The fall weather brings an element of unpredictability when venturing out to enjoy the best that Western Washington has to offer. Residents and visitors alike need to add versatility to their arsenal to thrive in any situation. Marrowstone Vineyards may be the perfect destination for those ready to embrace every day no matter what nature brings.
Located on Marrowstone Island, just southeast of Port Townsend, Marrowstone Vineyards was originally founded in 2012 and is now owned by James and Amy Holloway. The sole winemaker is James Holloway, who sources some of the best grapes in Washington and believes that good fruit needs minimal intervention. The location provides the best of the peaceful outdoors and scenic views and a spacious tasting room where there are always events and fun activities to create special memories this autumn.
Take the time to ease into the season as Marrowstone’s Summer Music Series continues with live music on Sept. 6 and 7. As the summer season winds down, September usually has those can’t-miss days of warm sunshine balanced with slightly earlier sunsets. This is perfect for afternoon strolls around the grounds with furrier members of the family (on leash, of course) or relaxing in the sun.
While at it, enjoy a glass of 2023 viognier with notes of pear, peach and apricot to give yourself a sample of the notes of a bountiful harvest. Or celebrate with a toast to the changing seasons as you sip a glass of the winery’s sparkling wine. This one is a collaboration between Marrowstone Vineyards and its neighbors at Finnriver Cidery, makings for a light, off-dry treat. This vinous cider features roussanne grapes co-fermented with pear varietals.
Follow up this perfect afternoon by gathering at the firepit when the sunset brings cooler evening temperatures. A favorite for fireside sipping is the medium-bodied GSM, which is always sure to keep the conversation lively with its dark berry and earthy notes.
Putting a few visits to Marrowstone Vineyards on the calendar for September and even into October means no guarantees for sunshine, but a picnic inside or out is a great idea. You can find local food options on the way at Nordland General Store or AJAX Café. Depending on your preference, get some grab-and-go sandwiches and wraps at Nordland or pick up braised brisket at AJAX and enjoy at Marrowstone Vineyards.
You can easily mix and match a fun family picnic in the tasting room or the perfect dinner date in the upstairs, adults-only lounge. For the picnic, you’ll want to share a bottle of the 2022 dry riesling, which also pairs well with seafood and Thai, or savor the bursts of lemon and key lime pie flavors in the 2023 sauvignon blanc. No matter what your appetite suggests for dinner, the pairing options abound with the malbec, petite sirah or 2020 Zachary James cabernet sauvignon, all vying as possibilities that will make for a memorable evening.
An opportunity to see a break in the rain and get some fresh air — while taking in the views of the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound — could present itself even on a wet day. If it does, your go-to glass in this situation is undoubtedly the sangiovese from 2021, newly released at the end of summer. It has a medium mouthfeel, flavors of berries and a pleasant acidity that can part the clouds. This one is a slightly lower-alcohol red that will have you ready for what comes next rather than packing it in for the day.
Whatever fall brings, it will pass by in a flash, and you’ll be staring down the holidays before you are fully ready. Fortunately, there will be festivities you won’t want to miss on the Marrowstone Vineyards calendar then as well. The winery will host live music in the winter and bring back bingo night. Wreaths and Wine is a fun time each year in late November and early December, kicking off the holidays with a hands-on wreath-making workshop.
Keep an eye on the social media posts and MarrowstoneVineyards.com to avoid missing out or having your calendar fill up too quickly with other obligations. A trip to Marrowstone Vineyards a few times will not disappoint.
Comments