Travel Excursion - Small Washington City & Winery Allure Visitors
A resplendent little city residing on the beautiful shores of Lake Washington allures visitors with its burgeoning cultural and artistic evolvement. Kirkland, Washington, began as a charming neighborhood with a sparkling lake harbor and a fantastic sunset view.
As Kirkland's population grew, the residents focused on developing a town rich in the arts, wine culture, cuisine and recreational pursuits. Today, the city attracts visitors eager to explore the state's sophisticated eastside lake community.
Kirkland offers an incredible number of waterfront parks and beaches rich in wildlife habitats, boating marinas, lake cruises, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, wetlands and public sports facilities. The city's parks also incorporate serene woodland hiking trails that meander through splendid terrain, abundant with bird species.
The most popular waterfront commons and city keystone is Marina Park. This artfully fashioned park with plush grass and fascinating sculptures overlooks scenic Lake Washington. Residents and visitors gather at the park for socializing, concerts and the highly anticipated summer event, Kirkland Uncorked. The festival is comprised of Washington's finest wines, gourmet foods, art and classical and jazz music. The fabulous July, three-day weekend event is a celebration of style and taste that also encompasses the highlights of Kirkland's impressive downtown.
The event garners more than 25 different top Washington State wineries featuring their select vintages under a large tent pavilion. The tasting pavilion is an excellent opportunity to discover the nuances of the different wines directly from the vintners and learn what food parings accentuate a particular varietal. In addition, festival attendees pay a reasonable admission fee and receive a keepsake wine-tasting glass and tasting tickets.
Whether you wish to peruse the unique art booths, stroll along the marina or relax in the sunshine while listening to spectacular music and sipping wine, Kirkland's Uncorked Festival is a marvelous experience!
Kirkland features spectacular events, festivals, plays and concerts throughout the year. In fact, visit on any given month and you will find something interesting going on in this vibrant city. Kirkland's downtown merits a visit even if you don't attend a specific event. The trendy art scene and galleries, boutiques, spas, hotels and renowned restaurants reside in a walkable and attractive urban center that draws visitors year-round.
If you visit the city and want to stay in a wonderful hotel with gracious rooms and a celebrated restaurant, book a stay at the Heathman Hotel, located on Kirkland Avenue. The Heathman resides in the center of downtown and is located just a few blocks from the marina. In addition, the hotel's popular Trellis restaurant is an epicurean hotspot that brandishes the finest in local artisan products and boasts an extensive wine list. Their farm-to-table cuisine is amazing with menu items such as wild Boar and Duck Cassoulet and luscious La Pasta Tagliatelle, all plated with exquisite care. The Trellis is our top pick for superb cuisine. For additional information, visit www.heathmankirkland.com
To find an authentic French bakery on the west coast is a bit of a challenge. However, The French Bakery, located on Kirkland Avenue and across from the Heathman Hotel, is a true Parisian Patisserie. This bakery serves the finest croissants in the northwest, as well as a variety of delicious French pastries and the best espresso in town.
Chateau Ste. Michelle
Washington State is the second largest fine wine producer in the country with 500 wineries spread across the central regions of the state. With long summer days and growing conditions, the wineries have garnered an admirable reputation for their vintages and engaged in healthy rivalry and cooperation.
Chateau Photo Courtesy of Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
Among the competitors, one winery stands out as a continuous, eminent award-winner and producer of consistently reliable quality, Chateau Ste. Michelle. The actual Chateau dates back to 1912 with the estate producing wine from vinifera grapes as Ste. Michelle in 1967. From the first varieties produced, such as Cabernet sauvignon in '67 to merlot in '76 and dry reisling in 2000, Chateau Ste. Michelle has methodically pursued cultivating and expanding its variety repertoire.
Today, the winery's Cold Creek, Canoe Ridge Estate and Horse Haven vineyards produce superb harvests culminating in their exceptional high-rating wines. Suggested Ste. Michelle wines to sample: Eroica, an excellent high-ranked dry reisling; 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Indian Wells, a remarkable medium-bodied vintage with black currant and blackberry liqueur overtones (perfect pairing w/red meat); 2006 Ethos Late Harvest White Reisling, lusciously sweet yet clean finish; Chardonnay Canoe Ridge Estate Vineyard, a balanced pear-citrus with elegant finish. These premium selections represent a few of the outstanding wines by Chateau Ste. Michelle that are a great value and are in perfect concert for personal enjoyment or gift giving. For a full wine list selection, visit the Chateau's website, www.ste-michelle.com.
The Chateau, located in Woodinville, is truly the most beautiful winery in Washington with cascading lawns, sculpted gardens, bubbling fountains and white peacocks parading about pastoral countryside. The winery is open to the public for tours, tastings and special events, as well as proffering a wonderful gift shop. The shop also sells splendid cheeses and additional cuisine that make for delightful wine pairings. Guests are invited to enjoy their Ste. Michelle wine and fare on the lovely terraced grounds or sit at the bistro tables on the quaint grape-arbor patio.
The most renowned and coveted of events is the winery's Chateau Ste. Michelle Summer Concert Series. The outdoor venue takes advantage of the spectacular landscaped setting with famous musical artists performing under a starry sky. Make sure to check performance schedules and order tickets in advance, the series sells out quickly. For additional information on Chateau Ste. Michelle winery and the summer concert series, visit www.ste-michelle.com.