In The Seattle Times today, Paul Gregutt profiles a number of Woodinville wineries getting their start in an often overlooked industrial section of town, which locals refer to as " 'Hoodinville". Gregutt's article, Grapes and Grit in Woodinville helps reveal a dozen or more 'Hoodinville wineries that are worth checking out on your next visit to the area.

I had the opportunity to visit a few of these wineries last Fall, making stops at Covington Cellars and Chatter Creek Winery. Whatever these wineries lack in terms of setting, they make up for in providing generous hospitality and some really good wines. More often than not, the person pouring your wine is the same individual who crafted it.

After reading Gregutt's article, I am going to head out to 'Hoodinville soon to visit more wineries, as I am eager to meet more folks and discover more wines coming out of this special community. If you are planning a visit as well, please note that the map above (courtesy of Woodinville Wine Country) has not been updated to include all of the wineries featured in Gregutt's article.

You won't need a map, however, for most of the 'Hoodinville wineries are concentrated in an area that can easily be walked. In fact, there is something to be said for stumbling upon one or more of these places and seeing what you might discover inside their tasting room.