Historic Sips: Seattle’s Iconic Hotels Serve Up Wine Pairings with a Side of Legacy

By Linda Lowry 

Seattle’s skyline is adorned with stunning architectural treasures that whisper secrets of a bygone era. Ranging across the intimate allure of speakeasy-style lounges to the breathtaking views of rooftop sanctuaries, four of the city’s most iconic historic hotels are transforming the traditional happy hour with exquisite wine pairings that celebrate the unique essence of terroir, rich narratives, and the art of timeless hospitality. As you explore the nuances of a well-chosen vintage or embrace a fresh take on happy hour, these wine-forward destinations promise more than flavor, they offer atmosphere, intention, and connection.

Perched 16 stories above downtown Seattle, Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge is a luminous sanctuary where design-forward sensibilities and natural light converge to celebrate the Pacific Northwest. Organic textures, earthy tones, and sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows create an elevated yet inviting space that invites guests to linger, whether for a quiet afternoon or a vibrant evening. Known for its refined ambiance and panoramic views of Elliott Bay, Charlotte has become more than just a rooftop retreat, it’s a scene to savor. Anchored by a cellar that has earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for two consecutive years, “Wine Down Mondays” are now a treasured tradition for the city’s vino enthusiasts. The restaurant draws a dynamic clientele, from curious travelers to cultural icons, including Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic and Soundgarden’s/Truly Hiro Yamamoto, who come to unwind over thoughtful cuisine and world-class pours.

Video credit: Linda Lowry

Long before the first glass is raised, Charlotte’s story unfolds inside the architectural duality of Lotte Hotel Seattle, a striking fusion of heritage and modernity, anchored by two distinct structures. The first is a sleek 44-story glass tower, envisioned by renowned artist Philippe Starck, offering contemporary luxury and unmatched city views. The second is the historic Sanctuary, a revitalized Beaux-Arts masterpiece originally built in 1908 as the First United Methodist Church, now one of Seattle’s most iconic event venues. Its soaring terra cotta dome, original stained-glass windows, and preserved pipe organ echo with timeless grandeur.

Nestled within this architectural gem is the Halo Bar, an intimate mezzanine lounge suspended above the Grand Ballroom. Framed by the Sanctuary’s radiant stained glass and centered under a dramatic halo-shaped light fixture, it casts a warm, celestial glow. Boasting room for up to 50 guests, the Halo Bar delivers a singular blend of historic elegance and modern glamour, ideal for private gatherings, pre-dinner cocktails, or simply soaking in a space where past and present harmonize.

At the heart of Charlotte’s wine philosophy is Gene Dexter, a sommelier whose 40-year journey through hospitality has shaped a tasting experience rooted in emotion, nuance, and narrative. His soulful selections aren’t just poured, they’re performed, unfolding like chapters of a story that reflect place, mood, and memory. Charlotte’s wine program continues to evolve in lockstep with its kitchen, and under the direction of newly appointed Executive Chef Ryan Pearson, that harmony has entered an exciting new era. Each bottle on the menu, sourced thoughtfully from Washington to Italy, is selected to complement Pearson’s bold yet refined culinary sensibilities. Backed by Michelin-starred experience at Batard, Daniel, and NoMad, and shaped by formative time in NYC, Paris, and New Orleans, Pearson now brings his global palate to Seattle with dishes that celebrate the Pacific Northwest’s abundance. Think Seared Alaskan Halibut with morels and rhubarb confit, or Wild King Salmon paired with Thai basil sauce vierge. As sommelier Gene Dexter curates’ wines to match these expressive plates, each pairing becomes a dialogue between continents, between flavors, and ultimately, between chef and guest. Below, Dexter’s top selections demonstrate how the right pour elevates Pearson’s creations from memorable to transcendent.

Must-Try Pairings at Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge

• Dossier Rosé (Washington)

  
  

  Elegant and dry, this rosé offers bright notes of strawberry, watermelon rind, and rose petal, making it a sublime match for Kusshi oysters with citrus-forward mignonette or the foie gras torchon. Its crisp acidity and delicate red fruit tones bridge both dishes with finesse, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between bites while amplifying the subtle complexities of flavor.

• Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills, OR)

  
  

  A silky, fruit-forward red layered with notes of cherry and forest floor, offering a graceful complement to Charlotte’s Korean-inspired pork belly. The wine’s acidity and earthy undertones cut through the richness of the dish, balancing its umami depth with every sip.

• Maison Les Alexandrins Viognier (Tain-l’Hermitage, France)

  
  

  A floral and expressive white with hints of honeysuckle, apricot, and lemon zest. Paired with the foie gras torchon, it echoes the creamy richness of the dish while enhancing the vibrancy of the strawberry rhubarb compote and pink peppercorn brioche.

• Hillick & Hobbs Dry Riesling (Seneca Lake, NY)

  
  

  Crisp and mineral-driven, this Riesling brings tension and energy to the briny elegance of Kusshi oysters topped with horseradish foam and blood orange mignonette. The interplay of acidity, citrus, and salinity creates a coastal harmony on the palate.

• Vignalta Rosso Riserva (Euganean Hills, Italy)

  
  

  A bold, structured blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that envelops the savory richness of Charlotte’s fried chicken and truffle fries. Aromas of black cherry, tobacco, and dried herbs resonate with the dish’s caramelized onion-bacon jam and Douglas fir-infused sea salt.

Just beyond the modern pulse of downtown Seattle lies a portal to the past, a place where gilded age charm and frontier folklore still echo through the walls. Step through the grand doors of the Arctic Club Hotel and immerse yourself in a captivating time capsule, where neoclassical grandeur, rich Klondike lore, and vintage indulgence harmoniously converge. Situated at the bustling corner of Third Avenue and Cherry Street, this historic landmark, built in 1916 as the official headquarters of the Arctic Club, once welcomed Gold Rush adventurers and affluent businessmen who returned from Alaska’s wild frontier with fortunes and stories in tow. Designed by architect A. Warren Gould, the building is renowned for its cream-colored terra cotta façade, deep submarine blue accents, and the whimsical walrus head sculptures that line its third floor, earning it the affectionate nickname “the one with the tusks.”

Inside, the Polar Bar is a jewel box of vintage velvet, dark wood, and old-world charm that invites guests to linger. Once a favored haunt of Seattle’s elite, it continues to draw tastemakers and cultural insiders, especially during Wine Wednesdays, held every first and third Wednesday of the month. On these spirited evenings, the room hums with the warmth of live music: rotating ensembles of jazz trios, soulful soloists, and even the occasional swing band drift through the space, echoing beneath globe chandeliers like golden notes caught in crystal.

The wine curation is equally evocative. Expect bold pours from celebrated Pacific Northwest producers alongside rarities sourced from small-batch vineyards in Oregon’s Dundee Hills, Walla Walla Valley, and Yakima. Whether it’s a brooding Syrah with smoked paprika lamb skewers or a zesty Albariño paired with citrus-glazed prawns, each glass is poured to highlight the interplay between vintage and flavor. Beneath the regal gaze of a polar bear mascot, guests sip, savor, and sway in a space where local legends, vintage indulgence, and the stylish set mingle with effortless ease.

While Polar Bar doesn’t have an official sommelier, its bartenders are exceptional guides in their own right. Enthusiastic storytellers with deep knowledge of Pacific Northwest wines and a keen eye for pairings, they transform each tasting into a rich, conversational experience, layered with local lore and a delightful touch of playfulness. 

Must-Try Pairings:

• Willamette Valley Pinot Noir × Duck Confit Pupusas

  
  

  This velvety, medium-bodied red exudes notes of cherry, earth, and a hint of spice—just the thing to echo the savory richness of slow-cooked duck and the satisfying crispness of the griddled pupusa. A pairing that whispers autumn, no matter the season.

• Yakima Valley Viognier × Chipotle Apricot Sticky Wings

  
  

  Floral on the nose with bursts of peach and apricot on the palate, this expressive white dances gracefully with the wings’ smoky heat and candied glaze. Each bite-sip combo teeters between sweet and spicy in the most delightful way.

• Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy) × Truffle Fries

  
  

  This elegant Nebbiolo-based red offers notes of sour cherry, dried herbs, and a whisper of rose petal, an ideal match for the earthy decadence of truffle fries. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness, while its savory undertones echo the umami depth of the truffle oil. The pairing feels indulgent yet balanced, like a late-night jazz riff in a velvet-draped lounge.

The evening becomes even more enchanting with the Arctic Club Hotel's Candlelight Concert Series, featuring a captivating lineup of live performances illuminated by the warm glow of hundreds of candles. This summer, the historic venue will host tributes that span various genres and generations, including:

• Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA – Now through September 14, 2025

  
  

  Join a glamorous showdown of pop royalty, where soaring vocals and symphonic arrangements come together under the watchful gaze of the club’s iconic walrus heads.

• Candlelight: Rings and Dragons – Now through September 21, 2025

  
  

  Embark on a fantastical journey through cinematic scores inspired by epic tales and mythical realms.

• Candlelight: A Tribute to Bad Bunny – August 8 through September 13, 2025

  
  

  Celebrate Latin trap and reggaeton in a genre-bending performance, reimagined through classical instrumentation.

• Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More – September 12–13, 2025

  
  

  Enjoy a timeless interpretation of Vivaldi’s masterpiece, paired with selections from Piazzolla and Massenet for a truly transportive evening.

• Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings – December 20–21, 2025

  
  

  Experience a festive finale to the year, as beloved holiday classics are performed in a setting that feels like a living snow globe.

Just a short walk uphill from downtown’s buzz, the ivy-draped elegance of the Hotel Sorrento offers a quiet yet captivating reminder of Seattle’s enduring charm. Perched atop First Hill since 1909, the landmark was originally built to welcome visitors to the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, a world’s fair that helped put Seattle on the map. Designed in an Italianate style by architect Harlan Thomas, the hotel quickly became a haven for artists, dignitaries, and dreamers. Its octagonal lobby, Rookwood-tiled fireplaces, and sweeping rooftop views once made it the city’s most fashionable address, and more than a century later, the Sorrento still holds that storied glow. Today, it continues to enchant with a blend of old-world romance and modern flair. The Fireside Room remains the heart of the hotel, where candlelight dances across velvet settees and live jazz spills into the evening air. Seasonal wine dinners and curated pairings showcase its culinary creativity, often spotlighting guest sommeliers and regional winemakers.

This summer, the Sorrento is embracing its role as a cultural salon with intimate gatherings and timeless programming. Guests can unwind during Stella Aperitivo Hour, held daily from 2–5 p.m., where refreshing cocktails and savory bites channel Italian leisure. On Friday evenings, the Fireside Room glows with live sets by pianist Shawn Shlogel, offering a rich musical backdrop that deepens the hotel’s vintage ambiance. Literary lovers gravitate toward midweek and Sunday events like the Silent Reading Party and Frizzlit Talks, where ambient tunes, plush armchairs, and curated dialogue create a haven of quiet thoughtfulness.

Not all Sorrento’s guests hail from this world. Whispers of the paranormal have long drifted through its corridors, most famously tied to the spirit of Alice B. Toklas, the avant-garde writer and life partner of Gertrude Stein. Though Alice B. Toklas was born and raised in San Francisco, legend claims the Sorrento Hotel rests near a place tied to her spirit, a poetic association that draws her in despite having no known personal connection to Seattle during her lifetime. Room 408, perched on the fourth floor where paranormal activity is often reported, seems to hold particular magnetism. Guests and staff have described flickering lights, phantom footsteps, and fleeting glimpses of a woman in vintage dress drifting past the doorway. Some believe she’s attracted to the hotel’s literary soul and bohemian energy, her spirit lingering like a well-placed comma in a story that refuses to end.

Bridging First Hill’s ivy-draped romance with downtown’s enduring grandeur, Seattle’s storied hospitality finds timeless expression at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, where layered history and Renaissance detail converge beneath soaring vaulted ceilings. Opened in 1924 on the original site of the University of Washington, this storied landmark blends Italian Renaissance grandeur with an unmistakably local elegance. Vaulted ceilings, oak-paneled rooms, and intricate architectural flourishes speak to its legacy as the city’s grande dame, welcoming presidents, poets, and pioneers for nearly a century.

Today, that legacy is not just preserved, it’s performed nightly through immersive culinary experiences and intimate programming. Inside Shuckers Oyster Bar, once a 1930s haberdashery, guests trade tailored hats for freshly shucked oysters and bold maritime-inspired cocktails. With over 400 dozen oysters served weekly, Shuckers balances grit and sophistication in equal measure. This summer marks the debut of “Shuck It Sunday,” launching August 24. The tasting series offers unlimited oysters, craft cocktails like the Dirty Gin Martini and citrus-forward Paper Sea Plane, and guided pairing insights led by Chef de Cuisine A.J. Darkmun and Rémy Cointreau’s Devin Vilardi.

Down the corridor, The George hosts the hotel’s acclaimed Winemaker Dinner Series. On July 23, a collaboration with Résonance Wines and Maison Louis Jadot brings “the King of Pinot,” Guillaume Large, to center stage. Guests will enjoy a four-course prix-fixe menu spotlighting juniper-cured salmon tartare, roasted lamb chops with harissa and mint chimichurri, and a trio of desserts that echo the finesse of Burgundy’s patisseries, all paired with expressive Chardonnays and velvety Pinot Noirs.

Seeking a more intimate escape? The Founders Club remains one of Seattle’s best-kept secrets. Hidden behind a discreet bookcase just off the grand lobby, this speakeasy-style sanctuary offers rare whiskeys and leather-bound drink menus, where signature pours like the Founders Manhattan, infused with Earl Grey tincture, set the mood for a night steeped in legacy and quiet sophistication. And as summer unfolds, the Fairmont prepares to unveil its next act: Do Not Disturb, a burlesque-inspired cabaret debuting September 12 in the hotel’s iconic Spanish Ballroom. Guests will be treated to a decadent two-course dinner during the performance, followed by a dessert reception in the Metropole Room, an evening where glamour, gastronomy, and theatrical flair converge. At the Fairmont Olympic, history isn’t simply observed. It’s lived, one oyster, one pour, one whispered story at a time.

In Seattle, hospitality is not just a service; it’s an art form shaped by the city's rich history and vibrant culture. From the ivy-covered elegance of the Sorrento Hotel to the historic grandeur of the Fairmont Olympic, each landmark offers more than just a place to stay, they offer a unique story. The Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge at the Lotte Hotel adds a contemporary touch, pairing stunning skyline views with Michelin-quality menus that celebrate the region's culinary delights. Whether enjoying a glass of Syrah under the gaze of a polar bear at the Polar Bar or relaxing in the candlelit jazz atmosphere of the Fireside Room, guests are not just hosted but truly transported. These venues are where legacy endures, innovation flourishes, and every raised glass feels like a toast to the very essence of the city itself.

Photo credits:

Lotte Hotel

Hotel Sorrento

Arctic Club Hotel

Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Linda Lowry