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For the last 10 years, Seattle Magazine has paid homage to the best native wines available in Washington and the people dedicated to making them special. Each nominee is handpicked and voted upon by a panel of experts in the categories of best wineries, winemakers, vineyard and sommelier. With nearly 900 wineries that call Washington home, it took a panel of 14 esteemed wine and food professionals to blind taste more than 100 of the top-voted wines produced by these wineries – to select a favorite in each varietal category. Based on sight, smell and taste, each wine was scored using a 20-point system. Those earning the most points went on to compete for Wine of the Year. Among the panelists was Tommy Garland, wine steward at QFC, the grocery-anchor at Regency Centers’ Broadway Market Seattle’s Capital Hill district.
If you’ve had the opportunity to shop in QFC’s wine department, you may know Tommy; he has become sort of a superstar when it comes to selecting good wine. I had a chance to speak with him exclusively about his experience on the panel, where I instantly got a sense of his affection for the wine industry.
How long have you been working for QFC?
I’ve been with QFC for 11 years. Wow, how time flies! I was hired as a wine steward and quickly assumed a managerial role in the liquor, beer and wine department. One of my favorite job responsibilities is overseeing our wine program, which includes ordering from vendors and the warehouse and managing consumer-based programs. At QFC, we strive to be our customers’ first stop for wine. During the weekends we offer beer and wine tastings, Saturday’s being dedicated to wine. When we have up to 90 people at a tasting, I pay close attention to their feedback, and purchase based on their unique interests.
How do you assist customers with their wine and food pairing purchases?
I am a classically trained chef and obtained my AA from a culinary school in Los Angeles. Shortly after I went on to apprentice at the Four Seasons Los Angeles. Of course food and wine go hand-in-hand, but I like to bring in a third element to the mix and ask people, ‘What do YOU like to drink?’ I can tell them this wine pairs nicely with this food group, but if they hate the taste of a certain varietal, they won’t enjoy it.
Your peers nominated you as a Washington wine and food professional, tell us more about your history and experience as an industry professional:
On paper, I have been in the industry for over 30 years; since I was 18. But I started loving wine at a much younger age. Growing up in our household, it was not taboo to request a taste of wine, but you were never allowed to just say you didn’t like it. We were taught to explain why we didn’t like it, a foundation built on much more than just taste. After culinary school, my passion for the industry really got into full swing. I started working at Pete’s Wine Shop, a local wine shop that has been in the community for over 40 years and offers a vast wine selection. I have also been fortunate enough to travel to France a few times to sample some of the world’s best wines. Working at QFC for over a decade, has taught me invaluable education on the industry, especially the local scene.
Tell us more about the blind tasting and Washington wines:
I have been on Seattle Magazine’s blind tasting panel 9 out of the last 10 years, naming the best wines found in Washington. I have met some of the most renowned local wine enthusiasts and it was a great honor to be selected as one of the 14 panelists in 2015. Washington wines really are world-class and getting better every year. The climate in Eastern Washington is on par with Europe and they certainly put up a good fight with California and Oregon wines. During the blind tasting we sample over 100 wines that have made it through the survey of top-votes. Each wine is scored out of 20-points, based on depth of color, aroma and flavor. It is exciting to see what wines make it to the top, especially if they were on my list of favorites.
What type of wine could you not live without and do you have a favorite bottle?
Champagne Rosé. When you live in the doldrums of Seattle a good part of the year, there is nothing better than cozying up to a fire with a nice bottle of Champagne Rosé. If you know me, I can’t just give one favorite, so here is a list of my top picks:
- Veuve Clicquot Rosé
- Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé
- Champagne Krug Brut Rosé
What are your top sellers at QFC and the price range of wines offered?
We sell a lot of reds. Our price range varies from $3 to $800, but most purchase bottles between $10 and $40.
What wine would you suggest for wine newbies?
It depends, what are we having for the meal? Stop by and see me should you be in the area.
What is your favorite restaurant in the Seattle market that also offers the best wine list?
Canlis and Wild Ginger
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself:
I love to garden. Although I love anything that smells sweet, sweet peas are my favorite along with heliotrope and night blooming jasmine.
