J. Bookwalter Tasting Studio Woodinville — Attraction in Woodinville

Overview: Good wine tasting room. It seems to be among the more popular ones in the Woodinville wine tasting area. They cater to both casual and serious wine drinkers. They serve snacks as well. They have indoor and outdoor seating, overlooking a parking lot and street.

Context: We went around 4 PM on a summer Saturday.

Tastings: They have three tiers of 2 oz. wine tastings - $12 basic tier (3 wines), $20 luxury tier (4-5 wines), $20 premium tier (2 wines, special single vineyard of $100+ wines).

The glasses are tapered at the top and made all of the wines smell perfumey. Wafting is probably the best way to smell the wines. The basic tier is either all white and rosé, all red, or a mix. The wines were quite nice, with balanced acidity and body. We were told that all of the wines were produced by a guy who is leaving to start his own vineyard. Starting next year, wine profiles may be different, but I am optimistic about quality. The luxury tier was comparable to the basic tier in terms of quality (in my opinion). The main difference seemed to be that the luxury tier wines were mostly from single or few vineyards while the basic tier usually had fruit from various vineyards. The premium tier consisted of primarily (95%+) cabernet sauvignon wines that were picked from single vineyards from grapes that were grown closest to the wine (meaning ripest grapes). At $10 per pour, these wines may seem expensive, but for the two wines we tried you could definitely taste the differences in terroir. Just completely different profiles for very similar compositions. I highly recommend this tasting for wine lovers.

Value: These prices were comparable to other wine rooms in the area - ~$4 per pour, or $20 for 4-5 wines. Wine rooms usually waive a tasting with the purchase of a certain amount of bottles. 3 bottles to waive a basic tasting or $50+ purchase of wine to waive a luxury tasting. The value isn't as great on these deals as at other places (which is usually the purchase of a single or two wines of any price waives a tasting).

Service: Water was initially stingy, but once we started asking for water more aggressively, they came by and gave us more more frequently. :) Our server was fairly knowledgeable about the winery and some of the wines, but you can find spec sheets online for the basic wines and they will provide paper copies for the luxury and premium wines upon request. All of the workers were constantly moving and busy, but they seemed to enjoy the work. We were kindly told that outside food was not allowed, but they sell their own nuts and small snacks as well.

Overall: We ended up buying 3 bottles of wine. Most wines were dry or semi-dry styles and acidity was balanced very well. We would go again, despite the busy-ness because all of the wines were delicious. Service was good overall, but I think they should invest in a water tank. 4.5/5...

My husband and I spontaneously decided to try a wine tasting in the Woodinville area and blindly picked this place. Well, we are HOOKED! The outdoor seating is pretty scenic during sunset, though cold. We chose the Reader wine tasting for our first time. Our server, Josh, is so friendly and energetic and just ON IT! He brings wines like clockwork and takes time to explain each one so we know what to look for. This was only our second wine tasting so that’s very helpful. The wines themselves are tasty, smooth, and distinct. We actually went away with a bottle of their merlot. It was so enjoyable to sit in the crisp Fall sunset, drinking new local wines and reflecting on life. We heard from another patron that their wine club is actually worth trying as well so we might hop on that. Thank...

I am not some Food & Wine judging lavish jerkwad - but I know my great wine, and J Bookwalter's reds are very, very good. I usually skip the lower tier tastings at most places (do the same here) and instead go for what is purported to be the best work of an establishment. You will be pleasantly surprised with what you find here in that respect. Yes, I know you can buy certain bottles of theirs at Costco, but those aren't the ones I am spending time to write a review about. Disclaimer: to get into the best bottles of wine here, you're spending north of $80, with my faves being around $110. If that isn't your thing and you're in Woodinville, have no fear, there is a 7-11 fully stocked with 4 Lokos and Monterey Jack Taquitos just outside of the...