Vino At The Landing Offers Flavors Near & Far

So I suppose I first should get to the vino, at . Their list and retail wine selection leans toward affordable selections from Washington’s Columbia Valley, California, with nods to some solid international choices, such as Beronia, from Spain’s Rioja ($4.50 half glass, $9 glass). I love Beronia and found it encouraging to see it on the list.

Had I not been driving, I would have chosen their International Red Flight for $13, which featured glasses of Tempranillo from Rioja, Malbec from Mendoza, and a blend from the Alentejo region of Portugal. But seeing as I was meeting with a friend on a sunny afternoon for a reviewer’s taste, I settled on a half glass of Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl for $4. Kung Fu Girl is pretty readily available, but for good reason. This pleasantly off-dry white swayed my dining partner, who thought she didn’t like Rieslings. 

Take a sunny day, a lunch of European-style bites, and Vino earned my stamp of approval. My one real grievance was an unfortunate summer glitch... The blasting 80’s rock music from The Rock’s outdoor patio — which even brought chagrined comments from our server. Vino’s patio is just across the way from the Rock, which likes to 'rock out,' even on a weekday afternoon.

Hardly a traditional tapas bar, but...  I am enamored with Vino’s ultra-fresh gazpacho. In fact, after lunching with a visiting Portland friend on Vino’s sunny patio, I was inspired to blend up a batch of my own for dinner. Vino’s version eschews bread, so you get a bowlful of bright blended roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and garlic topped with slivered basil. Just what you want to eat on a warm afternoon. Refreshing ingredients, no waist-line guilt. Our waitress volunteered that some find their gazpacho to be too strong — people please, this is a tame version. Garlic is good for you!

Vino’s House Salad ($8.95) was alive with fresh greens, striated by slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato, with a balanced drizzle of balsamic and oil. This went beyond a regular Caprese (also available for $8.95) in that you can enjoy milky fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and get your greens in as well. My fellow diner polished this off while I spooned the remains of our gazpacho bowl.

Our dishes came quickly, and soon we had a table that looked like a Tuscan picnic, even with an ice tea and a glass of Northwest Riesling. Had to order the namesake Vino Platter ($16.95) which is suggested for two. A couple slices each of Sopressata, Prosciutto, and Coppa lie beside generous triangles of Spanish Iberico, Cambozola blue from Italy, olives, and baguette slices. We decided to take half of this home, so we could end our meal on a sweet note.

Panna Cotta with fresh raspberries ($4.95) is worth saving room for on Vino’s seasonal menu. This silky pudding comes in a fluted glass, layered with pureed raspberries and topped with fresh whipped cream. Summer in a champagne glass.


I also received a postcard with my check announcing a special wine tasting on August 21st from 4-7 pm to benefit Team B.A.W. for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. Tickets are $20 advance ($25 at the door) and include four 2-ouce tastings (2 white, 2 red) and light appetizers. 20% of all additional wine and food purchases will be donated to the team. Drink and eat for a great cause!  


800 N 10th Place, Suite E
Renton, WA 98057
(425) 282-0382

Hours of Operation
Sun - Wed: 3pm-10pm
Thurs: 11am-11pm
Fri - Sat : 11am-Midnight

Happy Hour
Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm

Wine Tasting
Fridays 6pm-8pm

Live Music
Saturdays 8pm-11pm