Category 5 Cellars

Warehouse • Woodinville Wine Country

Tasting Fee: $15.00 (Waived with $25 purchase)
★ 4.9 (51) Google Reservations Recommended
Notes are saved automatically as you type

Category 5 Cellars, nestled in Woodinville's Warehouse District, is a family-owned winery known for its bold reds like Petit Verdot and Malbec. Opened in 2020, it offers a unique tasting experience with a sophisticated LED lighting system that enhances themed events. Their commitment to sustainable practices is evident in their vineyard partnerships. Outdoor seating is available, and their wine club offers exclusive benefits. Winemaker Jason Smith's agricultural heritage informs their wine production, making it a true hidden gem in the area.

None

PourPlan Rating

Research-based analysis of public-facing information
Research-Based Analysis
9
Tasting Fee (20%)
high confidence

The tasting fee is below average at $15, which is 60% of the regional median. The refund condition is liberal, requiring a purchase of only $25, which is 1.67 times the fee.

N/A
Wine Value (20%)

No professional ratings are available for the wines, making it impossible to assess wine value.

9
Hospitality (15%)
high confidence

The staff is described as friendly and knowledgeable, with specific mentions of individuals providing engaging and attentive service. The atmosphere is welcoming with no pressure to buy.

N/A
Wine (15%)

There are no professional ratings or significant public sentiment data available to assess wine quality.

8
Vibe (15%)
high confidence

The atmosphere is laidback and welcoming, featuring comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. Live music and events contribute to a lively ambiance.

4
Setting (10%)
high confidence

The interior is modern and functional but lacks distinctive features. Limited exterior visibility suggests minimal notable outdoor settings.

7
Parking (5%)
high confidence

The shared parking lot has 20-30 spaces, which is ample for small to medium-sized businesses. The lot is close to building entrances, though shared use may lead to competition for spaces.

This rating synthesizes public-facing information from the winery's website, hours, fees, wine portfolio, and Google reviews. We plan to visit in person to provide additional firsthand perspective.

Wines at a Glance

Red dominant
Red Wines
Malbec (1) Petit Verdot (2) Red Blend (1) Sangiovese (1) Syrah (1)
White Wines
Albariño (1) Cabernet Franc (1) Riesling (1)

Pricing Overview

Reds dominate with mid-range appeal; whites shine in the premium category.

What Makes This Place Special

Bold Reds
Their portfolio includes highly-rated Petit Verdot (93 points), Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon blends, and Syrah, showcasing their strength with bold red wines.
Crisp Whites
They produce a well-regarded Albariño (90 points) described as "steely, with bright minerality" and "crisp palate," indicating quality white wine production.
Events
The customizable lighting system allows them to create themed experiences for special occasions like Valentine's Day or sports events like Seahawks games.
Family-Owned
Jason Smith, the winemaker and owner, comes from a fourth-generation farming family, bringing his agricultural heritage to the winemaking process.
Hidden Gem
Located in the Woodinville Warehouse District, this newer winery opened in August 2020 and offers a unique tasting experience that stands out from others in the area.
Outdoor Seating
They offer outdoor tastings depending on state COVID restrictions, suggesting they have outdoor space available for guests.
Sustainable Practices
They emphasize close relationships with vineyards and growers, focusing on educating customers about where their wine grapes come from, suggesting a commitment to sustainable vineyard partnerships.
Upscale
The tasting room features sophisticated WiFi LED lighting that can change between 16 million colors to match any occasion, creating a premium ambiance.
Wine Club
They have a "Pioneer Member" status available, which provides special discounts, events, and privileges, indicating they have a wine club program.

Category 5 Cellars

Warehouse • Woodinville Wine Country

★ 4.9 (51) Google Reservations Recommended
Notes are saved automatically as you type
Tasting Fee
$15.00
Waived with $25 purchase

Location

19501 144th Ave NE D900
Woodinville, WA 98072
Map of Category 5 Cellars
View on Google Maps

Hours

Mon: 12pm to 5pm Sat: 3pm to 6pm Sun: 12pm to 6pm Closed Tue to Fri

Contact