(Seattle, April 1, 2024) — We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our newest little darling. Nestled across the street from Brimmer & Heeltap in Ballard, you’ll find Halfseas Wine + Bottle Shop.
What started first as a wine club, grew into a brick and mortar to bring the community all things wine and everything it brings – gratitude and glee, levity and love, community and connection. Our mission is to deliver guests with well-made, absurdly delicious wines from real farmers and small producers. It’s more than a club or a shop. It’s a community where we get to learn a bit, laugh a lot, and drink (reasonable amounts) together. There are so many passionate producers from all walks of life and corners of the world that deserve to be discovered, shared, and loved.
Come solo or with friends. Swing by or linger. Our very kind, whip-smart team is here to help. Our new space is the perfect spot to drink a delightful glass (or bottle) of wine with some tasty bites. Snag a cool bottle to-go with your weekend takeout on the way home from work. Or find the perfect celebratory bottle when you’re feeling a little splurgier. Pick up your wine and cheese club goodies every month. Or socialize at tasting parties and events.
The menu is simple: about a dozen or so wines open at any given time by the glass, vermouth cocktails, and a bottle list that doubles as the retail selections. Guests pay a modest $10 corkage to enjoy on-site. For food, a few favorites include: creme fraiche dip (optional caviar add on with 5 choices to pick from) with potato chips, or how about the chicory salad with watercress, citrus, hazelnuts, castelvetrano olives, and harissa-yogurt vinaigrette!
Maggie Snyder, our Wine Director, curated wines for Rachel Yang at Revel and Joule and honed her old-world palate at La Spiga and Spinasse. Parker Bernal honed her skills over the last several years with Renee Erickson at Sea Creatures and will be managing our day-to-day operations., We’re in great hands with these bad-ass women!
Maggie Snyder said that she’s most excited by “ the benefit of a more relaxed experience. At the table in a restaurant you have to rush to get information out. Here, we get to delve deeper. Build your own adventure. We have the luxury of time. We’re not trying to talk someone into trying something but rather help them discover what they were looking for. “
Halfseas Wine + Bottle Shop is owned by Jen Doak, a wine and hospitality veteran with over two decades of industry experience. Born and raised in the greater Seattle area, she began with the Washington Wine Commission, followed by various retail and winery undertakings before opening Brimmer & Heeltap in 2013. Her hard work has helped garner regional and international media attention from the likes of Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Seattle Magazine, The Seattle Times, Food & Wine, and Decanter.
Our Experiences:
Brimmer & Heeltap – www.brimmerandheeltap.com | brimmerandheeltap on Instagram
Hours Wednesday – Sunday from 4-9 pm
Since late 2013, Brimmer & Heeltap has been home to arguably the most charming secret garden patios in town. This Ballard gem succeeds with a menu of inventive small plates and creative wine and cocktails to pair. The menu changes seasonally. A few current favorites include hamachi crudo with bonito aioli, cucumber, pickled kumquats, or the house pappardelle with english peas, parmesan brodo, and green garlic. The sleeper fan favorite to accompany everything is our thick-cut toast slathered in butter — a welcome twist on traditional bread service.
Red Arrow Coffee – www.redarrowcoffee.com | redarrowcoffee on Instagram
Hours 7 am – 2 pm daily
The fast & casual coffee shop behind the restaurant serves Caffe Umbria espresso, pastries, breakfast and lunch.
The Coalman – www.thecoalmancafeandbar.com | thecoalmancafe on Instagram
Hours 7 am – 2 pm daily, and Tuesday through Saturday from 2-9 pm
The Coalman opened in early summer of 2023 offering a former Starbucks back to the community, reinvented with a beautifully inviting space, Italian-style pulled espresso and tasty morning bites. By day they’re your morning destination for community and coffee. By night, the candles come out and they dial up the vibes with cocktails, wine and food to match.
