Olympic Cellars Winery’s Working Girl Wine Series was first released in the fall of 2003 and has steadily grown in popularity. I became one of this wineries loyal following with my first sip of their luscious Go Girl Red. With wines created “by women, for women” you expect the amusing labels with their empowering messages, but the quality and value is a pleasant surprise from the first taste to the last savor. At an average price of less than fifteen dollars a bottle these wines are perfect for everyday drinking after a hard day or an impromptu celebration with friends. The quality and complexity might surprise you however, and if you take off the price tag I guarantee no one will be the wiser as to what a thrifty shopper you are unless you choose to divulge your secret.
The Go Girl Red wine is perfect for a cheese course and also pairs well with red meats as it is a blend of Merlot and Lemberger with spices added. A bright, sour cherry red in color it has a fairly fruity nose. Starting off with a distinctly woody taste that blooms in the heat of your mouth to glorious dark fruit notes, primarily black berry, this wine will delight those that enjoy a velvet-like merlot but want something a bit spicier. The finish with sweet vanilla and spices is truly is an experience to treasure. Take your time with this wine, let it really open up on your palette and change your mind about inexpensive wine, even those with a twist off cap.
I’m not usually a fan of rosé, but Working Girl Wines’ Rosé the Riveter is a refreshing take on the classic picnic wine. With grapes from eastern Washington’s Paul Champoux vineyards it is a semi-dry Lemberger wine with a flirty ruby red colour, think your favourite red lip gloss, and a nose that assaults you with red current, cherry and raspberry. The fruit theme continues with a bold, full flavour and long, almost sweet finish. This wine is slightly more acidic and so pairs best with typical summer fare. Think cold cuts, turkey, cold fried chicken or any other food that would feel right at home in a picnic basket. Just remember, rosé is meant to be served chilled, so if you’re heading to the beach it’s best to pack the Riveter in a cooler for the trip to sun and surf.
The Working Girl White wine in this series captured my attention immediately with its glowing, toasted almond color and blend of Chardonnay and Riesling grapes. This combination brings together my favorite aspects of each grape, the sweet floral and honey qualities of Riesling with the crisp, full bodied sassiness of Chardonnay. The nose is very floral, apple and citrus notes with a hit of honey that invites you to close your eyes and indulge in treating yourself. The mouth continues with the same flavors, adding a bit more intensity and creaminess, but without being overwhelming. The finish is a bit of surprise with sweet herbs and pears. A fantastic wine with seafood, this also fares well by itself. I like a glass lightly chilled as I’m preparing dinner, even if it’s just heating up a pre-made meal in the microwave.
As you’re enjoying a glass of any wines in this series you can feel virtuous knowing that the winery you’re patronizing is dedicated to supporting the emotional and physical well being of women through a network of charities in nine states and growing. The winery supports 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations via their 2X Success program which provides wine to these organizations at cost for fundraising events in exchange for volunteers from the non-profits memberships putting in a set number of hours. Working Girl Wines also has a national 3-tier donation network that encourages its network of wholesalers and retailers to donate to a charity of its choice. While its always nice to enjoy a fantastic glass of wine without spending too much money it’s even better to do so while supporting a business that gives back to society through charitable work. So, grab a bottle, or two, or three of Working Girl Wine and invite your friends over for a feel good evening, and not just because of the alcohol!
Reference:
- Working Girl Wines Homepage – www.workinggirlwines.com
