If you are looking for a fun date night or double date night and you like Washington wine and incredibly good food than you should go to Russell’s in Bothell because he does great winemaker dinner events.

Russell’s does a fantastic winemaker dinner series every year, with some of the best winemakers in Washington state.  This last Thursday my family and I went there for the Longshadow’s dinner, to celebrate my sisters birthday.

First, we’ll start by talking about Chef Russell Lowell.  He is such a character and always has a story to tell.  We have been to several of the dinners with him, and he is always so engaging and fun.  He has a book with some of his stories and recipes, and I would recommend buying it.  His food is some of the best food we have found over here in the Woodinville, Redmond, Bothell area.

Longshadow’s winery is located just outside of Walla Walla, and it is one of my families favorite Washington wines.  The winemaker Gilles Nicault was at the dinner to tell  us about each wine that was paired with the courses.  He had so many cool stories, and we learned a lot about each varietal that we tried.  My favorite was Chester Kidder Red Blend 2015 and a close second was the Sequel Syrah 2015.

We have done several of these winemakers’ dinners.  The reason we love these so much is that you get a five-course meal and a wine perfectly paired with each course.  This is a great way to learn and understand how to pair wine.  As well as taste different types of wine than you wouldn’t typically buy.  There is also the option to buy some wine at the end of the night.  The dinners are usually held in the loft area of the barn that has café lights hanging from the ceilings, so it if feels like an intimate setting.

For this week’s winemaker dinner, the menu and the wine did not disappoint.  Below are pictures of each course.  My favorite course was the lamb, and my husbands was the veal.

We also enjoy going to dinner here as Chef Russell does some amazing seasonal preparations.  We enjoy Russell’s food and atmosphere so much that we decided to have our elopement party here.  Chef Russell catered, and his party planners were top of the line.  You can do weddings or private parties here at the loft, and I would highly recommend it.  Plus having Chef Russell cater will impress all of your guests.