Januik / Novelty Hill - winery visit review

Januik and Novelty Hill share a new space in Woodinville constructed of glass, wood, steel, and lots and lots of concrete, with a garden and a bocce ball area. The winery, constructed by the same Seattle architecture firm that designed the Salish Lodge and the Barking Frog in Woodinville, is one of those structures you either love or hate. Personally, I didn't think the building was done - and then it opened and still looked like that! But I live near the winery and have been driving by it almost every day, and the structure is growing on me. (Note: both contributors to this blog live in Woodinville, Washington, home to many of the state's wineries and tasting rooms).

Januik and Novelty Hill are two independent wineries that share the same winemaker, Mike Januik - formerly of Chateau Ste Michelle. Mike started Novelty Hill in 1999 and also serves as a consultant to Stillwater Creek Vineyard in Royal City, Washington. He has been making wines in Washington State since 1983.

I personally am not crazy about any of their current wines, but the winery is well worth a visit. It has been crowded when I have been there, and is often used for private events, but is generally open daily from 11 to 5. Tastings range from $5 to $15 and you shouldn't expect to interact with the winemaker or get a lot of personal attention, but the building itself is fascinating to wander around in, and the wine is certainly good. To be fair, some of the wines I've tasted there are no doubt meant to be cellared for some time, but another issue for me seemed to be that the wines were not being served at proper temperatures, which is a problem many wineries have when they are crowded and trying to do tastings. You may very well like the wines better than I have so far.

No appointment required. Located next to the soon-to-move Columbia Winery in Woodinville (their lease is up in April - visit while you still can) and close to Chateau Ste Michelle. Go check out the little tavern across the street, too. And if you need to cleanse your pallet, the Red Hook brewery is also within walking distance.

http://www.januikwinery.com
14710 Woodinville-Redmond Road NE
Woodinville, Washington 98072

Columbia Valley Tasting – $5 per person
Taste four wines – including Novelty Hill and Januik selections

Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting – $10 per person
Taste four of our featured cabernet sauvignons including Novelty Hill and Januik selections

Single Vineyard & Reserve Tasting – $15 per person
Mix and match. Choose four Single Vineyard and Reserve wines