Everyone goes to Disneyland for wine, right?

Well OK there may be a few other things there as well, but wine lovers certainly don't have to suffer.

First of all, let me introduce you to a new chain of wine stores called Vino Volo. They are in airports around the country, and we stumbled across it while at SeaTac waiting for our flight.

Not only do they sell lots of wine (and you are already through security so no problem getting it on the plane), they have a lovely menu of small bites and lunch-type items...and beautiful charcuterie, which we engaged in. MMM MMM MMM. THIS is how to fly.

We tasted a total of seven wines from Washington and Oregon, all lovely. Prices listed below are the per-bottle price at Vino Volo....remember it's a store and a restaurant, and you are paying restaurant prices. In a wine store, prices are about 50-70% of those listed.

Illahe Vineyards (Willamette Valley, Oregon) 2014 Gruner Veltliner ($36.00)

Crisp, dry and medium-bodied, with notes of citrus, white pepper, lime and hints of baking spices. Intriguing and enjoyable mouth feel. 89.



Rasa Vineyards (Columbia Valley, Washington) 2009 QED ($84.00)

71% Syrah, 14% Grenache, 12% Mouvedre, 3% Viognier

Cherry, roses and spices on the nose. Juicy, spicy and supple, with floral lift to the flavors of red berries, cherries and a touch of spice. Creamy and ripe with a very restrained sweetness. 88.

Leonetti Cellars (Walla Walla, Washington) 2013 Merlot ($119.00)

The nose is assaulted by pure berries; strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. Floral notes intertwined. The berries follow through on the palate. Fantastic acid punctuates the long and lovely finish. This is a fabulous Merlot and will only get better with some aging. I'll let you know if I'm ever able to get a bottle from the winery; I just joined the waiting list which estimates a 3-4 year wait. 92-95.





Abeja (Columbia Valley, Washington) 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($76.00)

Black currants, blackberries, earth, smoke and chocolate. Firm tannins, full-bodied and elegant. Lingering finish. Another one that will benefit from some more nap time. 90.








Lange Estate (Willamette Valley, Oregon) 2012 Pinot Noir ($43.00)

Black cherry, raspberry, pomegranate and earth on the nose. Cherries, chocolate, cola and light nuttiness are featured in this bright, soft Pinot. 89.






Willakenzie Estate (Yamhill-Carlton, Oregon) 2012 Gisele Pinot Noir ($55.00)

Aromas of vanilla, cherries, cedar and orange jump from the glass. Rich mouth feel. Ripe red fruits and spice on a long, lingering finish. A beauty. 91.







Stoller Family Estate (Dundee Hills, Oregon) 2012 Pinot Noir ($39.00)

Floral notes mixing in with aromas of raspberries and cherries. Hints of clove and cinnamon. The palate features a host of ripe red fruits, bright acidity and medium tannins. 90.



I'd say that's a pretty decent amount of good wine for a 5-day trip, and we aren't even on the plane yet! We took one of the Willakenzie Estate Pinot with us and thoroughly enjoyed it in our room a couple days later.


Up next: Disney, part 2: the wine we enjoyed at various restaurants during the trip.