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Raise your glass for local wines at Hidden Harbor Wine Library

Posted on September 12th, 2024 By: Julie Warrick Ammann

Washington state wines take center stage at Gig Harbor’s newest wine venture, located in the historic Finholm neighborhood.

The Hidden Harbor Wine Library’s best-kept secret is its selection of locally grown and produced wines, sourced from Washington’s agriculturally rich growing regions.

Unlike many wine regions around the world, Washington state’s diverse climate allows for a wide variety of wine grapes to thrive. As the second-largest wine producer in the U.S., Washington produces more than 17 million cases of wine each year.

“Washington wines — there’s so many varieties now,” Kim Tran explained to a new customer as she poured white wine into a large glass for tasting. Tran and husband Gary Butler held a soft opening for Hidden Harbor Wine Library on Aug. 16.

Hidden Harbor Wine Library owners Gary Butler and Kim Tran. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

Inspired by their daughter and their world travels, the Washington state natives decided to open their cool, blue-toned wine library with a view. They called the business “a family idea” and noted that their daughter earned a viticulture and oenology degree (the study of wine and vines) at the University of California-Davis.

Regional wines, local wine drinkers

The business was years in the making. Before relocating to Gig Harbor six years ago, the family lived in Bellevue, where Tran and Butler pursued careers in tech. They often visited wineries in nearby Woodinville to try new vintages.

But traveling from Gig Harbor to Woodinville, they quickly realized, was not realistic for most people living in the South Sound.

Their business plan centered on two key goals: Creating an experience and showcasing Washington state wines.

As both former visitors and now residents of Gig Harbor, Tran and Butler understood the appeal of the town’s scenic waterfront. “Folks are looking for something to do — to see the water,” Butler said.

Wines for sale at Hidden Harbor Wine Library. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

“As we’ve traveled the world, this is the kind of experience we always gravitated to. It’s not sterile, it’s welcome. You can meet locals there. You can meet travelers, you can relax and have open conversations. We found that all over the world.”

During the COVID lockdown, their now 27-year-old daughter, Dria, returned home to Gig Harbor after an extended wine experience in Perth, Australia. With the family reunited, the idea of the wine business began to “coalesce,” Butler said. Where to locate the business was the question.

Dria returned to her wine career in Napa Valley post-lockdown, but remotely advised and collaborated with her parents as the business idea continued to take form. Last spring, while driving through the Harbor, Tran spotted a “for lease” sign. The Hidden Harbor Wine Library finally found a home.

Liquid library

“I’m just very impressed,” first-time visitor Eric Vernon said as he took in the ambiance of the liquid library. “What I really appreciate is their focus on Washington state wines. It’s world-class wine.”

Vernon, a sommelier and founder of Corks and Convos, a wine education and tasting business, relaxed with colleagues around a fireside coffee table laden with snacks. With a stunning view of the harbor, the group shared laughter and sipped wine, enjoying a perfect Friday evening as the sun sets.

“To have a place dedicated to Washington wine is exceptional,” Vernon said.

“We are very similar in our ideals,” added Char Wigham, co-founder of Corks & Conversations. “Drink what you like.”

From left, Staci James, Char Wigham and Danielle Vernon, of Corks and Convos, enjoy a glass of wine at the Hidden Harbor Wine Library. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

A place to hang out

Ninety percent of Washington state’s wineries are small, family-owned businesses. Hidden Harbor Wines aims to create a space where patrons can appreciate and enjoy these wines.

Wine is available by the glass or bottle at Hidden Harbor Wine Library. Glasses start at $10 and bottles from around $25. “Our main goal was not to price people out but give you an opportunity to try and hang out,” Tran said.

Flights are not available at this time. Stay tuned for continued add-ons and events. “We will do winemaker nights, and things we can be creative around,” Butler said.

The wine library aims to demystify wine drinking by offering educational opportunities. They also plan to host guest chef evenings with curated food pairings. Private events can be booked at the library.

Hidden Harbor Wine Library focuses on Washington-made wines. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

Although the wine library doesn’t have a kitchen, visitors can bring takeout from local restaurants to complement their wine tasting. Small food bites are available, including prepackaged prosciutto, cheese and crackers, single-serving salmon, popcorn and other snacks.

The Library also offers non-alcoholic wine and beverages. Board games are tucked away in baskets. You don’t know what to say? No worries. Conversation starter games are on hand to break the ice.

From left, Donna Thomas, Danielle Cain, Brenda Olson and Beth Theisen enjoy the deck at Hidden Harbor Wine Library while celebrating Thomas’ birthday. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

Building with some history

Hidden Harbor Wine Library features a clean, coastal Pacific Northwest aesthetic with natural wood shelving and tables set against deep-sea-blue walls. Enjoying a glass of wine by the fire feels especially cozy on the earth-tone leather furnishings while gazing out to the waterfront view. Though the modern interiors have a contemporary 2024 feel, a look upward reveals the building’s rich historical ties to Gig Harbor’s past.

Tran and Butler removed the drop-down ceiling in the building, and uncovered the original vaulted wood plank boards. This historic ceiling once overlooked the Tiderunner Boat company, founded in 1967 by longtime Gig Harbor resident Allan Arnold Bucholz. An entrepreneur and architect, Bucholz also designed the old Gig Harbor City Hall on Judson Street (now Timberland Bank) and the fire station on Kimball Drive.

Gig Harbor Resident Steve Dawson visits the Hidden Harbor Wine Library for the first time. A golfing buddy told him about it, so he thought he’d come check it out. Photo by Julie Warrick Ammann

“It’s a working man’s town, and built through grit,” Butler said. Pointing to the mismatched planks of wood, storied with age and imperfection, he explained how supplies were once hard to come by. “I like how that brings it to life,” he said.

Donna Thomas has arrived with her three girlfriends to celebrate her birthday, purses in one hand, wine glasses in another. It’s an evening in the harbor with friends.

The building that is now the Washington State Wine Library in its previous incarnation as the home of Tiderunner boats. Photo courtesy Erin Gatherum

The next chapter in the Tiderunner Boat Building’s story has begun. While the business has changed over the years, the original Gig Harbor family still owns the building. Boats gave way to wine, but it’s still 100% made in Washington state — a novelty that’s certainly worth raising a glass to.