Rosés In The Rain City
As a teenager, I spent two summers in Biarritz, a surfer town tucked in the southwest corner of France. On hot days, we'd cool off with pitchers of rosé at beachside cafés. Served with ice to temper the booze, I was giddy that the French opted for wine over Coke as a thirst-quenching beverage. And, that 15-year olds could order alcohol sans problème.
Each time the temperature rises, I'm ready to recreate this rosé tradition. With Seattle pretty in pink blossoms, the city is primed for pink wine. From Bandol to Tavel, here's where to pop open a bouteille. Santé!
In a charming Madrona craftsman, Bottlehouse is part wine shop, part tasting room, all joie de vivre. Helmed by Henri Shock, his wife, Soni, and a savvy staff of wine geeks, Bottlehouse serves a rotating selection of European and domestic rosés. As they recently tweeted, the just-opened patio has kicked off the #summerofrosé. Whittle away the afternoon al fresco at their weekday happy hour from 3-6pm.
New bar on the block, Le Caviste, is sommelier David Butler's downtown gem. After he honed his oenological chops at French stalwarts Le Pichet, Le Gourmand, and Campagne, Butler opened Le Caviste to bring a Parisian-style wine bar to the Pacific Coast. Equally affable and educational, David delights customers with his all-French wine menu. Nibbles include charcuterie and AOC fromages.
Hidden below Pike Place Market, Paris Grocery is a Francophile foodie's dream shop. At this Gallic sister to the gourmet grocer Spanish Table, wines from Provence and Languedoc-Rousillon, France's rosé region, have just landed, like Jean-Marc Lafage's Miraflors. For a picnic along Elliott Bay, pack your bag with mouthwatering provisions, like chèvre, olives, pâtés, and Macrina Bakery baguettes.