Bainbridge Island Vineyards and Winery is a local winery serving 100% estate grown wines since 1977. They primarily focus on sweeter whites which is in part due to the climate in the Puget Sound region.
Their wines were pretty good, even though I am not a huge fan of white wines in general (did try their drier ones which were nice). They have one dry red – a Pinot Noir which was not bad either.
What they did have was raspberry wine, which was rather tasty. The wine has no grape juice or water added and it truly tastes just like fresh raspberries. In 2008, only 131 cases were produced and they had a strawberry one being released later last year that I would be interested in trying as well.
I had the opportunity to talk with Gerard Bentryn, the owner of the winery, who was very pleasant and a wealth of knowledge. I really enjoyed meeting him and the warm family feel you get while you are in the tasting room.
Their wines are available in some local shops and restaurants and they are willing to ship – but do not take credit cards for shipped orders. You must send a check or money order.
Note: their tasting room is only open on the weekends (Fri – Sun 11am to 5pm) and they do have a tour on Sundays at 2pm! Tasting is $3 for 4 tastes.
Bainbridge Island Vineyards and Winery
8989 Day Road East
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 842-9463
http://www.bainbridgevineyards.com/index.htm
