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How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Summer Oasis At Home
Get ready, folks! Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to turn your outdoor space into an inviting outdoor summer oasis.
Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, the options for creating a tranquil space are endless. Say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of indoor life and join me on a journey through a range of summer home improvement tips that will have you embracing the joys of the season in no time in your outdoor summer oasis!
Let’s start with landscaping and gardening, which I believe are the foundation of any inviting outdoor area.
Choose plants, flowers, and trees that will entice you to step outside and fit your upkeep schedule. Native plants are a fantastic choice because they thrive no matter what Mother Nature throws at them. For that extra touch of beauty, consider incorporating rock formations, water elements, and even plant walls to create focal points and picture-perfect backdrops for your summer adventures.
Now, let’s talk outdoor furniture and accessories, essential elements for crafting a welcoming and functional outdoor summer oasis.
When selecting furniture, remember to prioritize comfort and durability. After all, these pieces will be exposed to the elements, and we all know Washington loves a good rain, as well as scorching heatwaves. Get creative and curate a mood board that captures your aesthetic vision, then scout for affordable options on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and secondhand stores. With thoughtfully chosen furnishings, you can transform your outdoor space into a cozy haven perfect for summer rest and relaxation.
Click Image to Jump to Ikea Runnen Decking
Ah, shade and sun protection, two things we Washingtonians definitely need during those scorching summer heatwaves.
Prepare in advance by installing pergolas, awnings, or shade sails to provide some much needed relief from direct sunlight. And don’t forget about nature’s own sunscreen; trees and shrubbery can offer a natural shield against those harmful UV rays with the added bonus of being beautiful.
Now, lets take a look at outdoor kitchens and dining areas.
I’m personally a huge fan of alfresco dining and entertainment. The trick here is to bring the indoors outdoors. Add simple touches like solar and string lighting to set the mood for your backyard bistro. By creating a well-equipped outdoor dining area, you’ll find yourself spending more time enjoying meals in your outdoor sanctuary.
Picture this: the gentle sound of flowing water, a fountain or pond nestled in your outdoor refuge.
Water features bring a sense of peace and tranquility to any space. I might be biased because I grew up on an island, but there’s something magical about having water in view. Sure, they require upkeep, but have you seen those natural pond installations popping up on TikTok? They blend seamlessly into a native appreciation space, giving local critters a place to thrive too.
Of course, a relaxing retreat should also provide opportunities for outdoor entertainment and recreation.
Consider adding a cozy fire pit or fire table to extend your outdoor time after the sun sets. It’ll not only keep you warm but also serves as a gathering place for lively nighttime conversations. And why stop there? Elevate your space with an outdoor theater or invest in outdoor sporting games and equipment. Make your outdoor oasis a hub of fun and enjoyment that will last you throughout the summer season.
In conclusion, embrace the season and create the perfect outdoor haven that reflects your personal style and offers the ideal backdrop for relaxation, entertainment, and making the most of the beautiful summer months.
Remember, if you keep your space builder grade just for the sake of future upselling, you’re essentially renting it from the next buyer. So let your creativity shine, make your space your own, and enjoy every moment in your outdoor summer oasis!
Kerriann Jenkins
Molbak’s Garden + Home
Molbak‘s Garden + Home
Have you ever driven past Molbak’s and wondered what was inside? I had passed the store a handful of times on my way to other places and never thought to stop in and check it out. All that changed once I discovered the hidden oasis that awaits inside its unassuming exterior. Let me tell you, you don’t have to be a plant lover to enjoy Molbak’s because Molbak’s Garden + Home offers more than just plants and it is dog friendly too!
Credit: Google Maps Street View | Click to link to Molbak’s Garden + Home Contact Page
A Sanctuary Full of Treasures
I snapped these photos the last time I visited!
As soon as you step through the main entrance, you’ll be transported into a sanctuary full of treasures. Molbak’s offers an assortment of hard-to-resist wares. Looking to personalize your space? Molbak’s has eco-conscious kitchen goods and home décor items that will make your space feel unique. Need to de-stress? They have wellness products like essential oils and body lotions that will help you relax. Looking for a special gift? They have artisan-crafted jewelry and cozy apparel too. They even have patio furniture!
Molbak’s Garden Café
But that’s not all. Just when you think you’ve seen everything, the indoor section leads you to another hidden treasure. Nestled between the indoor section and the greenhouses is Molbak’s Garden Café. The café is inside a jungle of plants, which almost makes you forget that you’re in the heart of a bustling store. I have not eaten there yet so I will have to save that review for another time. But I did peak my head in to marvel at the floor to ceiling plants. They are stunning.
Click to link to current menu and pricing. Credit: 1st & 3rd image Molbak’s Garden Cafe, 2nd Image I captured last time I visited.
Molbak’s Garden + Home Greenhouses
Beyond the café are the greenhouses, which in my opinion, are the real star of Molbak’s. As soon as you step into the greenhouse section, you’ll feel like you fell down the rabbit hole into a Wonderland of greenery. You’ll be surrounded by rows and rows of plants including tropical varieties, succulents, herbs, and flowers. If you’re a plant lover like me, you’ll be in heaven here. I’ve spent hours wandering through their greenhouses, admiring the vibrant colors and unique textures of each of their hundreds of plants.
The Featured Displays Will Draw You In
The great thing about Molbak’s is that they’re masters at creating impactful feature displays that will draw you in. They have these meticulously curated tables that are so fun to explore. The last time I was there, they had a table of finely crafted DIY terrariums that caught my eye, followed by a vibrant display of carnivorous plants. I particularly enjoyed looking at the various hypnotic but ominous pitcher plant varieties.
Prepare To Experience The Greenhouse Effect During Your Visit
It is easy to lose track of time in the store. So when you visit Molbak’s, you should prepare yourself for a warm stroll because the greenhouses stay warm inside. Even during the winter. On my last visit the cups at the water dispenser had run out so I found myself wishing I had packed a water bottle. Apart from that, I generally enjoy the warmth of the greenhouse air wrapped around me like a warm hug. But learn from my mistake and pack a water bottle!
The Outdoor Section
After making your way through all of the greenhouses, yes I said greenhouses, because there are multiple greenhouse rooms at Molbak’s; you will enter the outdoor section. Here you will find garden tools, plants, pots and more. Since it is Native plant appreciation month, I would be remiss not to point out that they even feature a whole section of Native plant species for sale!
Molbak’s Butterfly Garden at Woodland Park Zoo
But that’s not all! Molbak’s Garden + Home is more than just a store, it’s a community hub. They hold events and classes, so they have spaces reserved for that. They even sponsor Molbak’s Butterfly Garden at Woodland Park Zoo, which focuses on the life cycle and identification of North America’s butterflies and on the preservation and restoration of native plant habitats for these pollinators.
Click to link to Woodland Park Zoo’s Website to find out more information about Molbak’s Butterfly Garden
Molbak’s Garden + Home & The Gardens District
And guess what? Molbak’s has big plans in the works for expansion! They’re breaking ground in 2023 on what will become The Gardens District. As summarized from the information on the project’s home page, The Gardens District will become the new home for Molbak’s Garden + Home and house a hotel, residential living, and native plant gardens, all of which will promote sustainable living.
Click to jump to The Gardens District project page
Come Find Your New Happy Place
As you can see, while Molbak’s may look unassuming from the outside, it’s an oasis for growth, both for the plants and wares it houses inside, as well as the community of Woodinville. But I can sum its existence up into one phrase. I just call it my Happy Place.
by Kerriann Jenkins
4 Benefits to a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange for your Investment Property
The Power of Strategy with 1031 Exchanges
We recently had the pleasure of hosting a seminar on wealth preservation led by Annamarie Kooning, the NW division manager of 1031-Asset Preservation Inc. The topic was especially relevant in that we have experienced unparalleled real estate appreciation for the last decade, with the drawback being the tax implications when selling a long held real estate asset.
Credit: ANNAMARIE KOONING | NW Division Manager | Asset Preservation, Inc. | The Power of Strategy with 1031 Exchanges
1031 Tax Deferred Exchange Defined
A 1031 tax deferred exchange is a powerful tax strategy that allows real estate investors to defer paying capital gains taxes on the sale of an investment property, provided they meet certain IRS requirements.
Here four benefits of a 1031 exchange:
1. Tax Deferral: The biggest benefit of a 1031 exchange is the tax deferral. By exchanging a property instead of selling it, an investor can defer paying capital gains taxes on the sale, potentially indefinitely. This allows the investor to keep more of their proceeds working for them, and to defer paying taxes until a later date.
2. Increased Buying Power: Another advantage of a 1031 exchange is that it allows investors to use the equity in their property to purchase a more valuable property, without having to pay taxes on the sale of the first property. This can increase the investor’s buying power and enable them to purchase a property that may generate more income or appreciate more quickly.
3. Diversification: A 1031 exchange also allows investors to diversify their real estate holdings. By exchanging one property for another, an investor can adjust their portfolio to better meet their investment goals, such as increasing cash flow, reducing risk, or capitalizing on emerging trends.
4. Estate Planning: Finally, a 1031 exchange can also be a useful tool for estate planning. By deferring taxes on a property, an investor can pass it on to their heirs without having to pay capital gains taxes. This can help to preserve the investor’s wealth for future generations.
Contact Us To Connect With A 1031 Exchange Expert
Overall, a 1031 exchange can be a powerful tax strategy for real estate investors, allowing them to defer taxes, increase buying power, diversify their holdings, and plan for the future.
Contact us for more information, or for an introduction to our 1031 tax code expert, Annamarie Kooning. It may save you thousands of dollars.
Windermere | Mill Creek | 425-481-6666 | 18323 Bothell Everett HWY, Suite 210 Bothell, WA 98012
Written by Managing Broker Chris Hill
Native Plant Appreciation Month
April is Native Plant Appreciation Month in Washington State!
April is an exciting month for plant lovers in Washington State as it is Native Plant Appreciation Month. Governor Inslee officially declared this month-long celebration on February 1st, 2023, to raise awareness of the importance of native plants in supporting healthy ecosystems in the state.
What are Native Plants?
So, what exactly are native plants? These are plants that grow naturally in an area without any human intervention. Due to its distinct landscape regions, Washington State is home to a diverse range of over 2,300 native plant species, from mossy forest halls to colorful wildflowers. If you would like to learn about them all, check out this plant directory by WNPS!
Why are Native Plants Important?
Native plants are crucial in supporting biodiversity and wildlife habitats as they have adapted to their local environment. They also require less maintenance and resources compared to non-native plants, making them a more sustainable option for landscaping and gardening.
Why Should You Consider Adding Native Plants to Your Garden?
Let me tell you about the benefits of adding native plants to your garden. First, native species can help attract natural pollinators. They also provide shelter and nourishment for indigenous creatures. Additionally, these plants require less maintenance; which means you will reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Moreover, they need less water and can sustain off of what the environment provides. Overall, they are a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for any garden. So, it’s a win-win for you and Washington!
Where Can You Buy Native Plants?
Luckily, there are a few events happening statewide where you will be able to purchase native plants. Below you will find links to a few resources with information on where to buy native plants.
Credit: University of Washington Botanic Gardens: Garden Tours & Plants Sales. Click image to link to UW’s updated list.
Credit: Washington Native Plant Society- click image to jump to updated event list
Celebrate Native Plant Appreciation Month!
A great way to support Washington is to celebrate Native Plant Appreciation Month! Washington’s native plants are beautiful and they provide essential benefits to the local ecosystem. They serve as habitats and food sources for the state’s wildlife and can be used to create sustainable gardens for us. Let’s appreciate and preserve these important plants and all that they provide for us!
by Kerriann Jenkins
Companion Planting
Companion Planting
Did you know that your garden plants can benefit from having a friend planted beside them? Companion planting is a great way to improve the health and yield of your garden. By planting certain crops together, you can create a mutually beneficial environment that promotes growth and deters pests. Moreover, creating biodiversity in your garden can have a visually pleasing affect for you to enjoy. Here are some tips for companion planting:
- Do you research and grow complementary plants beside one another. Some plants have properties that will naturally repel pests and others will attract them. Use this knowledge to your advantage and try pairing the two together to repel any unwanted visitors.
- Choose your plant friends wisely. Boundaries and needs matter, even in the plant world. You should take into consideration the ground coverage, spacing, sunlight and watering requirements of your plant before giving it a buddy. You want to make sure that both plants receive the right amount of sunlight, water, air circulation, spacing and nutrients that they need to grow big and strong.
- Companion planting is an art, not an exact science. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and see what works best in your garden. Keep track of what works well and change what doesn’t. Over time you will refine a planting strategy that gives you a beautiful, diverse, and enriched garden.
Credit: Alex Raths Getty Images
Putting Companion Planting to the Test
Using the companion planting technique, let’s examine the benefits of planting marigolds in your garden. Marigolds have gained a reputation for being great companion plants because they have many benefits for plants growing near them. Equally as important, they remain neutral toward plants who do not receive benefits from growing near them.
Here are some things to consider before adding Marigolds to your garden:
- Marigolds are a highly fragrant flower and because of that they are known to deter garden destroying pests such as mosquitoes, who nibble on you, and nematodes, who cause root rot.
- There are good bugs in gardens too. Marigolds attract beneficial bugs like pollinators, who will help make your garden grow, and ladybugs, who kill aphids.
- Marigolds grow in a variety of sizes and their size should be considered when selecting a perfect pairing.
- French Marigolds for example grow great near tomato plants. They are a shorter variety and are not overpowered by tall tomato vines. They bloom in spring and can last until the ground frosts, and they hold up well in the rainy PNW environment.
- African Marigolds grow much taller and have blooms measuring up to 4 inches in size, which could put new growth around them in constant shadow. But they are visually impactful and would be a great addition to a garden backdrop or as ground cover for tall plants like sunflowers.
Marigolds are a great option when companion planting:
These are just a few plants that will benefit from having Marigolds as companion plants.
Bonus Tip: Use Native Plants
Adding native plants to your companion planting choices is a great idea. These plants are naturally strong and adapted to their environment. This means they can grow well without much attention from you! Additionally, they need less water and fertilizer compared to non-native varieties. Native plants also attract local animals that can help take care of your garden, like natural pollinators. If you want to learn more about using native plants for companion planting, I suggest you check out this study by David James of WSU.
Symbiotic Relationships Will Strengthen Your Garden Growth!
Remember, companion planting is all about finding the right balance that will benefit the plants you plot next to each other. There are countless combinations of plants that can be successfully grown together, making companion planting a fun and creative way to optimize your garden. Give it a try and see the difference companion plants make in your garden!
By Kerriann Jenkins
Spring Reading List
Spring is here, spring is here, I’m so excited! Spring brings lots of new beginnings and new book choices from yours truly! Check them out, one is adventurous and the other is a thriller. As always let us know what you think! Visit there site here, www.sno-isle.org/mill-creek
On Island Time: A Traveler’s Atlas, by Chandler O’Leary
This quirky illustrated travel guide showcases the hidden delights, natural wonders, and singular history of Washington and British Columbia’s islands, from the author of bestseller The Best Coast.
Dream of escaping to an island, for the slower pace and stunning views? An illustrated love letter to the Pacific Northwest’s iconic islands–focusing on Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Canada’s Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island–this guide charms and educates travelers, locals, and armchair adventurers alike.
3 Days to Live, by Patterson, James
The people closest to you can be your most dangerous enemies in this heart-pounding collection of 3 brand-new thrillers from the master of suspense. 3 Days to Live: A CIA-agent bride is on her European honeymoon when she and her husband are poisoned–leaving her seventy-two hours to take revenge (with Duane Swierczynski). Women and Children First: When a deal goes bad on a tech executive in Washington, DC, he turns an order to kill his family into a chance to relive his military glory days (with Bill Schweigart). The Housekeepers: A Los Angeles doctor trusts her two housekeepers, but when she’s murdered in a botched attempt to steal drugs, the pair of grifters vie to control their former employer’s estate–facing off against the Russian mob (with Julie Margaret Hogben).”
Enjoy the reading picks!
blog written by Chasity Rodriguez
Social Media Director
Skagit Valley Tulip Guide
Skagit Valley Tulip Guide
The Skagit Valley Tulips have become the undisputed royalty of blooms in Washington State! It’s no wonder, given their renown – in 2016, National Geographic voted them as the number one feature in their “Best Spring Trips” and in 2019, Celia Fernandez of Oprah Magazine named them number four in her “10 Best Flower Festivals in the U.S.” list. These honors have certainly helped to cement the tulips’ reputation, but they were already drawing crowds of thousands of visitors worldwide before making these lists, and continue to do so to this day. If you’re looking for a spectacular show of blooms, there’s nothing quite like the Skagit Valley Tulips! To help make your visit to Skagit Valley a memorable one, here is a detailed Skagit Valley Tulip Guide.
What Makes The Tulips So Popular?
Just imagine a landscape quilted with rows and rows of vibrant patterns of hand tailored tulips with a picturesque snowcapped mountain range in the backdrop. It seems like something from a dream. But the reality is, every spring, acres and acres of land in Skagit Valley are blanketed with vibrant, multi-colored tulip blooms. Moreover, visitors can enjoy walking around the fields, exploring various farms, and taking pictures of the stunning views.
Credit: Getty Images
When is The Best Time to See the Skagit Valley Tulips?
This question is a little harder to answer. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival runs from April 1st to April 30th each year. However, weather and field conditions will cause the tulip bloom times to fluctuate from the last week of March through the second week of April. You can verify bloom locations by viewing this Bloom Map:
Click image to jump to updated bloom map
Where To See the Skagit Valley Tulips?
The tulip fields are open to the public, but they are located on private land. Because of crop rotation, the tulip fields are different each year. RoozenGaarde, Tulip Town, Tulip Valley Farms, and Garden Rosalyn all have tulip displays for visitors to view and photograph. Every bulb grower has their own admission fee and set of rules to follow so make sure you head to their websites to see what the 2024 year expectations are.
Where to Stay Overnight?
The official Skagit Valley Tulip Festival website has compiled a thorough list of accommodations. In my opinion, if you are willing to travel a little, I would recommend looking at lodging in La Conner or Anacortes for something more affordable and less crowded during the tulip bloom season.
Pro Tips For Skagit Valley Tulip Tiptoeing
Layering up and making sure you have a change of clothes and shoes is essential for a successful and enjoyable tulip visit. The weather in Skagit Valley can be unpredictable, and the tulip fields can be muddy, so making sure you’re prepared is key. It’s also important to remember to not walk through the tulips as this can damage the flowers. Instead, find the perfect angle to capture your photo so that it looks like you are in the middle of the field. Lastly, bring snacks and water for the car ride! The lines to park can be a LONG wait. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a great tulip-tiptoeing experience.
Want More Skagit Valley Tulip Festivities?
This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever with over 140+ vendors, entertainers, food trucks, and children’s activities. Be sure to grab some delicious food while you’re down there and don’t forget to stop by the local shops and the Riverwalk!
A few stores I would recommend you check out are Jeka’s Plants, Forte Chocolates, and the Skagit Valley Food Co-Op.
You Will Be Happy You Went!
Skagit Valley is truly a breathtaking sight to behold each spring! The sight of acres of hand tailored flowers in vibrant and vivid colors is an image that will stay with you for a lifetime. Not only are the views stunning, but you can also explore the many nearby farms and take pictures of the incredible scenery. There is no better way to welcome in the spring season than with a visit to Skagit Valley!
Kerriann Jenkins
Washington State Daffodil Guide
A Washington State Daffodil Guide
Washington State has a reputation for wielding moody gray skies. Given that, you may find it odd to learn that Washington is the largest supplier of daffodil bulbs and daffodil flowers in the United States. Such a sunny dispositioned flower may seem out of place here, but they thrive in Washington. Below you will find a Washington State Daffodil Guide discussing where to see them and how to grow them.
When Daffodils Begin To Bloom
Daffodils typically bloom from late winter to early spring and can last for a few weeks. If you are looking to see daffodils this bloom season, you are in luck! There are plenty of great places to find them. One of the best spots is in Skagit Valley.
Daffodils in Skagit Valley
Although Skagit Valley is known for their Tulips, they also grow around 1,000 acres of daffodil fields. These bright fields start shining while the weather is still cool in the early spring. The fields are private, which most likely explains why the daffodils don’t attract the same crowds the Tulips do.
Screenshot taken on 2/22/24 click the image to head over to the most up-to-date version of the map
While you can’t traipse through the fields, you can view the daffodils from the roadside. Conveniently, RoozenGaarde has an interactive bloom map you can view to see where the flowers have blossomed before embarking on your road trip.
La Conner Daffodil Festival
If you are looking for a more immersive way to see daffodils head over to the La Conner. The city holds an annual Daffodil Festival which includes a Daffodil Parade, a Daffodil Pet Parade, a Daffodil Photo Contest, and other daffodil themed delights. Check out their event page for more details.
91st Annual Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Parade
Another interactive daffodil experience can be found at the 91st Annual Daffodil Festival. This unique event is hosted by four cities. On April 6th, 2024 the parades will begin as follows: Tacoma 10:15 | Puyallup 12:45 | Sumner 2:30 | Orting 5:00. For more information visit the event page.
Grow Your Own Daffodils
Of course, there is another way to enjoy daffodils, grow your own! Planting daffodils is a great way to add a vibrant splash of color to your garden! The best time to plant daffodils is in the fall, a few weeks before the first frost, when ground temperatures are around 60-65 degrees. You’ll want to find a spot that gets plenty of sun. When planting, dig a hole a few inches wider and deeper than the bulb, with the pointed end facing up. In the right conditions a daffodil will rebloom annually. If you are looking for larger blooms, you may want to divide and replant your daffodils every three to four years, as this helps to increase the number of blooms each year. If you have a variety that is not a common one, I would recommend consulting with a local nursery or gardening expert for advice on how often to divide and replant them.
Daffodils Are The First Sign of Spring!
Daffodils are a beautiful signifier that spring is nearing. I grew up driving through the Skagit Valley area and I promise their sunlit hued faces are worth seeing, even from a respectful distance! If you are lucky, you may get to see Snow Geese taking flight over the flower fields during your visit! Have fun adding daffodils to your spring garden and activities!
-Kerriann Jenkins
Kerloo Cellars
Mill Creek Wine Walk Stop 11
Our 11th stop of the tasting took us to Lilac and Lemon to use our bonus token on a wine tasting with Kerloo Cellars. If you have stuck with us throughout our series, you will know that this was our final tasting of the event. Our rushed efforts were rewarded when we crossed the proverbial finish line through the front swinging door of Lilac and Lemon. We continued into the boutique with our prize filled wine glasses in hand and browsed their wares.
A Brief History of Kerloo Cellars
Ryan Crane, head winemaker and owner, founded Kerloo Cellars in 2007 here in Washington state. He began his journey as a volunteer and furthered his skillset by working at Forgeron Cellars, which is a winery I have previously blogged about. Eventually, he established Kerloo Cellars. He and his team are currently in the process of revamping his business locations. If you would like to try out Kerloo Cellars wines you should head to their Woodinville tasting room.
Kerriann’s tasting notes on the Kerloo Cellars 2019 Columbia Valley Cabernet:
I thought this wine was aromatic with notes of dark red berries and spice. This wine tasted supple and full bodied with short notes of raspberries deepened by ripened cherries and grapes. The red fruit tastes and herbal spices were present, but all restrained by tannins that went on and on. Overall, I found this to be a smooth, sophisticated, and delicious cabernet.
Chasity’s tasting notes on the 2019 Majestic GSM Blend:
Ok last stop on the wine walk, yay!!!! We ran into one of our peers we work with Kelly Clark with First American Title and had a little too much fun. I tried the Majestic GSM Blend, with my first sip was like a cherry tart explosion on my palate. It quickly changed into a smooth bright mouthful with hints of cinnamon, which I really enjoyed. It ended with a nice tannin finish that left me wanting more and overall I enjoyed this tasting.
We Did It!
It was such tough work but somehow, we managed to use up all our tickets and tokens and had a great time at the Mill Creek Town Center Wine Walk. I will give a shout out to the wineries we missed: Rider Cellars and RR Poet, maybe there will be a next time for us; and close by saying if you haven’t had the opportunity to check out one of these events, you should! They are a lot of fun.
Wine Tasting Notes From This Event:
♦Harbinator Wines♦ ♦Drum Roll Wine♦ ♦Naches Heights Vineyard♦ ♦Kerloo Cellars♦ ♦Wandering Wolf Cellars♦ ♦Dahlman Cellars♦ ♦Martedi Cellars♦ ♦Navarre Coulee♦ ♦Bayernmoor♦ ♦Julian Margot♦ ♦Michael Florentino Cellars♦
Written by Kerriann Jenkins
Blog Feature Chasity Rodriguez
Wandering Wolf Cellars
Mill Creek Wine Walk Stop #10
Our 10th stop of the evening took us to People’s Bank where we tried wines by Wandering Wolf Cellars. I will preface this review by stating that we were in a rush to complete our tastings before the evening ended. As a result, the tasting was brief. We didn’t sit with the wine as we had done with the previous nine reviews.
Wandering Wolf Cellars hosted by Peoples Bank
Despite our rushed efforts to use up our tokens this was the wine that I was most excited to try. Admittedly, because I am a sucker for a good name, a great wine label and wolves. Luckily, even in my brevity I enjoyed the wine I tried at this rolling stop.
Brief Background on Wandering Wolf Cellars
If you are a fan of a great backstory through creative writing I strongly encourage you to check out the Wandering Wolf Cellars “Our Story” page written by owner and winemaker Alex Wolf. To summarize, the story Wandering Wolf Cellars is a tale of traveling there and back again. Wolf embarked on a backpacking trip through Western Europe, learning he had a love for wine. After returning home to the PNW he completed a winemaking program and interned at several wineries. Eventually, he opened Wandering Wolf Cellars based out of Shoreline featuring grapes sourced from Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley.
Kerriann’s Tasting Notes on the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
I didn’t make note of the smell or coloring on this one. But I did venture to say that this was a smooth, savory, easy to drink cab. It was full, deep and herbal. I also noted that it was delicious, and I wished that I had more time to sit and enjoy it properly, but the rush was on.
Chasity’s Tasting Notes on the 2019 Viognier
This stop was near the last tasting and decided on the 2019 Viognier. I have to say Viognier is not usually my favorite but I decided to give it a try. My first taste was a little bitter. It also provided a full body taste kind of a little heavy in the mouth, almost oily. I would say it’s very fruit forward but dry at the same time. Defiantly held up in the juiciness department as the tasting went on. This one was not my favorite but I have tried others from Wandering Wolf Cellars and have enjoyed them.
One More Stop To Go
If you’ve been following along, we only have one last wine tasting left to post! Keep checking in because I will be updating the links below when we post the final tasting.
Wine Tasting Notes to Come!
♦Harbinator Wines♦ ♦Drum Roll Wine♦ ♦Naches Heights Vineyard♦ ♦Kerloo Cellars♦ ♦Wandering Wolf Cellars♦ ♦Dahlman Cellars♦ ♦Martedi Cellars♦ ♦Navarre Coulee♦ ♦Bayernmoor♦ ♦Julian Margot♦ ♦Michael Florentino Cellars♦
Blog Written by Kerriann Jenkins
Blog Feature Chasity Rodriguez
