🍽️ Sips, Bites, and Scenic Surprises: A Spirited Day from Woodinville to Seattle

🧭 About This Trip

Every now and then, a day comes along that isn’t planned to perfection — and turns out perfect anyway. From bourbon wings and whiskey tastings to waterfront views and unexpected detours, our adventure through Woodinville and Seattle was one of those magical, meandering days full of flavor, fun, and fabulous people.

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🍗 Starting Slow with Bourbon & Wings in Woodinville

We eased into the day with a relaxed morning before heading to Woodinville, Washington — a town known for its award-winning distilleries and wineries nestled in a lush, wine-country setting just 30 minutes from Seattle.

First stop: The Hollywood Tavern, located right on the grounds of Woodinville Whiskey Co. And let me just say — if you’ve never had Cajun Bourbon Wings while surrounded by barrels of aging whiskey, you haven’t truly lived. Bold, spicy, sticky, and unforgettable.

After lunch, we strolled next door to Woodinville Whiskey Co. to sample their signature bourbon and rye whiskey. 🥃

Fun Fact: Woodinville Whiskey Co. sources its grains from a small family farm in Eastern Washington and ages its whiskey in air-dried American oak barrels — creating bold, complex flavors that rival Kentucky classics.

While their bourbon and vodka were top-notch, it was their bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup that stole my heart. Yes, you read that right. Maple syrup, aged in bourbon barrels. We may have walked in empty-handed, but we left with arms full of bottles and smiles. 🥰

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🍷 A Quick Stop at Dossier Winery

Just a mile and a half down the road, we popped into Dossier Winery, a stylish little tasting room that felt like a hidden gem.

We sampled several elegant wines and fell in love with their Viognier— floral and crisp — and a rich, smooth Cabernet Sauvignon that begged to be paired with a cozy evening by the fire. 🔥

Fun Fact #1: Dossier’s name and label design are inspired by travel and storytelling, with each bottle representing a chapter in a winemaker’s journey — and honestly, it felt like we were writing our own story with every sip.

Fun Fact #2: Dossier Wine is co-owned by former NFL wide receiver Sidney Rice and real estate developer Tim Lenihan. The duo launched the winery in 2021 with a vision of creating world-class wines that reflect the uniqueness of Washington State and a shared passion for storytelling—offering luxury wine that emphasizes quality, the rich potential of local vineyards, and an adventurous spirit that celebrates both the land and the journey. 🍷🏈

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🍕 Pepperoni & Honey Pizza? Yes, Please!

Next, we headed to downtown Seattle for dinner at Von’s Gustobistro— a funky, delicious stop known for their sourdough everything.

We ordered their famous Pepperoni & Honey Sourdough Pizza, and wow — the sweet-savory combo on that tangy crust was out of this world. Add it to your foodie bucket list immediately. 🍯🍕

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🌊 Pier 66 Detour & Drinks at Anthony’s

We made our way to Pier 66 with tickets in hand for a romantic sunset cruise… only to find it had been canceled. But in true travel spirit, we turned lemons into lemonade — or rather, calamari and cocktails at Anthony’s Pier 66.

We grabbed a seat with a view, ordered drinks and crispy calamari, and were lucky enough to be served by Kristen, one of the best waitresses we’ve had in ages — warm, funny, and effortlessly fabulous. 🍸🦑

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🥃 One Last Stop: Northwest Spirits

Not ready to call it a night, we made one more stop: Northwest Spirits, a family-owned distillery with a deep generational story and a sleek, modern tasting space.

There, we met Bryn, who had only been on the job for three days, but you’d never know it. He welcomed us with such confidence and knowledge that it felt like he’d been part of the family for years.

Fun Fact: Northwest Spirits is operated by the Wicker family — fourth-generation entrepreneurs who bring heart and heritage to every bottle. Their passion is palpable in every sip and story.

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📌 Plan Your Woodinville & Seattle Spirits Day

Best Time to Visit:
Spring to fall for sunshine and patio sipping; winter for cozy tasting rooms 🌤️❄️

Where to Stay:

• Woodmark Hotel (Kirkland) or
• A boutique hotel in downtown Seattle for easy access 🏨

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🌟 Top Experiences:

• Bourbon wings at Hollywood Tavern
• Whiskey tasting at Woodinville Whiskey Co.
• Wine flights at Dossier Winery
• Pizza at Von’s Gustobistro
• Calamari at Anthony’s Pier 66
• Spirits and stories at Northwest Spirits

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💡 Don’t Miss:

• The bourbon maple syrup at Woodinville Whiskey Co. 🥞
• Meeting the incredible staff along the way — they truly made the day shine ✨

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💬 Final Thought:

Some of the best adventures are the ones that unfold as you go — no strict schedules, just great drinks, great food, and even greater company. From wings to whiskey and sunsets to surprises, this day reminded us that the journey itself is the destination. 🧭🍷🌆