By Amberleigh Brownson
Blaine is home to two wineries, did you know? Of course we have GLM Winery, on the outskirts of downtown, but there’s also a second, newer winery in the rural backroads of Blaine off Markworth Road beside Pacific Growers, perched amid a south-facing hill.
Barb and Zach Deloof are owners and operators of Van Vino Vineyards, a vineyard and winery that gets its name from Barb’s father, Dave Van Wingerden, and Dave’s mother’s Italian heritage with “Vino” (the Italian word for wine). They produce both Puget Sound AVA wines and outsource grapes from prestigious Red Mountain AVA, bringing the production home to the westside (a négociant as the French call it).
He is the winemaker; she does the books and socials. He is the scientist; she is the connector. Between the two, they have created a brand that has been worthy of recent accolades, including a 96-point rating for their Red Mountain 2021 Lemberger from the Pacific Northwest Wine Competition and a Best in Class from Seattle Wine Awards for their 2023 estate-grown Gruner Veltliner. Exciting times, to be certain.
Last summer they expanded their vineyard, planting the varietals Siegerrebe, Madeleine Angevine and 3 Pinot Noir clones (667, 777 and 115). They plan on picking the first harvest of the new cultivations in the 2027 season.
Their tasting room is by appointment only, but they hold many special events you may attend if you follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Most recently they offered “Above the Vines” where guests can partake in a helicopter ride over the vineyard (and beyond: over to beautiful Lynden and across to the shoreline) before tasting their expansive lineup of hand-crafted wines; more opportunities await in September, so stay tuned. Starting at $99, I feel it’s a steal of a deal.
Check out the wine club at vanvinovineyard.com, and if you don’t have plans for Saturday, Aug. 22, you can head over to Ferndale’s Downtown Distilled Event from 3-8 p.m., where they will be pouring along with other local wineries and distillers.
Van Vino Vineyards 2025 Sauvignon Blanc — Puget Sound AVA
Tasting notes: Aromas of ripe bartlett pears, honeydew melon and white rose petals encompass before blossoming into a palate of pink grapefruit, kiwi flesh and lady apple with a wonderfully balanced finish of lemon curds. (I give this wine a 95. Seriously, grab some.)
Pairing suggestions: Cucumber yogurt soup, pecorino cheese, chimichurri ahi ahi, lemon meringue macarons
Song pair: “Second Hand News” by Fleetwood Mac
Van Vino Vineyards 2025 Rosé of Pinot Noir — Puget Sound AVA
Tasting notes: Scents of canteloupe, white raspberries, ripe apricots and marigolds precede a mouth full of bright Rainier cherries, fresh-squeezed lemonade and a mandarin finish.
Pairing suggestions: Summer fruit salad, citrus panna cotta, coconut popcorn shrimp, sunchoke bisque, herbed rotisserie chicken
Song pair: “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake
Van Vino Vineyards 2023 Pinot Noir Précoce Reserve Estate Grown — Puget Sound AVA
Tasting notes: Heady scents of hyacinth, nectarine nectar, grape Nerds, roses and charred cinnamon stick introduce layered flavors of cherry cola, Old Spice, strawberry preserves, Craisins and a touch of cayenne on the finish.
Pairing suggestions: Beef teriyaki, pea soup, dark chocolate, lamb gyros, strawberry shortcake.
Song pair: “Dreams” by Van Halen
Van Vino Vineyards 2021 Malbec — Red Mountain AVA
Tasting notes: Complex nose includes violets, young leather, cedar embers with a hint of meatiness. The palate follows with rhubarb, Craisins, green peppercorn and dried red apples on the lingering finish.
Pairing suggestions: Black trumpet mushroom risotto, balsamic braised beef ribs, almond chocolate sponge cake, roasted broccolini
Song pair: “Me & Mr. Jones” by Amy Winehouse
Amberleigh Brownson is the assistant winemaker for Blaine’s GLM Winery (off Boblett Street), an 11-year wine judge and four-time Wine Spectator Award of Excellence recipient.
