiting its additional tasting room opening at the market for several years now, said Stephanie, who mentioned she and John have put in their due diligence since 2006 for this particular post to bare the Patterson Cellars.

“We just wanted to be accessible,” John said. “We couldn’t believe that this spot finally became available and it was well worth the wait to become part of Seattle’s most iconic institution.”

Called the “Soul of Seattle,” Pike Place Market is home to more than 200 commercial businesses year-round, 190 craftspeople and nearly 100 farmers who rent space on a daily basis. Not to mention the 240 street performers and musicans, the residents of the 300-plus apartment units and now Patterson Cellars.

Oh yeah, they have wine there too.

Here’s a few you can’t get yet but be patient like the Pattersons and you’ll get yours.

• 2010 Viognier-Roussanne, Ciel du Cheval: Them heats’ in the hills in Red Mountain, so for this bright and juicy blend, John took fruit from a vineyard that receives a little less heat and a bit more wind, flushing in the acidity necessary to keep these two varietals taut and sleek. With honey and tropical fruits of melon and pineapple on the nose, the palate mirrored the aromas with succulent fruit, spice and a clean, crisp acid-driven finish. – 7.5
• 2010 Tempranillo-Sangiovese Rose, Rattlesnake Hills: John does not shy away from the avant-garde of grape varieties in Washington State and his anomalous rose is none the different. Classic in the funky aromas derived from Spanish varietals, the Tempranillo screeches on to the scene with meaty tone comparable to ground beef (but unoffensive) backed by strawberry fruit and undeniable watermelon. Think the ultimate barbecued burger on the patio wine. – 7

Okay, that was mean. Here’s a few you can get now.

• 2008 Forbidden Red, Columbia Valley: You might have seen it now, well, everywhere. This juice has gotten some recent action with some retail giants in the city and is making headway with its, once again, original blending choices by John. Touriga (Nacional?), Cabernet Sauvignon, Primitivo, Cabernet Franc and Mourvedre make up this “everyday red.” Gamey with dried fruit and creme brulee on the nose, the palate is stuffed with raspberry, currants and vanilla cream, backed by easy tannins and a food-friendly approach calling you to the doors of Piroshky-Piroshky the next block up. PS – just because the name says it twice, does not mean you need to get two Russian pastries. I’m warning from experience. – 7

• 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley: 100% Cab and medium-toast barrels boast the potential amplitude of this wine, with dark, dried fruit, a bold fig aroma and plenty of smokey spice. The tannin sizes up the nose with similar sassy flavors and balanced acidity to back it up.  – 8

Visit Patterson Cellar’s tasting room within the Soul of Seattle, located at 1427 Western Avenue, Seattle (on Western Avenue below Pike Place Market adjacent to the Pike Street Hill Climb). Check Patterson Cellars online for more information or follow the team on Facebook or Twitter.