On the eve of Thanksgiving, there are a lot of things to be thankful for.
Good local wine, for one.
We tapped the island’s grape experts for their top picks to glug down with turkey.
With the multi-hour grazing you’ll be doing, you’ve got a great excuse to try them all.
Amelia Wynn Winery: 2014 Riesling
Paul Bianchi recommends a dry to off-dry Riesling for the traditional menu, complete with turkey and hearty sides. Fun fact: Riesling is the no. 1 grape in our state, and, according to Bianchi, Amelia Wynn is the only winery on Bainbridge that makes Riesling wine. $20 at the Island Vintners tasting room and the winery, 9974 NE Point View Drive.
Bainbridge Vineyards: 2014 Pinot Gris
“This crisp, dry wine greets you with floral aromas and flavors of nectarine and Asian pear, finishing with delicate notes of cream and lime.” Says worker-owner Robin Bodony: “The bright and citrusy whites pair well with turkey, and they’re a fresh contrast on the palette to some of the richer dishes we tend to prepare for Thanksgiving.” $22 at the winery, 8989 Day Road NE, the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market and Bay Hay & Feed.
Eagle Harbor Wine Company: 2012 Founders Merlot
If you want to forgo the standard white wine and pair a red with your spread, Emily Parsons suggests her 2012 Founders Merlot. It shows lots of fruits — blueberry, Bing cherry and elderberry — and has a deep, rich flavor that can be enjoyed throughout your turkey dinner, she says. $40 at its tasting room, 278 Winslow Way East.
Eleven Winery: 2014 Late Harvest Viognier
From Stephanie Bell, Eleven’s Wine Club Manager: “In your mouth it’s an epiphany of super-ripe pear, peach and melon, dissolving into an intense desire to take another sip! This is a great wine for a Thanksgiving dessert or any time you are having pie. Or want to pretend you are having pie. Or just want an amazing, not-too-sweet drop of dessert in a glass.” $20 at its tasting room, 287 Winslow Way East, and the winery, 7671 NE Day Road.
Fletcher Bay Winery: Hidden Cove White
Fletcher Bay Winery owner Jim Wilford thinks his Hidden Cove White is the right pick for your holiday table. This wine, 86 percent Pinot Grigio and 14 percent Semillon, “has a slight bit of sweetness which lends itself to many of the traditional side dishes,” he said. “The crispness and balanced acidity work well with turkey, mashed potatoes, garlic and sauces. $19 at the winery, 9415 Copper Top Loop NE.
Perennial Vintners: 2013 Lemburger
“This light-bodied, fruit forward red wine is robust enough that it stands up well to almost all the traditional dishes, but the lower tannins and fresh flavors lend a complementary note that balance against the rich foods,” says Perennial Vintners Executive Chef Andrew MacMillen. “It’s great served with roast turkey, duck or goose.” $21 at the winery, 8840 NE Lovgreen Road, and Town & Country.
Rolling Bay Winery: 2014 Chardonnay Reserve
Rolling Bay Winery’s Chardonnay Reserve has plenty of savory spices with notes of lemon and honey that complement spicy holiday flavors, says owner Alphonse deKlerk.“The weight, volume and texture of this wine works well with pumpkin soup, mushrooms and root potatoes.” $36 at the winery, 10314 Beachcrest Drive, and Bay Hay & Feed.
Want to meet the makers? All the wineries will be open for tours and tasting from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Nov. 29. (This only happens about 10 times a year.) Space is limited; parties of six or more are encouraged to break up into smaller groups to ensure that they receive the highest level of service. Info: Visit www.bainbridgewineries.com.
