"One of the Northwest's emerging superstar wineries." (Wine Press Northwest)
Barrister Winery specializes in the production of limited quantities of Bordeaux varietal wines and Syrah. We will release approximately 3,100 cases in 2010. In addition, we will produce about 250 cases of white wines. Our wines are sold at the winery, through our mailing list and online. A number of the region's finest restaurants and wine shops are also offering our wines to their customers. See the "Find Our Wines" link for a representative listing of restaurants and shops in Washington and north Idaho that carry our wines .
A Little History
Founded in a garage by Greg Lipsker and Michael White, two attorney/winemakers, Barrister Winery is now located in a 100-year-old brick building in the historic Davenport Arts District in downtown Spokane, Washington.
In the fall of 1997, we bought a 5-gallon home-winemaking kit as a whim while vacationing with our families. Since then, winemaking has become the “little hobby” that got out of control.
In 2001, we took the quantum leap from home winemaking to becoming a bonded winery. Initially producing only red wine, we have ventured into small quantities of white, but reds are our specialty. Our grapes come from some of Washington’s most prestigious vineyards (and a couple of sleepers). Our grapes are all hand picked, fermented in small lots and barrel-aged in French and American Oak for 16 to 36 months. Being passionate about our wine, we try to make wine in the style we like to drink. We are striving to produce only premium quality wines. Although it is a business now, it is still a labor of love. Hours and Visiting Tastings - Our tasting room is open Fridays from noon until 6 pm and Saturdays from noon until 5 pm. We invite you to visit our tasting room, meet the winemakers and linger a bit while you explore our wines. There is a $5 tasting fee, but the fee is credited to the purchase of a bottle of wine. Tours - We enjoy developing relationships with each of our customers. We would love to have you come visit the winery. Our production tours are very special. You will be personally guided by either Greg or Michael, learn how our wine is made and taste samples from the barrel. We try to tailor each visit to the interests and knowledge of our guests. Please call if you would like a tour, and we will arrange a time that works for all of us. First Friday - Art in the Alley - 5 to 10 p.m. "FIRST FRIDAY'S BEST STOP" (Sunset Magazine, February 2009) On "First Friday" of each month, we invite you to join us for art, music, food, and, of course, wine! Each month, we feature the work of a different artist. You can meet the artist in person at the artist's reception from 5-7 pm. From 7-10 pm, enjoy accoustic blues by "Lonesome" Lyle Morse. Beacon Hill Events and Catering offers a buffet of bistro style food for sale, and you can enjoy our award winning wines by the glass or by the bottle. A great way to spend the early evening - a little slice of Europe, right in Spokane. March 5, 2010 Artist: Bart DeGraaf - "Frogs, Ravens and Wine, Oh My." We welcome the return of Bart DeGraaf and his whimsical watercolors. Bart's paintings reflect his passion for color, texture, movement and design. The art exhibit will continue through the month of March on Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 5 pm. Upcoming "First Friday " Art Exhibits April 2- Jeannine Fruci and Ned Fox May 7 - Tim Lord (yes, Tim's back and it promises to be bigger and better than his last show!!!) June 4- Rob Harper Your Special Events We are now booking the winery and our barrel room on a limited basis for special events: All events at the winery are coordinated through and catered by Beacon Hill Events and Catering. If you are looking for that unique venue for a special occasion, we may be just what you are looking for. Call (509) 482-3556 for information, availability and pricing. Finding Us
Our address is 1213 W. Railroad Avenue. We are between Adams and Jefferson Streets and between First and Second Avenues, immediately South of the railroad viaduct. Directions
Drive West on Second Avenue to Jefferson (about 12 blocks west of Division Street). Turn right on Jefferson and left onto Railroad Avenue (immediately before going under the railroad viaduct). Note that Railroad Avenue is on the South side of the railroad overpass. Don’t be confused by Railroad Alley which is on the North side of the railroad overpass. Parking and Handicap Access There is limited parking on Railroad Avenue; however, street parking within a two-block radius of the winery is readily available. We do have a wheelchair accessible ramp into the winery. Lost? We're only hard to find the first time. Just call us if you need directions or have problems finding the winery - you won't be the first (465-3591).
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