New to Woodinville Wine Country the 3 Big O’s! From my virtual perch, Tully’s on Hollywood Hill, I have watched as the roundabout construction continued in Wine Country, it’s been a bit like the scene out of the movie “When Harry Met Sally” when Meg Ryan is having lunch at the table with Billy Crystal. I have caught myself laughing out loud saying “O look at that idiot!”, “O did you see that!” as I watch people navigate this new traffic junction called a Roundabout. It not that difficult people! And if you find yourself confused, just fake it like Meg Ryan, go around again until you figure out which direction you are headed. Maybe an roundabout explanation will help.

A roundabout is one of several types of circular road junctions or intersections at which traffic is slowed down and enters a one-way stream around a central island. Roundabouts are fairly new to the US with the first one installed in Summerland Nevada in 1990, so unless you have traveled to Europe or other countries where they are common place you might find yourself a bit confused as to how to navigate this intersection. I have maneuvered through many of them while traveling in winecation in Europe and Australia and I just love them because they keep you moving to the next wine destination!

Let me explain why this I think this is good for Woodinville Wine Country. Have you ever been to Napa Valley? Have you tried navigating Hwy 29 thru Napa Valley? It is a traffic nightmare on the weekends that rivals SFO traffic. Your Napa wine tasting options are to plan visits that zig-zag your way to the Silverado Trail and back to Hwy 29 to visit a decent number of wineries during your stay or stay on Hwy 29 and spend 30min driving 3 miles. Well, Woodinville’s SR202 is getting a huge amount of traffic already and the Wine Village has technically not even started yet. These three roundabouts will be huge in accommodating the future growth of traffic and will leave people with the urge to return to Woodinville Wine Country because they could easily get around and enjoy their wine tasting experience.

Here is a list I created from what I have seen people do numerous times from my virtual office at Tully’s.

Top 5 things not to do in a Roundabout:

#5 When you enter the roundabout it’s a yield, if no one is coming around don’t stop, if you are confused fake it go around again, otherwise it creates a backup quickly.

#4 If you see semi-truck or tour bus in or entering the roundabout Do Not Enter, give them the right away large vehicles barely fit, there is not room for you, remember you have several cases of Washington wine in the car you don’t want smashed!

#3 Don’t forget to use your signal, lets people know you are intentions.

#2 Don’t freak out and panic drive onto the center ring of pavers, This looks to be a sidewalk! This spring it may be filled with wine tasters walking between the wineries in the Hollywood Hills area and if you make me dive for the shrubs with my wine glass we are going to have words.

#1 Don’t turn left onto the roundabout! It’s a counter clockwise roundabout! Follow the signs on the ground or the posts if you miss those then it might be time for a new driver.

Enjoy your time in Woodinville Wine Country 2010 looks to be a great year in wine. Thank you for visiting, please be responsible and don’t drink and drive, designate a driver.

Rich Janshen

Winecation.com

Cost: Cellar Club Members & Guests $25 per person/ $30 for non-club members.
Ticket includes 5 blind wine tasting tokens. Wine by the glass/bottle will be available for purchase.
When: Friday, October 30th 2009 from 6:30 pm-9:00 pm.
Where: In the Columbia Winery Cellar
RSVP online or by calling 425-482-7383.

Cheers

(Note they will be sharing this space with Maison Bleue from Prosser) So we will be back soon:)

Next stop Alexandia Nicole Cellars in the Woodinville warehouse district. As a wine club member we scooted back to the members only area and tasted some great wine. If you have not been here it is a must. ANC’s wine clubs have the best perks.

A great way to fill a couple hours on the weekend blending wine tasting with a little travel, and great friends.
Get out and Winecation!
Cheers
Rich

December 5th and 6th, 2009
11:00am to 4:00pm

Kick off the holiday season on December 5th and 6th with Woodinville Wine Country wineries as they open their doors for the much anticipated annual St. Nick’s Open House. This signature event will provide patrons with the opportunity to sample and purchase wines for holiday entertaining and gift giving from Woodinville’s celebrated wineries.

Isenhower Cellars has opened a tasting room in Woodinville, WA on October 16th! The address is 15007 Woodinville Redmond Rd. Tasting room hours will be Friday-Sunday, Noon-5pm. Come in and check it out!!