Around The Block

Woodinville: 

This Seattle suburb was first home to a subgroup of the Duwamish Tribe known as the “willow people”, and when settlers arrived in the valley in 1870, they established a small logging and farming community that they named after the Woodin family. Woodinville remained a relatively small town (that boasted one stoplight and one grocery store) until the historic Stimson Manor was purchased and transformed into the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in 1975. This sparked a massive growth spurt, and Woodinville is now recognized for its thriving artisanal wine and microbrewing industry.

What To Expect: 
Here you’ll find a strong farm-to-table attitude paired with a picturesque setting.

Woodinville is a place where the table is always set and the wine ready to be poured. Most wineries in this area source their grapes from Eastern Washington’s Columbia Valley, where the soil is fertile and the protection of the Cascade Mountains create an ideal climate for the vines to thrive. And where there’s wine, there’s fine dining. Many of the restaurants here offer local, organic, produce-based menus, and some, even maintain mini-farms themselves. Here, authenticity is king and the word intentional takes on a whole new meaning.

The Lifestyle: 
The fairytale region of the Pacific Northwest.

Hollywood Hill, Cottage Lake, Wellington, and Crystal Lake are just a few neighborhoods that comprise the city of Woodinville. As their dreamy names would suggest, this is an idyllic suburb with large lots, friendly neighbors, and everything you might need to settle down and stay a while. Woodinville locals live for warm summer days and balmy summer nights, and know how to stay cozy during PNW winters. Living in Woodinville affords residents close proximity to Bellevue, Redmond, and Bothell via Interstate 405. It’s an attractive location to those who work nearby and value having every opportunity to relax on the weekends. For those with young ones in the family, the Lake Washington and Northshore school districts are some of the most highly rated in the state.

Unexpected Appeal: 
There’s so much more than award-winning wine (although we have that, too).

The Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, established 1975, is the oldest winery in Washington, and it is still considered the best. Beyond their iconic wine tastings, the chateau also hosts a plethora of events: trivia nights, cheese and chocolate tastings, and even comedy nights. Most notable, however, are their celebrated Summer Concerts; they attract top talent from every musical genre, and are nearly always sold out, so pick up your tickets early. Past performers include The Beach Boys, Diana Krall, and John Legend, just to name a few. For those who love to be involved in the community, the Woodinville All Fool’s Day Parade has delighted both children and adults for more than 30 years. Every Spring, Woodinville residents celebrate April Fool’s Day with a pancake breakfast and a very “foolish” parade, complete with marching bands, unicyclists, and clowns. The most iconic event is the Basset Bash, where the finest Basset Hounds in the city compete for the “Best Waddle” and “Longest Ears” awards. There’s nothing like it anywhere else. If you’re in the mood to get out of the city, you’re in luck. Woodinville is surrounded by lush, green forests, and the locals love to take advantage of the easy access to mountain passes. Even within the boundaries of the city, opportunity for adventure abounds. The Sammamish River Trail begins in Redmond, ends in Bothell, and intersects Woodinville in between. Shaded by tall trees, it is perfect for running, biking, or even horseback riding. As the name suggests, this trail runs along the Sammamish River, and many locals take to the water to paddleboard or kayak here.

You'll Fall In Love With: 
You can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience every weekend.

This city’s edibles and potables are their claim to fame, and for good reason. Tucked neatly in Woodinville’s industrial area, The PicNic Table is a hidden treasure that perfectly complements the Woodinville wine tasting experience. Their menu of tapas and small plates includes fan favorites such as burrata salad and salmon deviled eggs. The main draw is their to-go basket menu, which includes a selection of snacks to be enjoyed while relaxing on a picnic blanket. Another standout option is the Barking Frog, which is known for its intimate space and outstanding menu. Some favorites include the crab cake benedict for brunch and the egg yolk ravioli for dinner. Don’t forget to make a reservation, as it is popular for special occasions. Woodinville has come a long way from its humble beginnings, blossoming into a destination neighborhood with an unrivaled quality of life. But even though Woodinville today is a far cry from its one-stoplight history, you’ll still find a small-town simplicity that’s easy to fall in love with. Plan a visit, and you’ll soon see why the most discerning of us are proud to call Woodinville home. Now that’s something to toast to!

• All pictures and content provided by Compass