At-home wine tastings curated by the "9th Avenue Vineyard"

WALLA WALLA—I first learned of “Gross Out” in Seattle. My roommate Jeff, a produce guy to elite Seattle restaurant owners, had sous vide another delectable cut of meat. He was always in the kitchen, cooking up some chef-level deliciousness.

I wondered aloud how he was getting these amazing meat deals in a city so expensive, and he described to me a magical place where perishable and nonperishable foods alike, alongside plants and some truly random housewares, were all for sale at reasonable prices.

Still, the name he used sullied my first impression of the discount grocery paradise he was touting. “But why do they call it gross?” He then explained that “Gross Out” is short for Grocery Outlet. And there is more than meat.

Upon relocating to Walla Walla a few years ago, “Gross Out” was one of the only familiar shops and remains a favorite. Located at 910 S 9th Ave, in Walla Walla, it seems to be right around the corner from everything.

An incredible selection of local wine is right at our fingertips at the “9th Avenue Vineyard.” That being yet another name for Grocery Outlet, especially if you find yourself oohing and ahhing at the deals on the wines.

Jason Wiley from Grocery Outlet’s wine department doesn’t have an exact number but says “wine sales are definitely up since the pandemic and our selection has grown.” Customers’ buying habits are changing due to COVID-19, and trips to traditional vineyards are not so easy.

For those attempting to recreate a wine tasting experience on a smaller scale, from the comfort and safety of home, a quick stop at the “9th Avenue Vineyard” is all that’s needed.

Wine-lovers can find a veritable smorgasbord of bottles to peruse. You’ll have to use your imagination for the faint scent of earth and envision the long-legged spiders that like to crawl through grapevines. With success, you’ll teleport into a great cellar filled to the brim with hidden gems.

The chain purchases wine wholesale at close-out prices.

According to Wiley, in the last month, the top three red wines have been:

Columbia Crest H3 Red Blend $6.99

Roza Ridge by Hyatt Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon $6.99

Hyatt Vineyards Syrah $5.99

Columbia Crest is a well-established winery from Paterson, Wash.

Hyatt Vineyards is one of 11 wineries situated in the Rattlesnake Hills region located in Zillah, Wash. The Roza Ridge brand started with its first vintage in 2002.

Best selling white wines this month have been:

Columbia Crest H3 Sauvignon Blanc $4.99

Browne Family Heritage Chardonnay $7.99

Wilder Washington Chardonnay $5.99

Browne Family Heritage Wilder Washington is from the Columbia Valley.

Other favorites include the Gordon Estate located in Pasco.

Try something new. You might be surprised.