I arrived at SpierHead Winery on a sun-dappled Sunday morning to meet proprietor Marina Knutson. It was a stunning day in an equally stunning setting, sipping wines in the tasting room just before the visitors began to arrive. At SpierHead, they not only serve up fabulous wines, but they do so with a flair and warmth that makes you want to linger, sip and soak up the setting.
We tasted a series of wines that day, starting with their 2016 Pinot Gris which held hints of nectarine, pear, peach and apricots. The popular 2016 Riesling and the 2015 Pinot Noir, with hints of red berries, followed. The 2016 Chardonnay, aged in one and two year old barrels, was very fruity without a lot of oak. It was a dazzling morning for the taste buds!
One of the best ways to enjoy all SpierHead has to offer is membership in its wine club, which offers a wonderful array of events. About 100 members of SpierHead’s Wine Club had recently participated in a vertical tasting of Rieslings from 2010 to 2016 (except 2013). Marina says the 2010 vintage was fabulous!
On August 5 the club will hold their annual Pinot Noir Blending Party, where members have a hand in creating a blend which is bottled for members only. And during the harvest, members can enjoy a special day enjoying hands-on activities at the winery.
Marina says SpierHead will be featuring some of their older vintages that have been stored in its library since the winery opened. Available in limited quantities, their Vanguard, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from 2009 and 2010 will be featured at different times. Check the SpierHead website at www.spierheadwinery.com for details.
(photo: tasting room associate Patricia Sklar
w/ proprietor Marina Knutson)