Unofficial ‘beverage district’ near downtown Tacoma is now home to a WA winery

On Blended Knee Winery has unveiled its new tasting room in the burgeoning “beverage district” near downtown Tacoma.

Owners La’Rissa and Michael Dwyer promised a “modern and moody” bar where club members, neighbors and new faces alike could gather, glass in hand. After a year of renovating a gutted, cinder-block space at 2307 Tacoma Ave. South, the doors opened in July. They are planning a grand opening for the fall, said marketing manager Tautiana Kimbrough.

Technically OBK, as it’s affectionately called, is in a soft-opening phase until it settles into anticipated regular hours starting Aug. 27, Wednesday-Sunday. A reservation system is also in the works, although walk-ins will always be welcome. (Check Instagram for opening times between now and Aug. 24.)

Last Saturday, a couple parties had gathered for a flight, leaving with a club membership intact. A $25/month “I choose you” package offers eight bottles a year, one member-only flight at the bar every month (valued at $240), and 10% off all wine purchases and merchandise. The $35/month option jumps to 12 bottles a year, two flights per month for members or guests, and 20% off all wine and merch. Both memberships also extend a special $85/hour rental rate for a VIP Lounge reservation.

Glass pours range from $12 to $16 and bottles $28-$42. The bar doesn’t serve food, but guests can bring a snack.

The Dwyers launched OBK in 2022, following about five years of research, brand development and relationship-building with vineyards in Eastern Washington. They produce the wine at Custom Crush, a shared winemaking facility in Woodinville, which itself is home to more than 100 tasting rooms. The name pays homage to the couple and their families — the intertwining of lives and kids, hobbies and ambitions — and each bottle represents part of that theme.

“That Melody,” a Columbia Valley muscat, honors a song Michael played for La’Rissa on the guitar. “A Classic Encounter,” a Yakima Valley riesling, harkens to when the couple met, randomly, at a bar after work. “The Groomsmen” is a new-this-summer red blend of cabernet sauvignon and syrah, and The Bridesmaids a rosé. Also new to the lineup is a floral gewürztraminer that’s not too sweet or too dry, a flavor profile honed in collaboration with their resident photographer, Allison Banks.

La’Rissa, who was raised in Tacoma, honed her marketing chops in the corporate retail world, and those talents have paid off in the fast climb to the winery’s first storefront.

OBK got its start pouring at wine walks in the region, but it was one wedding showcase event that really set the tone. A recurring question: “Where can we find you?”

Tacoma was the only choice. The couple found this location, which might seem random until you notice the neighbors.

The building was previously home in part to Clinton’s Music House. The company behind Ted Brown Music purchased it last year and are planning a music education studio on one end. On the other, Common Ground Coffee has filled up daily since 2023. Also on the block are several new small businesses, including Artsi Creative Space, Mountain House Recordings, Big M Art Glass Studio, Tacoma Clay, Pacific NW Beauty Bar, Hairspace and a Brainy Actz escape room. Next to Nature, a pet store, has anchored the block for a while.

A block south on the other side of the street, Sig Brewing Co. also took a chance on the in-between area, now five years in and with a second taproom on South Tacoma Way.

While some winery tasting rooms can feel a bit intimidating to non-regulars, the Dwyers wanted OBK to be welcoming to both club members and anyone seeking a respite. A long bar-top — as opposed to a short standing bar or no bar at all, not unusual in “tasting rooms” — is essential to that mission. Grab a stool or settle into one of several tables; there’s also a fireplace lounge in the back (if it’s not booked!). The black-and-white color scheme is indeed “modern and moody.”

On Blended Knee Winery

• 2307 Tacoma Ave. S, Tacoma, obkwinery.com
• Limited hours this week: Aug. 20-23, 5-8 p.m. and Aug. 24, 1-3 p.m.
• Hours starting Aug. 27: Wednesday-Sunday 1-8 p.m.
• Details: new WA winery tasting room near downtown Tacoma; open to all, but club members receive discounts and perks including monthly complimentary flights and early access to new releases

This story was originally published August 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM.