Northwest Cellars joined the Kirkland winery ranks with Pondera Winery and Grand Reve when it opened its doors June 6.

But it stands out as the city’s first winery tasting room, where wine aficionados can come to sample custom blends.

Northwest Cellars produces and distributes high-quality, affordable wines with custom-designed labels.

Owners Bob and Kathleen Delf said they have fun coming up with their own award-winning blends, including their 2005 Columbia Valley Intrigue, a Bordeaux-style red blend that was recently awarded 90 points by Wine & Spirits magazine.

“It’s like chemistry without the test,” Kathleen said on Saturday during a private wine tasting event. “It’s fun to blend and see how much better you can make it.”

The couple also does their own Northwest Cellars labels, as well as private labels for special events such as weddings and fundraisers.

The company opened in 2004 and after experiencing steady growth, the Delf’s decided to open up shop in Kirkland, at 11909 124th Ave. N.E.

Bob said he looks forward to welcoming “wine-lovers to our tasting room. Our wines have been very much “under the radar” until now, and I’m anxious to get feedback and create new happy customers.”

Northwest Cellars is opened from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For information, call 425-825-9463 or visit www.northwestcellars.com.