MikeL's Guide to WA Wineries
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Production: 2000 cases/year
Vineyards: no estate; grapes purchased from LaCenter, Columbia Valley
History:
E. B. Foote Winery was started in 1978 by Eugene B. Foote. Gene, a Boeing engineer, ran the winery as an evenings and weekends project. Gene focused on European style dry white wines. He won many medals for his early wines, and the Walter J. Clore award for his winemaking skills. The winery's first location was in an industrial park near the Duwamish River, close to Gene's work at Boeing. In 1983 Gene moved the facility to an industrial building in South Park. In 1987 a car accident left Gene with back pain, preventing him from making wine, though he continued to sell wine from the winery.
In 1991, Rich and Sherrill came to the winery as customers, and talked in great detail with Gene, who by this time wished to sell the winery and build his retirement home in New Mexico. They were so taken with the place, they bought it, as Gene convinced them that he could teach them to make wine, and he did so for nearly a year. In Fall 1991, Gene moved to warmer climes, and they secured Wayne Marcil of Northwest Wine Consultants for ongoing help.
Sherrill and Rich plan to use the winery as their retirement. Both hope to retire from their day jobs in 5 to 8 years, and look forward to dedicating their full efforts to the winery.
In July 1999, they've moved from the South Seattle site to a much more attractive retail area in Burien.
The Wines: Current releases (FEb 2004)
Whites:
- (none)
- 2002 Syrah
Fruity in the Australian style with plenty of blackberry and pepper character. Aged only 6 months in older French barrels. $16/btl - 2002 Zinfandel
A big, mouthfilling Zin with raspberry and cherry character. Forward fruit and soft oak character carry through to the finish. $16/btl - 2000 Merlot A wonderful example of Washington's finest grapes. Silver Medal from the Northwest Wine Summit judging and an "Excellent" rating from WinePress Northwest. Rich and full bodied with plenty of chocolate and coffee character. An elegant, complex finish. $16/btl
- 2001 Merlot Velvety in texture with wild berry, cherry, and chocolate character. A mouthfilling wine showing a pleasant touch of smoke and leather on the long finish. $16/btl
- Rainy Day Red
A blend of 80% Syrah from 2002 and 20% Cabernet from 2001. A spicy, peppery wine with depth of complexity. Great on a rainy day! $16/btl - 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon, Graves Vineyard
A lively, robust wine with plenty of licorice, coffee and ripe cherries. Hints of currant and plum tease the palate. Well balanced between complex fruits and toasted oak. $16/btl - 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon RESERVE, Conner Lee Vineyard
A gorgeous mouthful of berry fruit, chocolate and spice with currant and plum flavors that echo on the palate. It finishes with oak, toast and spice. A stunning example of a Reserve Cabernet. $35/btl
- (none)
Winemakers:
Eugene B. Foote 1978-1991
Sherrill Miller 1991-present
Rich Higginbotham 1991-present
Of special note:
Events 2003, Events 2004
The winery features a Spring Barrel tasting and a Christmas Open House each year. The barrel tasting is usually held the first weekend in May. Barrel samples from the current vintages are offered along with an array of appetizers that complement the wines. The Christmas open house is held the first weekend of December and new wines are release at that time. Call the winery for details on either event.
2002 Christmas Open House Thursday & Friday, December 5 & 6, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Saturday & Sunday, December 7 & 8, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Sample our current and new releases along with hors d' oeuvres. New gift ideas and new wines release. Scheduled for release: 00 Merlot, 01 Zinfandel (very limited quantity!)
2003 Something's A-Foote! Breeders Theater Presents Jan. 17 - 20, 24 - 26, Jan. 31 - Feb. 2 Friday, Saturday and Monday evenings at 7:00 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM Join us for live theater at the winery. A local, professional theater group puts on original comedy plays between wine tasting and food. Tickets are $20 per person and include wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, and the play. Tickets available at the winery beginning Nov. 1, 2002. Adult humor, no profanity. Call for more information.
Red Wine and Chocolate Friday, February 7, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Saturday & Sunday, February 8 & 9, 11:00 am - 7:00 PM Enjoy dozens of chocolates along with our current and newly released red wines. Scheduled for release: 01 Syrah
Spring Barrel Tasting Thursday & Friday, May 1 & 2, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Saturday & Sunday, May 3 & 4, 11:00 am - 7:00 PM Taste the future! A barrel sample of a future release will be available along with samples of our current releases and hors d'oeuvres. Scheduled for release: white wines
Something's A-Foote! Breeders Theater Presents July 11 - 13, 18 - 20, 25 - 26 Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM Join us for live theater at the winery. A local, professional theater group puts on original comedy plays between wine tasting and food. Tickets are $20 per person and include wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, and the play. Tickets available at the winery beginning May 1, 2003. Adult humor, no profanity. Call for more information.
Summer Celebration Thursday & Friday, Aug. 7 & 8, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 9 & 10, 11:00 am - 7:00 PM Celebrate the summer with us! Taste current releases along with hors d'oeuvres and receive 20% off all case purchases!
Christmas Open House Thursday & Friday, Dec. 4 & 5, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 6 & 7, 11:00 am - 7:00 PM Sample our current and new releases along with hors d'oeuvres. New gift ideas and new wines released.
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