Capitol Hill’s Cork House

Squeezed next to Moe Bar and Sweat Box Yoga studio is Capitol Hill’s first and only winery.

By Grace Geiger December 13, 2010

0111_dining_corkhouse_0

This article originally appeared in the January 2011 issue of Seattle magazine.

Squeezed next to Moe Bar and Sweat Box Yoga studio is Capitol Hill’s first and only winery, Cork House (1421 10th Ave.; 206.323.2675; corkhousewines.com). Travis Scarborough (of O’Shea Scarborough Winery) and Josh Fletcher opened the tasting room in September to showcase their locally made blends.

The Vibe
The décor is a welcoming “recycled chic,” including a table made from an old door (knobs and hinges still attached). Wooden wine barrels, stainless steel accents and dim candle lighting awhere knowledgeable pourers happily guide first-time tasters and experienced palates alike. Early evenings promise a seasoned, quieter crowd looking to sip and chat, but later on, expect 20-somethings to stumble in from nearby hipster haunts.  

The Food
There isn’t much on the menu—mini burgers, a charcuterie plate, cheese and olives—making Cork House a likely pre- or post-meal stop. Those needing heartier fare are welcome to bring in takeout.

The Drinks
Cork House and O’Shea Scarborough wines, all made from eastern Washington grapes and bottled in Seattle (Cork House) and Tukwila (O’Shea Scarborough), come in three tasting flights: Cork House reds ($5), O’Shea Scarborough whites ($7) and O’Shea Scarborough reds ($10). Tastings are free if you buy a bottle of Cork House ($15–$55). Beer drinkers can choose from local Elysian and Hale’s brews.

The Bathrooms
Stark but clean, the unisex room features wood accents, a deep porcelain sink and a false ceiling backlit with an orange glow.

 

Follow Us