Brian Carter Cellars Opens New
Tasting Room in Vancouver, WA.

The Vancouver Waterfront added a new attraction on June 24th when Brian Carter Cellars Tasting Room & Wine Bar opened its doors to the public. Currently in its soft opening phase, due largely to COVID-19 related restrictions, the Tasting Room has already garnered a following, including current and new wine club members.

With up-close views of the Columbia River, the new venue joins fellow Washington wineries Airfield Estates, Maryhill Winery, Amavi Cellars, Pepper Bridge Winery and others in their mission to reach folks where they live, work, and play.

Asked why winemaker Brian Carter chose to open the new tasting room in Vancouver, WA., he said, “We are always looking for new ways to make our great wines more accessible to the public; opening a second tasting room is a great way to make that happen.” But why Vancouver specifically? “I looked at several possible locations in both Oregon and Washington,” said Brian.  “When I heard about the Waterfront project in Vancouver, I drove down there and immediately fell in love with the whole place. Beautiful river park, a nice collection of restaurants and wine tasting locations”

Originally slated to open in November 2019, the Brian Carter Cellars team (which  included a cadre of designers, architects, marketers, and Brian himself) ran into the typical challenges and delays that come with opening a new space, especially around the holidays.

Then, enter a global pandemic and all of the confusion and shutdowns that came along with it. For nearly four months, the team was in a state of limbo. “Do we order tables and chairs now, or should we wait? Is it too early to create our menu? When should we start trying to create some hype?” These were but a few questions that kept everyone guessing.

Soon after Clark County entered Safe Start Phase 1, it became clearer that the Tasting Room would be able to open in some form or another. Exactly when was another story. But the team used that time to put in all of the finishing touches, including the “Brian Wall,” a familiar sight for those who have frequented Brian Carter Cellar’s flagship location in Woodinville.

At full capacity, the Vancouver Tasting Room (now operating under Phase 2 of the Governor’s plan to re-open the state’s economy) can seat about 35 people inside, with outdoor seating available in the warmer months. The wine list includes a rotating selection of Brian Carter Cellars classics, and the menu features house made soups, salads, flatbreads, and other small plates.

In addition, Wine Club benefits will extend to the Vancouver tasting room, including special offers and the always popular release parties (when they’re allowed again). And just like Woodinville, you may see Brian floating around from time to time encouraging guests to “Sit and enjoy a glass of my wine, partake of some fantastic food pairings, and look out at the evermoving Columbia River; we guarantee a good time at the new Waterfront location in Vancouver.”

Brian Carter Cellars’ Vancouver Tasting Room & Wine Bar is open Tuesday – Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and is located at 660 Waterfront Way, Vancouver, WA 98660. Visit www.briancartercellars.com for more info, or contact the Vancouver Tasting Room directly at: vancouver@briancartercellars.com or (360) 216-1444.