Great views, wine and dining at Cave B
Published 9:00 pm Saturday, June 25, 2005
Perched on the majestic cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge is a stunning new destination resort that seems to have been painted into the tranquil landscape. The arching roof lines and extensive use of native basalt rock blends with the grandeur of the surroundings, appearing to be part of the natural scenery.
Cave B Inn at Sagecliffe is spectacular and unique on many levels. It is the first and only fully integrated luxury resort and premium winery destination in the Pacific Northwest. It’s outside the tiny town of George, adjacent to the famous Gorge Amphitheater where top-shelf acts have entertained the masses every summer for the past couple of decades.
I’d heard rumors of this development, and after being mesmerized by the natural beauty of the area during the concerts I attended, I could only imagine how such a project would end up. After experiencing this jewel, I can say that it did indeed evolve into something beyond my imagination.
Poised 900 feet above the Columbia River with panoramic views at every turn, the Cave B Inn sits on 550 acres of rugged beauty and carefully tended vineyards. As you enter the property you come upon the unobtrusive winery housed in a huge silo beneath the ground. A marmot or two may scurry off the grassy roof of the winery as you pass. Continuing along the vine-lined lane toward the lodge the spectacular view is gradually unveiled. Beyond the graceful, arched rooflines of the main lodge, with three beautifully appointed guest suites, are the 15 Cliffhouses chiseled out of the rocky slopes and the Cavern, built directly into the basalt cliffs, containing 12 guest rooms. Atop the Cavern is a performing arts area with terraced seating.
The lodge is also home to the Tendrils restaurant and bar, two meeting rooms and a grand wraparound riverview terrace. Inside, a 30-foot-tall basalt double-sided fireplace and incredible turned-iron and hand-blown glass chandeliers (locally designed and crafted) emphasize the detailed craftsmanship that went into this entire project.
The winery and the inn are the first phases of a much larger vision that owners Vince and Carol Bryan have for Sagecliffe. The big picture is to provide an ultimate experience that celebrates nature and human achievements in the arts and sciences. The Bryans have started the Sagecliffe Foundation (outlined in their vision statement) that, “facilitates the intermingling and interaction of diverse people by providing sponsorships, eclectic programming, and financial support. This Sagecliffe venue, and its capacity for bringing people together, should be available to all.”
The Sagecliffe proposed designs include additional guest accommodations, indoor and outdoor theaters, a golf course and pro shop, equestrian center, exhibition halls, galleries and artists’ studios. As it is now, it’s inspiring. It should be fascinating to witness further evolution.
The Vine Dining experience with executive chef Fernando Divina at Tendrils is just another slice of perfection that radiates from a facility that is a finely tuned instrument of relaxation. The starter plate of roasted canyon quail with polenta, sofrito and sage and paired with a glass of their Angelo’s merlot was just about sublime. And the meal kept getting better from there.
One of the slogans for Cave B Inn at Sagecliffe is, “Come for the wine, stay for the view,” and if there weren’t an incredible Inn, awesome restaurant and breathtaking views, then the wine, on its own, would be a worthy draw. I’ve had many opportunities to sample the estate wines of Cave B over the past few years and have always found them to be delightful, refined and polished wines that represent good values.
All things considered, I’d have to give Cave B a resounding A+!
Jeff Wicklund can be reached at 425-737-2600, or wick@colbyhospitality.com.
