Wine-loving baseball fans have plenty to cheer about this year at Safeco Field in Seattle, after a big boost in the selection of varietals poured around the Mariners’ home stadium. This stellar move is part of a years-long effort, led by consulting Seattle chef Ethan Stowell to upgrade the quality of the food and beverage offerings at the ballpark. (Thrillist recently named it the No. 1 major league baseball stadium food in the nation.)
So, what’s new? The vast portfolio of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and its Northwest labels are well-represented, from its high-end Intrinsic red blend — a deep, complex stunner made by Columbia Crest’s ultra-talented winemaker, Juan Muñoz-Oca — served exclusively in the suites to 14 Hands Cab, Merlot, Pinot Gris and Rosé offered on tap at many concessions throughout the ballpark. Plan on paying between $10 and $14 a glass. Heads up, though, no matter where you go and order wine, you’ve got to sip from a plastic, compostable glass. Because, well, safety first.
While it’s still early in the season, here are a few favorite matchups that make watching a ball game extra entertaining:
Photo by Rachel Stevens
1) Grasshoppers and Chardonnay
Let’s start with the dish that’s making everyone squirm: The crazy popular deep-fried grasshoppers. No, wait! Don’t groan. They’re really pretty tasty — crunchy, kind of tangy, bringing on a kick of heat from a dusting of chili powder. Something you’d eat on a drunken dare. They’re sold at the Poquitos stand in The ‘Pen, and they are a real conversation starter. Take those crispy critters into Edgar’s Cantina and order a glass of the Stimson Estate Cellars Chardonnay. It’s bright and the subtle fruit calms down the fiery spice.
Photo by Leslie Kelly
2) Sweet Potato Fries and Cabernet
Garlic fries from Kidd Valley have been a massive hit at Mariners’ games since the stadium opened, but fry fans really need to try the rookie, the sweet potato steak fries at Hit it Here Cafe. These beauties are so delicious: creamy on the inside, crispy golden outside. The Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon’s chewy cherry notes work like the best kind of ketchup, making those fries taste like a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 9th.
Photo by Leslie Kelly
3) Charcuterie and Merlot
The meat and cheese plate at First Base Vine wine bar on the main concourse is a screaming steal at $8, a generous helping of salami, a rotating line-up of cheese, crackers and a handful of grapes. A shareable snack that absolutely needs a glass of something from the robust list that’s the most extensive in the stadium. Order the Columbia Winery Merlot. So velvety smooth, but with enough character to stand up to the strong flavors of the cured meats.
Photo by Leslie Kelly
4) Barbecue and Cabernet
You’re going to be so tempted to order a can of Shiner Bock at Jack’s BBQ, an outpost of the smokin’ hot restaurant in SODO. That beloved beer from Texas is definitely a mighty fine way to wash down a saucy sandwich, but hang on. A big, bold red blend takes the beautifully cooked brisket to the kind of happy place where it’s impossible not to make semi-embarassing “mmmm” noises while you chow down. About that glass of Stimson Cabernet: The server pulled the bottle out of the fridge and the chill worked well when sipped in between bites of the stellar sandwich.
Photo by Rachel Stevens
5) Sushi and Sake
This pairing isn’t a big surprise. Except that we’re talking about a sake slushie made with the outstanding Hakutsuru Excellent Junmai, imported by sake brewer SakéOne in Portland. Get ready for the best kind of brain freeze and order up the incredible Ichiroll, a fab creation that’s been served for decades — even when Ichiro played for the Yankees. (Boo!) It’s rolled to order, wild salmon, avocado and cucumber inside and then topped with faux crab and two types of tokiko. Spicy mayo is drizzled on top. Find this flawless combo at Hiroshi’s Sushi near the Mariners Hall of Fame on the main concourse.
Photo by Rachel Stevens
6) Queso Fries and Rosé
Most games, Edgar’s Cantina in The ‘Pen is slam-packed with tequila fans but this season, there’s a new hue to celebrate in that crazy-fun space. It’s the pretty pink from Anew, a well-balanced rosé that’s ripe with flavors that scream summer. Think strawberry. Yet it doesn’t stray into sweet territory thanks to a citrus-y punch. Just what you’re craving when diving into a gooey pile of queso-smothered fries. Only problem with this setup is that you need to eat those fries fairly quickly so they don’t get soggy. Who are we kidding? We’re going to finish every last fry, soggy or not.
For more pairing possibilities, check out this guide to what’s new to eat and drink at the M’s games.
