Patterson Cellars

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
LOCATION : Hollywood District
HOURS (as of April 2023): Sun-Thurs 11am-8pm, Fri & Sat 11am-9pm
TASTING FEE (as of April 2023): $20 (mixed flight)

I’d imagine quite a few visitors find themselves at Patterson Cellars for the same reason I did; in a neighborhood where most doors are closed by 6pm Patterson is open relatively late, with its neighbor Vivi Pizzeria offering a steady stream of dinnertime patrons to both Patterson and its next-door neighbor Gorman Winery. The comely building that houses all three is charmingly Italianate, complete with a covered patio and vine-covered pergola. Step inside Patterson, and the vibes are somewhere between modern-Euro and dyed-in-the-wool Washington, with thick wooden surfaces and thoughtfully polished shelves.

But of course, it's the wines themselves that are the real stars of the show. The eponymous winemaker, John Patterson, is known for his new-world wines that strive to showcase the best of each Washington vintage. John’s combination of science and art produces a quiet alchemy that results in wines that are both elegant and approachable, with a diverse range of varietals and blends to choose from.

Some standout offerings include Patterson’s Forbidden series, a remarkably affordable collection with (caveat: wine taste is subjective) astronomical value for money. The series includes a red, a white, a bubby, and a rosé; though there is a three bottle minimum purchase on the Forbidden series, I doubt many patrons long for fewer. Patterson is also known for their clear and light rosé of Cabernet Franc—a crisp and refined bottle perfect for a summer day on the patio— their two dessert wines (a Port-style and a late-harvest) and multiple luxury sparklings. For the diverse palate that enjoys a little bit of everything, Patterson exceeds the bar.

Though the winery does not own their own vineyards,** they source from some of the best—including such notable names as Quintessence, Red Willow and Seven Hills—and also operate a local custom crush facility where smaller winery operations can use Patterson equipment and consultation to produce their own batches of wine.

[**CORRECTION: As of 2023 Patterson does own its own vineyard; Whistling Hills in the Southside District of Walla Walla. The brand now sources some of their own fruit.]

In addition to the aforementioned diversity and quality of the wines, the standout of a visit to Patterson Cellars’ Hollywood tasting room is the camaraderie among the visitors. This is truly the heart of Woodinville—one can look out the front door and across the Sammamish Valley to (on a good day) Mount Rainier—and Patterson has established itself as the spiritual heart of the place as well. You’re as likely to meet winemakers and tasting room managers here as you are everyday people, and they have stories to tell.

Bottles range in price from $12-55, shockingly affordable for the quality of the wine. Reservations are neither required nor accepted at the Hollywood tasting room (except for club members and special events). Food is available, both from the winery itself and at the pizzeria next door, and Patterson has a robust food-and-wine pairing program for those that book via their website. If you’d like to visit this spirited hometown winery, let us know in your pre-tour survey and we will be sure not to miss it.

Salut, and enjoy Woodinville!