Flying out of Seattle or having a lengthy layover at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after a flight from Bellingham can be a royal pain.
Security checks, uncomfortable seating, and pricy airport food and drinks only add to the misery.
So I was pleased to find an oasis for wine-loving travelers who might have to spend a bit of time at the airport.
Vino Volo, located in Sea-Tac's Central Terminal Marketplace, offers a quiet setting, cushy chairs and prompt service. If it weren't for the stream of luggage-toting travelers, I might have mistaken it for an upscale neighborhood wine bar.
Vino Volo really shines with its offering of wine flights, which are about a two-ounce pour of three different red or white wines. Flights are based on a theme - such as a single varietal or common blend - and are generally priced in the $8 to $17 range.
General Manager Susan Magen told me her flight list changes monthly.
The wines, thankfully, have no resemblance to the overpriced, flavorless airport fare of the past. Washington wines are particularly well-represented, with such current labels as Brian Carter Cellars, Milbrandt Vineyards and DeLille Cellars, to name a few. There are also plenty of choices from California, Oregon, Italy, France and South America.
In addition to wine flights, wine is available for purchase by the glass and the bottle, and a small but surprisingly fresh menu that includes olives, cheeses, meats, sandwiches and salads is on hand to provide a nibble for those feeling a bit peckish.
During a recent layover, my partner and I shared one flight each of Washington wines and an appetizer. The suggested pairing of the Fortnight Wine Company Columbia Valley 2008 Riesling included in our whites, and a plate of smoked salmon and crabmeat on crostini was sublime.
We could have easily been in and out in 30 minutes, but we chose to linger for an hour in the relaxed atmosphere. The cost of the two flights and regular-size appetizer ran us about $35, before tax and gratuity, not bad considering the level of quality and service.
Vino Volo can be found in 11 other U.S. airports, including West Coast locations in San Francisco, Sacramento and Orange County. Plans for additional outlets are in the works.
For more information about the Sea-Tac store, which is open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, call 206-246-4801 or visit vinovolo.com.
