Two New Wine-Centric Projects in the Works in Woodinville

WOODINVILLE, WA-Two planned retail developments here are being designed to cater to the two million annual visitors who come to experience the city’s 14 wineries.

Furthest along is a 5.3-acre open-air restaurant, office and retail complex by Silver Lake Winery in partnership with NWCV Associates of Woodinville. To be called the Northwest Wine and Culinary Village, the $20-million project is early in the approval process and scheduled to open sometime in 2005 one-half mile north of the city’s two most popular wineries, Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Winery.

The north end of the development will be a 21,000-sf building that will house Silver Lake’s corporate offices, a winemaking facility and a tasting room. The rest of the complex will be leased to restaurants and retailers. Kirkland’s First Western Properties has the leasing assignment.

Adjacent Columbia Winery, MJR Development is planning a 57,000-sf development on four acres. The complex will include two stand-alone winery buildings flanking additional space for multiple wine-tasting rooms, extra space for special events, a gourmet restaurant and a boutique specialty food store where people can stock up for picnics on the grounds.

MJR president Mike Raskin could not be reached for comment on the cost and estimated timing for the project and whether a leasing agent has been selected. A city planner tells GlobeSt.com that MJR has yet to submit a formal application for the project.