Blending in: How the SOMM Hotel can turn you into your own favourite sommelier
During a trip for Taste Washington 2026, I visited The SOMM Hotel in Woodinville. It has all the luxury you would expect, but with an independent character that makes it feel much more like a discovery than just another hotel stay.
It serves as a stylish gateway for Seattleites heading toward the Walla Walla and is essentially a stunning retreat for wine lovers.
Credits: Robert Benson
The Autograph identity
Most luxury hotels follow a predictable script, but here, the polish comes with a serious technical edge. The whole experience is built around the actual craft of Washington wine rather than just the aesthetic.
Speaking to General Manager John Evans, he tells me about how he wanted that sense of discovery to be the focal point from the very start.
“The SOMM was inspired by the art of the sommelier, those who are deeply knowledgeable in wine and guide guests through discovery, helping them understand origin, craftsmanship and flavour profiles” he explained.
Credits: Robert Benson
Tailoring to your own taste
In The Blending Room, the focus shifts from drinking wine to actually making it. We walked through the basics of a red blend, learning how to layer different components to create something smooth and drinkable.
As a table of wine journalists, it would be easy for her to make presumptions on our knowledge levels. However, this was certainly a class that can be followed by a complete wine tasting newbie.
The class works just as well for a solo traveller looking to learn as it does for a curious couple or a bachelorette party. Our instructor kept things relaxed, giving us plenty of room to tweak our blends while reminding us that there is no wrong way to like wine. You even get to design your own label and take home a half bottle of your specific creation.
John believes this hands-on approach is vital for the guest journey:
“The blending experience is a signature part of The SOMM and central to how we connect guests to Woodinville and Washington’s wine culture," he said.
Adding: “Our team approaches the blending experience as both a craft and a creative process, an art and a science. Guests are guided through tasting different varieties, learning how each contributes to structure, balance and flavour, and then refining their blend based on their own preferences.”
Credits: Rachael Jones
Exploring the Sommelier’s Sanctuary
The building is a mix of wood, steel, leather, and glass, which are literal tools of the sommelier’s trade. These textures make the hotel feel like it grew right out of the Woodinville surroundings.
The massive wine bottle installation at the front desk is an immediate showstopper. That same vibe carries into the guest rooms, where raw materials and local artwork pull the valley views inside.
If you are lucky enough to visit on a clear day, the views are incredible. The whole building is designed to look out over the Sammamish River Valley, and you can even see Mount Rainier in the distance. It is the perfect spot to sit back and open that bottle you just finished blending.
Credits: Robert Benson
