Open. Breathe. Pour, swirl and sniff. There's a new neighborhood venue to go get uncorked!

Though it's been a West Seattle wine lover's staple for more than a decade, for the first time many passersby (and drivers zooming down the south end of California Avenue) are finally noticing West Seattle Cellars.

Located in a brand new two-story building right next door to the company's old space, West Seattle Cellars has tripled its size and plans to grow more in square footage and in offerings.

Run by partners Bear Silverstein, Tom DiStefano and Jan Martindale, West Seattle Cellars serves locals as a friendly and knowledgeable wine shop as well as a gathering place for the neighborhood to sip and chat. For years it's been home to free Thursday night wine tastings, which were so popular they were never publicized due to lack of space.

But now, with a larger place to call home, an open loft-style room, and the beginnings of a new wine bar next door (rumored to be called Bear's Lair). West Seattle Cellars is branching out to accommodate more tasters on Thursdays, special wine classes that follow and will eventually offer wine service paired with lighter fare in a remodeled wine bar later this year.

"The wine bar will be run by Dave Egan as a place where people can wander in and introduce each other - it will have a real communal feel," says Silverstein.

As for the already operating wine shop, Silverstein refers to the new, high ceiling space as a sort of "Temple to Bacchus." And because temples often have stained glass, West Seattle artist Tim Marsden has created wine-themed window overlays that resemble stained glass, and produced items of the same design in the form of note cards, magnets and more which are for sale in the store.

"We believe in keeping things in the neighborhood," smiles Silverstein. "What stays in the community strengthens the community - from local winemakers to local artists."

And strengthen it does, sniff after sniff, and sip after sip (limited to 8 ounces per person according to state regulations, of course). From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each Thursday night, patrons flock to wine tastings for more than the wine, but for the excuse to get together and have a good time. Oftentimes tastings are themed such as the celebration of a small vineyard like West Seattleite Chris Gorman's Winery in Woodinville or a special regional test-tasting comparison on the wines of New Zealand.

So if the thought of wine tasting sounds stuffy to you, West Seattle Cellars will surprise you by wholeheartedly breaking this stereotype. In fact, according to Silverstein, wine tasting is simply a way to try and explain it all - to relate tangible terminology to something that is really an art meant to enjoy.

"Wine tasting is a lot like music theory," says Silverstein who is also a Celtic folk musician of 35 years. "It allows you to critique it and assign terms to it, but it still really comes down to the question of 'do you like it, or not?'"

And no matter if it has raspberry essence and a full body, or its bouquet features complexities versus subtleties, what's important is that you learn to find what you like and who you like to share this passionate pastime with.

"Wine is really about interaction - it's about people, friends, and company," says Silverstein. "We do wine tasting to demystify wine. It shouldn't be the dissecting of this reverential potion, but should be a fun thing you enjoy.

"If you walk into a plumber's office down the street, he doesn't expect you to know how drains work. On the same token, we don't expect people to know how wines work, so don't be intimidated, we're here to help."

If you're thirsty for knowledge above and beyond store visits and weekly wine tastings, West Seattle Cellars is now offering wine classes for $35 per person from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays that dovetail with the tastings.

"At our wine classes you'll learn a lot while having fun," assures Silverstein. "You'll practice using terminology, how to swirl, how to spit, how to store wine, and how not to get ripped off!"

The friendly, informal classes are also designed around themes like 'Basic Tasting' and the 'Wines of France.' The best part is, you will learn something new each time.

"We are all always still learning because every year is a new vintage, so it never gets stale."

So, if you're up for a "viticultural" adventure right here in your own backyard, venture out to West Seattle Cellars. Don't forget to wear a sweater because the temperature is more suited to wine storage than wine sippers. Cheers!

Upcoming Classes Include:

January

Thursday 19th: Basic Tasting

Thursday 26th: Spain & Portugal

February

Thursday 2nd: Germany & Austria

Thursday 9th: Italy

Thursday 19th: France

(Information Box)

What:

West Seattle Cellars Wine Tasting & Classes

Where:

6026 California Avenue SW

206.937.2868

www.wscellars.com

When:

Hours are Tue. - Fri.: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (open on Thurs. until 8pm for weekly tastings);

Sat. noon - 5 p.m.

Price:

Thursday wine tasting is free

Wine classes are $35 per person

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