We came for one tasting and ended up staying most of the afternoon. The patio was relaxed, the staff made us feel completely at home, and we’d absolutely come back.
Wines7 varietals & styles
Varietals & styles
AlbariñoMalbecPetit VerdotRieslingRoséSyrahWhite Cabernet Franc
The Experience
Category 5’s identity starts with Jason Smith’s stated “people first, then wine” philosophy. Guests can reserve online or contact the winery directly by call or text, and the tasting room also accommodates private events. The wine program rewards curious drinkers: beyond the reds, Category 5 has developed a distinctive white-wine side that includes Albariño, dry Riesling and Blanc Franc, and it has hosted focused winemaker dinners and vertical tastings built around those wines.
Known For
Jason Smith’s vineyard-first Washington winemakingblending warm- and cool-site fruit for balancecurrent releases including AlbariñoBlanc FrancDineen Vineyard Petit VerdotDuBrul Vineyard SyrahCounoise and Firewall Cabernet-Malbec blend
Amenities
wine_bar
Friday-Sunday tastings
check_circle
online reservations
check_circle
call-or-text reservations
celebration
private-event inquiries
wine_bar
current-release tasting lineup
check_circle
vineyard education
celebration
newsletter events and specials
check_circle
bottle purchases
More stops in Warehouse District
Location
19501 144th Ave NE, Suite D-900, Woodinville, WA 98072
Info
Hours
Hours available
Wines
Varietals & styles
AlbariñoMalbecPetit VerdotRieslingRoséSyrahWhite Cabernet Franc
The Experience
Category 5’s identity starts with Jason Smith’s stated “people first, then wine” philosophy. Guests can reserve online or contact the winery directly by call or text, and the tasting room also accommodates private events. The wine program rewards curious drinkers: beyond the reds, Category 5 has developed a distinctive white-wine side that includes Albariño, dry Riesling and Blanc Franc, and it has hosted focused winemaker dinners and vertical tastings built around those wines.
Known For
Jason Smith’s vineyard-first Washington winemakingblending warm- and cool-site fruit for balancecurrent releases including AlbariñoBlanc FrancDineen Vineyard Petit VerdotDuBrul Vineyard SyrahCounoise and Firewall Cabernet-Malbec blend
Amenities
wine_bar
Friday-Sunday tastings
check_circle
online reservations
check_circle
call-or-text reservations
celebration
private-event inquiries
wine_bar
current-release tasting lineup
check_circle
vineyard education
celebration
newsletter events and specials
check_circle
bottle purchases
About Category 5 Cellars
Inspired by the intensity and energy of the most powerful storms, Category 5 Cellars brings a bold personality to Woodinville's wine scene while remaining firmly rooted in Washington-grown fruit. The family-owned winery focuses on producing small-lot wines that emphasize richness, balance, and varietal character, giving guests the opportunity to explore handcrafted releases that are often available only in limited quantities. The name may evoke dramatic weather, but the approach to winemaking is measured, with careful attention paid to vineyard selection and each stage of the winemaking process.
The tasting room offers an approachable introduction to the winery's portfolio, featuring a range of red and white wines designed to showcase the diversity of Washington vineyards. Rather than following trends, Category 5 Cellars emphasizes wines that are enjoyable today while remaining true to the fruit and growing regions from which they originate. Visitors will find an intimate setting where conversations often center on the stories behind each vintage, making the experience equally rewarding for longtime wine enthusiasts and those just beginning to explore Washington wine.
Planning Your Visit
Category 5 Cellars fits naturally into a day spent exploring Woodinville's collection of boutique wineries, offering a smaller-scale tasting experience that complements visits to many of the region's larger producers. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to slow the pace between stops while comparing different styles of Washington wine throughout your itinerary. After your tasting, continue exploring nearby wineries, breweries, restaurants, and specialty tasting rooms, all within easy reach. For travelers who enjoy seeking out independently owned producers and discovering wines that may not be widely distributed, Category 5 Cellars provides an authentic look at the craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to shape Woodinville's thriving wine community.
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19501 144th Ave NE, Suite D-900, Woodinville, WA 98072
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