2014 Homme Nu

Let’s start Spring 2018 off with a ferryboat ride across Elliott Bay. There are at least 7 different wineries on Bainbridge Island, open and ready to share their labor of love with you. Don’t want to drive your car on? No problem! Walk on the boat and stroll into downtown Winslow where you will find a handful of tasting rooms.

On a recent adventure tasting the wines of Bainbridge, I discovered a new favorite, The Eagle Harbor Wine Company. They specialize in small production red Bordeaux varietals and also produce a few white wines including Chardonnay and Viognier. Tasting thru the lineup, it seems each wine is your favorite and can’t imagine the next wine being better than the one you are currently enjoying. Every wine shines as a balanced and impressive work of art.

A favorite of mine was the 2014 Homme Nu, a classic Super Tuscan. The Homme Nu is a blend of 60% Sangiovese, and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley. First you get the aromas of spices and chocolate covered cherries. On the palate comes a punch of black pepper as well as bright fresh cherries. Every time I have a Super Tuscan blend I always want to pair it with pasta. The Homme Nu is no exception it would be delicious paired with classic lasagna.

The current owner and winemaker Emily Parsons definitely has a passion for wine and winemaking.  She started off helping the founder of Eagle Harbor Wine Company after she tasted a bottle of his wine. In 2014 founder Hugh Remash passed the torch to Emily and she is now continuing his legacy by creating high quality delicious wines on Bainbridge Island. 

You can visit Eagle Harbor Wine Company at two great locations; their tasting room is an easy walk from the ferry dock, right in downtown Winslow. If you drive on, visit the winery less than 2 miles from the dock. They’ll welcome you in and you will find it hard to pick a favorite wine, but at less than $30 the Homme Nu is a must have.

If you visit the Winery location make sure you walk across the parking lot to L’Atelier TR. Recently opened in September 2017 chef Tamas Ronyai crafts hand-made (and to-die-for!) chocolates and pastries. If you want only their best creation, get their amazing waffle with chocolate sauce and whipped cream, it’s seriously heaven on a plate.

January is dark and damp here in Seattle and we all seem to daydream of escaping to an island far away. Bainbridge Island might not be Hawaii with the warmth and sun we are all missing but it is a lot easier to get to.  Take a day trip this weekend and try the wine at Eagle Harbor Wine Co. and the Chocolates and Waffles at L’Atelier TR you will then day dream of your next day trip to Bainbridge Island.