Chuckanut Ridge Wine Company Opens New Tasting Room in Downtown Bellingham

What do bunnies, wine and downtown Bellingham have in common? They all have tie-ins to the new Chuckanut Ridge Wine Company tasting room, which recently opened at 1017 North State Street.

Owner/Winemakers John Powers and Michael Burnett have things up and running at their new location, which is just south of Pepper Sister Restaurant in the old Glass Works Art Studio building.

The Chuckanut Ridge space is brightly colored and houses a small tasting bar, locally produced artwork, and plenty of wines that are available for purchase. Powers says he has plans to turn the lower level of the space into a barrel room and private tastings and catered events are also likely in the offing.

Included in the winery’s current releases are a 2005 Chardonnay ($10), 2005 Pinot Grigio ($12), 2005 Merlot ($12), 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon ($15), 2003 Syrah ($17) and the 2004 Bad Bunny ($17) which is a blend of cabernet and merlot.

Also worth noting is the upcoming release of Bunny LeBlanc, a blend of 80 percent chardonnay, 10 percent viognier and 10 percent pinot gris. I think this sounds like a terrific combination and has all the makings of another smash hit for Powers and Burnett, whose highly acclaimed Bad Bunny has become Chuckanut Ridge’s signature wine. The LeBlanc will retail for about $12 and should be available by late June.

The tasting room is currently open from noon to 6 pm Tuesday through Sunday or by appointment. Throw in a visit to nearby Honey Moon Winery, and you’ve got a nice outing in downtown Bellingham that nets you some great wine tasting. For questions or more information about Chuckanut Ridge wines phone 527-0900.