Many know that Western Washington's wine country is Woodinville. It is one of my wife and I favorite destinations. Every time we spend an afternoon in Woodinville uncovers another wine gem. A recent trip there did not disappoint as we found the brand new retail wine tasting room for acclaimed Tefft Cellars. So new that this location is not recognized on Geopage. But how wonderful all 12 Tefft wine varietals are that it won't be long this new tasting room will be a heavily visited location on the Woodinville wine tour. My wife and I monthly visit Ste Michelle as we are wine club members. Whether it is picking up our quarterly wine selection, catching a summer concert on the sprawling lawn or simply enjoying a complimentary reserve wine tasting (a member bonus) we are a regulars at the beautiful estate. However, when we are in Woodinville we seek out a new location to find that next great wine gem. On this recent afternoon of wine sipping, we visited Silver Lake Winery just north of Ste Michelle and the aforementioned Tefft Cellars located on the same street.

We were impressed with Silver Lake's wine tasting option to transfer the $10 fee to any wine bottle purchase that day. Although I am not necessarily for wineries charging ever increasing tasting fees, I understand the reason behind the tasting charge. However, tasting wines should be viewed as a sample of their product. In all other food and beverage industries, samples are offered free to entice a larger purchase of the product. As potential customers taking our valuable time visiting their business, wineries need to be careful to not discourage wine lovers from sampling their products. Silver Lake's tasting fee is 100% transferable to a wine purchase making it a great value to both try their varietals and purchase more product. Its a winning combination as we picked up a reserve Merlot from the tasting list. Silver Lake's manager was also helpful to our overall Woodinville wine experience by suggesting we take time to visit the new Tefft Cellars tasting room just down the street. I'm thrilled he did as we found a beautiful new tasting room highlighting wines from Teffts eastern Washington winery. Rolling up to Tefft Cellars is nothing outstanding to look at as it is located in an industrial park with little exterior ambiance. However, open the retail doors and you immediately are enveloped with the deep rich smell of leather and charred wooden wine barrels and your vision is filled with a nicely appointed room. Kathy was an enjoyable server with excellent suggestions to our likes and dislikes.

Our trips to Woodinville always ends with a nice meal. This night we choose the Barking Frog and found a table next to the outdoor fire pit surrounded by wonderful conversation. Happy hour at the Barking Frog inside the Willows Lodge is a must. We enjoyed lamb burger, asian imspired prawns and the garlic fries cooked in peanut oil were delicate and delicious.

We can't wait until our next afternoon exploring wine country in Woodinville.