Vino Volo (Wine Flight) Small Bites at Sea-Tac Airport

How civilized!  Vino Volo is a new concept for the airport, offering wine flights, small bites, carry-out gourmet, carry-on ready bottles of wine, gifts and accessories.

I almost missed my flight from Seattle-Tacoma to Boise when I settled into this outpost and became too comfortable, enjoying three wine flights and a plate of delicious smoked salmon rolls with crabmeat, radish sprouts and crème fraîche.  Joe LaPanna, New Store Opening Manager says that is pretty common.  In fact, Joe told me Vino Volo patrons have been known to switch to a later flight in order to hang out at the wine bar a little longer.

Seattle-Tacoma is location number two in the up-and-coming chain which began with the first store at Dulles International Airport (Washington DC).  The Dulles store opened back in September, and the Sea-Tac location opened around November 1st.  LaPanna reports there are plans for more Vino Volo locations, with Sacramento, JFK and BWI (Baltimore-Washington) coming very soon.

It's about time.  Finally there is an alternative to the typical noisy crazy chain restaurant and its predictable low-end wines and pedestrian dishes.

Leaning to minimalism, the interior is crisp and clean like high-thread-count white cotton sheets, with just enough luxurious rich wood and very comfortable seating.  The lighting is excellent.  The people are professional and knowledgeable.  Each store has a relatively short list of well-chosen wines and wine flights, which rotate every six weeks.  The offerings are tailored to the region, with the Sea-Tac location specializing in hard-to-find yet affordable Washington State selections.  The Dulles location actually has a Virginia flight as well as selections tailored to the east coast traveler.

The food menu is also nicely short.  You won't have to wonder what is good, because if it's on the menu, it's good. Vino Volo uses local caterers for each store, scrutinized carefully.  In addition to the Salmon Rolls ($10), other small bites on this visit included plates of Artisan Cured Meats ($9), Chilled Seafood Paella ($8), Duck Confit and Lentil Salad ($12), Tuscan Chicken Sandwich ($8), Beecher's Ziti and Cheese ($8), Artisanal Cheese Plate ($9), Olive Plate ($5) and Roasted Marcona Almonds ($5).  Everything on the food menu is available to go.

There is a nice selection of maybe 50 wines by the bottle, priced attractively, well-chosen to represent the world, and because the store is beyond security you can take these bottles on the plane with you.

Wine flights are three pours (except the Sommelier Series which is two), about two ounces each pour, served in high-quality stems.  At Sea-Tac, you can select from four Washington State flights and four World flights.  The three Washington State flights I went for were "Washington Kings" ($10), "Christmas Cabernets" ($13) and "Winery Showcase: Alexandria Nicole ($9).  There really wasn't a wine in all nine that wasn't up to par.

If you're in the mood for the World flights, they consisted of: Sommelier Series, a two pour flight including Caymus Special Select Cab 2003 and Chateau Latour a Pomerol 2001 ($23), World Value Reds ($7), Northwest Noirs ($11) and Celebration Sparklers ($12).

Knowing I had to go through security once more before returning to Nashville, I held back and purchased two bottles I was really impressed with, with plans to check them through after my next stop in Boise.  Look for upcoming Winewaves reviews of Ash Hollow Walla Walla Merlot 2003 ($25) and Alexandria Nicole Quarry Butte Red Blend 2004 ($25).

Comments

[jens at cincinnati wine]

When are they coming to Cincinnati? I'll head out there even if I'm not flying! The Portland airport has a wine bar also called the Wine Bar at Rose City Cafe. I agree that it is a great way to kill a few hours waiting for your connection.

Also this concept could be a great way to take back those vacation wines you find.

jens at cincinnati wine

[jerry]

Hi Jens,
Yes, I was also trying to convince Joe that they should look at Nashville. It's good to hear from you! Jerry

[Dr. Debs]

Thanks Jerry! Reason enough to actually show up as early as you're supposed to at the airport. Going to see if they have a site and lobby for a branch at LAX...

[JOhn]

I hope they keep on travelling untill they reach my place too. I am little more optimistic about that.