When I can't get out to connect to the people and places making wine in the Pacific Northwest, where do I turn? Or when I want something different from the experience provided in a winery or at a tasting event, where do I go? A local wine bar!

Seattle has been fertile ground for wine bars over the past few years. In fact, I was surprised to see how many new places have sprung up after reading an article entitled, Wine of the Times, in Seattle Metropolitan magazine.

I've had the opportunity to dine at a variety of wine bars around town and have always come away impressed with the wine experience they provide. In fact, I believe that wine bars have an increasing advantage over many tasting rooms in wine country. Why? Because most wine bars offer good food, a broad wine selection, and better service.

First of all, there is nothing better than sampling new wines or revisiting old favorites while eating food. I subscribe to the credo, "wine is food", and nothing beats enjoying a glass of wine while eating something that complements it. Unfortunately, many wineries equate food with a bowl full of crackers on the tasting room bar. Fortunately, some wineries are starting to distinguish themselves by offering snacks, appetizers or the full meal deal to visitors.

I also enjoy the broad selection of wines by the glass. It allows you to compare the same varietals and vintages from different parts of the world. Have you ever tasted a glass of Yakima Valley syrah compared to one containing only Walla Walla fruit? How about a glass of Willamette Valley pinot noir versus one made from Santa Barbara County grapes? Or a glass of Columbia Valley sangiovese against an old world Chianti Classico?

Granted, winemaking style (e.g., harvest timing, choice of yeast, type of oak, etc.) can influence differences in taste. But if you have two wines of the same fruit, harvested in the same year and essentially made in the same way, you can taste the difference. That difference is called terroir, and understanding this aspect of any wine is a great way to go beyond the bottle. And one of the easiest ways to taste this for yourself is at your local wine bar.

Finally, I enjoy the service wine bars provide. A good example of this would be The Purple Cafe, where I have have always had a great service experience. It's clear these folks know what they are doing when it comes to wine. The wait staff is very knowledgeable and experienced from having sampled many of the wines themselves. Whenever a new taste, flight, or bottle is ordered, wine glasses are replaced with new ones suitable to whatever your drinking.

And best of all, The Purple Cafe is fun, like many other wine bars in Seattle. What better way to experience a multitude of wine from around the world or the Pacific Northwest, than tasting by the glass? You won't find high-brow attitudes here or anything that might make you feel intimidated. You are encouraged to sample, to experiment, to try something different.

The wine bar's focus on discovery is what drinking wine is and should always be about. So, when you're seeking a unique way to connect to wine, albeit by the glass, head to a local wine bar and give it a try.

Salute!
Thad