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Signature Wines and Wineries of Washington
the resident winemaker and co-owner. The wine sold out quickly,
and it became apparent that it was time for Brian to establish
his own winery. In 2004, he started Brian Carter Cellars, and
released the full line of Brian Carter Wines in 2006, the same
year the winery's tasting room opened in Woodinville. Located
in a charming old home in a prominent location in Woodinville's
Hollywood area, the tasting room offers guests the chance to
sample selections while relaxing on the deck and enjoying views
of the Sammamish River agricultural area and Mt. Rainier. Wine
Club members are able to enjoy a private tasting room offering
member exclusive wine selections.
Each year, Brian and fellow winemaker, Robert Takahashi, bring
in up to 20 different varietals to craft 10 or more different wines,
offering something for just about any taste. Abracadabra is an
enchanting red blend whose "magic" comes from a different
varietal mix each year, depending on the characteristics of the
vintage's harvest. Blended from traditional red grape varieties,
it's anything but traditional.
TOP LEFT: All of Brian Carter's grapes are hand-picked, hand-sorted, and
punched down by hand.
Photograph by Carol Hook
BELOW LEFT: Todd Newhouse and Brian Carter inspecting Tempranillo
grapes while pondering how they can make these great grapes even greater.
Photograph by Richard Duvall.
ABOVE: Brian Carter walking amongst the vines to determine the timing of
harvesting this year's crop.
Photograph by Richard Duvall
FACING PAGE; Our Oriana pairs well with scallops like these expertly
prepared by Tandem Wine Bar in Woodinville.
Photograph by Richard Duvall