Spending A Day in Woodinville’s Schoolhouse District
It’s a good idea to revisit a destination from time to time to make sure the favorite spots still live up to the memories while discovering some new favorites. My latest outing to Woodinville’s Schoolhouse District and Wine Walk Row did just that. Plus, it meant the chance to visit a couple of spots previously overlooked – one for gelato and an additional wine tasting room. Read on to discover these must visit attractions!
The Food
Drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea, so we ventured over to Pintxo by Valdemar for lunch. The seasonal menu items, particularly the luscious Corn Gazpacho, were a highlight.
Plus, the Spanish inspired menu items including the tortilla and charred octopus are not to be missed.
Head to Ephesus Cafe & Gelato before or after wine tasting for a pick me up. As a starting point, espresso drinks are available. Or, after a day of wine tasting, the inventive gelato flavors such as Figgy Foggy are the perfect way to end an indulgent day.
Wine Tasting in Woodinville’s Schoolhouse District
Barnard Griffin
What I appreciate here is the easygoing approach. Instead of a one size fits all tasting menu, guests are presented with a list and get to taste four wines of their choice. Better yet, the list is filled with appealing options such as Albariño and Barbera. Wine selections change every two weeks or so to keep things interesting. If you’re feeling snackish, a menu of lite bites is available.
Look for fun tasting events from time to time such as potato chip & wine pairing.
Mullan Road Cellars
The wines here are stunners, which should come as no surprise considering this project arose from renowned Napa Valley winery Cakebread Cellars.
The tasting menu includes their California wines as well as Cabernet based wines from Washington. Cakebread Cellars has long had a culinary program, a tradition carried on here with an in-house chef and must-try made from scratch nibbles.
Don’t sleep on the potato chips and house made dip!
Montinore Estate and Landlines Estates
This tasting room shared by two Oregon based wineries is the ideal place for those seeking eco-friendly wine options and an awe-inspiring array of grape varieties including impressive Pinot Noirs. The estate vineyards of both labels are Demeter Certified Biodynamic® and CCOF Certified Organic. That’s pretty remarkable and something rarely seen here in Washington.
The tasting menu is generally updated every 3 weeks, and with multiple wine brands under one roof (and exciting updates anticipated to happen soon) there are plenty of choices. Stay tuned for thrilling news coming for Seattle fans, too!
L’Ecole No. 41
On this visit to the comfy tasting room highlights included a choice of two fantastic tasting lineups. Thoughtful cheese selections curated by cheesemonger Rachael Lucas take the experience next level! We were also treated to a surprise pour of a 2004 Merlot from the cellar to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the movie, “Sideways.”
Seasonal Events in Woodinville’s Schoolhouse District
Woodinville Farmers Market
Discover the charm of the Woodinville Farmers Market, a vibrant hub for fresh, locally sourced produce, handcrafted goods, and community connection. Located in the heart of Woodinville wine country, this market offers a unique blend of farm-fresh delights, artisan creations, and seasonal treats.
Whether you’re hunting for organic vegetables, baked goods, or one-of-a-kind crafts, the Woodinville Farmers Market is the perfect weekend outing.
Support local farmers and makers while enjoying the friendly atmosphere and scenic surroundings. Visit their website to explore market hours, upcoming events, and a list of amazing vendors!
The Market is open every Saturday from May – September
from 10:00am – 2:00pm.
The Market is located on Festival Street in the Schoolhouse District, and up on the Lawn of District Flats. In downtown Woodinville near the ball fields and City Hall.
Holiday Market
Schoolhouse District’s Annual Holiday Market on December 13th and 14th!
December 13th, 6 – 9 PM: Kick off the holiday season with a special adults-only evening, filled with one-of-a-kind finds from local vendors. Discover everything from permanent jewelry and handcrafted pottery to artisanal chocolates and festive décor. The best part? You can shop and sip! Enjoy wine tastings from renowned local wineries including L’Ecole № 41, Montinore & Landlines Estates, Barnard Griffin, Mullan Road Cellars, and more—all located right in the heart of the market.
December 14th, 12 – 6 PM: Bring the whole family for a day of festive fun! Kids can take photos with Santa, create crafts at the fidget-making booth, and indulge in holiday treats. While the little ones are busy having fun, parents can relax with a warm cup of cocoa or continue exploring the wine tastings.
Don’t miss this festive two-day event, perfect for finding unique gifts, creating lasting memories, and enjoying the best of the season!
Plan Your Visit to Woodinville’s Schoolhouse District
The Schoolhouse District’s parking garage is accessible from 175th right after the Woodinville Sports Fields as well as along 133rd just north of Woodinville City Hall.
If you are going to visit one of the tasting rooms or restaurants, you do not need to pay for parking. However, the garage does require validation, so be sure to have your license plate number ready when checking in at each establishment.
Not all businesses are open daily. Sundays are my preferred day for wine tasting because there are typically fewer people and it offers a more leisurely experience. However, that meant that Walla Walla Steak Co. was closed. That wasn’t a big deal because we had plenty of snacks at the tasting rooms and a delectable lunch at Pintxo. Nevertheless, if there’s a place you have your heart set on visiting, it helps to plan ahead and check hours before you go.
I maintain that this walkable block flourishing with wine tasting options, exciting food, cheerful service and outdoor patios for Fido is still Woodinville’s best kept secret. While some of these wine tasting experiences are considered an indulgence in today’s economy, be aware that most tasting fees (typically $15-25) can be recouped via wine purchases or wine club membership. Besides, don’t we all deserve to treat ourselves and feel taken care of once in a while?
What do you love about the Woodinville Schoolhouse District? Share your favorite places in the comments below.
Nancy Croisier, a Seattle native, is a graduate of the Northwest Wine Academy, a Certified Specialist of Wine, and founder of VinoSocial. She is on a mission to get every winery on social media and a bottle of wine on every dinner table. Read more of Nancy’s writing in the Slow Wine Guide USA, Washington Tasting Room Magazine and on the VinoSocial.wine site. For more wine and food discoveries, follow @VinoSocialNancy on Instagram.
