Footprint Wine Tap is Seattle's and WA’s 1st and only keg wine-on-tap bar and shop sourcing fine PNW wines and food for your palate pleasures
We are a sustainability-focused small business and practice reducing our carbon footprint through alternative wine packaging, and wherever and whenever possible. From where we source our wines, the vineyard management practices, transport of products, ethical and equitable treatment of employees, education and waste management in our operations, salvaged and re-purposed equipment, furniture and design elements in our space, to the very nature of having keg wines on tap allows us to significantly reduce our carbon footprint!
Come in and let us exchange stories about the local wine and food in a comfortable and warm space on Capitol Hill. Cheers!
Ken Dillon
Owner & Winemaker
Ken was born in WA and has lived on the US west coast his entire life. He’s always been fascinated with science, and passionate for art, music and singing. This led him to study Biological Sciences, Ecology and Vocal Music Performance. After a long Seattle vacation in 2005 he knew Seattle was the place to call and return home. “I relate somewhat to being a salmon, born in the area, grew up elsewhere, and now returned, perhaps instinctively to live life to the fullest.”
In 2006 he moved to Seattle and took a volunteer opportunity at the Seattle Aquarium and professional opportunity in HR. Who knew an HR opportunity would be a 10-year career?! Simultaneously interpreting marine life sciences and managing administrative functions for thousands of employees and business resources, Ken dabbled in being a host for blind wine tasting and food-wine pairing events with friends in his spare time. Similar to his scientific and artistic background, getting acquainted with wine over many years led him to see how wine can be a great example of blending and balancing science and art.
In 2014 Ken began a deeper journey of wine exploration and his passion grew with every experience. “I wanted to be more involved with wine in my everyday life, and not just be a fun hobby. A lot of conjuring up images of what a potential wine future could be, I started by looking at what I want, but then, it became more apparent to focus on things that I do not want.” Ken could not compromise his philosophies, values and being authentic to himself and others, and practice reducing and eliminating waste in all aspects of life. He also did not want to settle his ambitions to what’s already being done and considered the norm, safe, traditional etc. when one perceives and enjoys wine. “I’m thinking outside the bottle. A majority of what wine consumers drink are considered ‘ready-to-drink’ younger wines and wines that were purchased within a few days.”
Commence: Operation Wine Inquisition Mode.
A natural born leader and fighter for all things good, Ken was set on exploring all options to live his dream. “We all have many dreams, but do we ever really get to live them? What if there’s a way to revolutionize great quality local wine, reducing or eliminating waste, and without the consumer having to pay high prices to enjoy it?” The next couple of years involved many restless nights of excitement and doubt, but he persisted on what started as a figment of imagination and piece of scratch paper to developing a clearer concept and drafted business plan.
In late Spring of 2016 Ken left his HR career to fully immerse himself into the wine industry. Getting his roots started as a Tasting Room Associate at one of the largest and well known WA wineries at the time, over the next 2 years he worked his way up to Lead Associate and over to different wineries, tasting rooms and found his temporary plateau as Bar Manager at a classic Seattle Wine Bar. It was almost exactly 2 years since he stepped away from HR Ken signed his lease agreement to what will soon become a dream venture brought to reality.
“We designed this space to capture modern and rustic, old-world and new-world, utilizing existing elements and building on the foundation, all the while paying attention to what materials could be re-claimed and re-purposed. Working with a smaller yet cozy space we knew maximizing the potential for a versatile space was key in a successful flow of feel and operation. We are so happy with how the space turned out and love talking to guests about all the different elements that went into creating the space.” The space is designed to make the guest feel immediate warmth and invitation from first time wine explorers to seasoned professionals. Come in and enjoy a glass while you work or read, have a date night, catch up with friends any night of the week, enjoy a live music and wine tasting public event, or host a private event with 50 of your closest companions.
Ken was able to host his first event on September 14, 2018 — Footprint Wine Tap was born and open for business.
“I’m so happy to call Seattle home and to be part of the Capitol Hill Community. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in this project and to all those who continue to help shape me as a better version of my self every day. Here’s to many more events with Many Cheers!”
[Above: Ken & Our inaugural ‘22 Sauvignon Blanc]
Footprint produces our very own wines and we are proud to introduce our inaugural Footprint FAN Memberships to help Fund Footprint’s Future!
We now have two inaugural and dedicated Footprint Produced Wine Memberships: Footprint FAN & Footprint FANCY. Since these are our very own we’re offering some amazing Member-Exclusive Benefits for those that subscribe at both the Monthly or Annual level, and SPECIAL exclusive benefits at the Annual level that you do not want to miss out on.
Our initial goals are to welcome 20 Annual Footprint FANs, and 10 Annual Footprint FANCYs by Sept 14, our 6-Yr Anniversary Date. We are humbled and optimistic to reach our goals in those time frames with your help, and of course, any combination of all other new subscriptions at any level will count toward reaching our goals. And remember, any of our Memberships make excellent gifts too so please share with yours – the more the merrier and it’s a win[e]-win for all. In lieu of donation requests we hope that we can elevate and share more of our wine craft and accomplishing major wins for many years ahead.
So, are you a Footprint FAN or do you FANCY Footprint, and will you help us reach and hopefully exceed our goals and help Fund Footprint’s Future!?
We’ve got plans for more wines on the way and your support means the world to us so we can all continue our wine journey. Click the button below to learn more about our inaugural Footprint FAN Memberships or any other of our other marvelous Memberships, subscribe, enjoy exclusive benefits, Save $ Today, and support Our Wine Future together.
We appreciate your time, and in advance for your consideration, business and continued support. We look forward to seeing you soon with Many Cheers!
Fill-Up Memberships/Retail
Fill Up is our Growler Program where we offer a 1-Liter or 64 oz growler, or BYO Growler to fill up any of our current wine, cider and mead on-tap selections from our wine production and up to 20 different local producers. Subscribe to our Fill Up Membership and receive exclusive Member Benefits and Save $ Today. Or participate in our Retail Fill Up by grabbing a Growler, fill it up, pay by the ounce, enjoy, and return the Growler on your next visit for a refill. See our current Menu for what’s in stock or stop by and chat with us so we can help you get your perfect pours!
We average over 30 different wines and beverages for you to choose from in our Retail Shop. From can, box, pouch, growler or bottle, to Champagne, rosé, red and dessert wines we’re confident we can always find something you’re looking for or even something you did not know you were quite looking for and happy you did! Click on our link here: Buy Wine & Memberships to see our current Footprint Produced Wine, and Fill-Up Memberships, or come in and speak with one of our awesome Associates today who can help guide you!
Gift Cards
Gift cards are a perfect way to celebrate anyone in your life who enjoys the wine bounty from our PNW backyard in a warm and comfortable space. Click the button below to purchase your gift card today!
Classes & Events
Wine Classes are Now in Session!
You have asked, and just in time for WA Wine Month, we’re finally ready to launch our in-house Wine Class Series. In our brand-new program, ‘Wine Paradigm,’ we’ll be hosting bi-monthly classes designed for wine beginners and wine enthusiasts alike who thirst for more knowledge and exploration of “what in the WA Wine World is going on!?”
Classes are also perfect for your Team Builders, Happy Hours, Socials, Mixers, Dates and more. Ready to elevate your wine journey?! Then join us for a good ol’ wine time as we cannot wait to start our Wine Paradigm Classes with you.
We are also offering a 1-Yr Footprint Wine Tap Mentorship, Assistance opportunity for underrepresented BIPOC, LGBTQI+ and/or Womxn groups. Send us an email with your cover letter to info@footprintwine.com to learn more.
Check out some of the first classes we’re offering, and ‘entwine’ with us by clicking the button below!
EVENTS
JOIN US FOR OUR 6TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS IN SEPTEMBER!
We’re marking this landmark occasion with an All Day Happy Hour on September 14 (4 to 10 p.m.), two new wine memberships with exclusive benefits, and so much more.
Book YOUR PRIVATE EVENT WITH US TODAY!
From Birthdays, Anniversaries, Wedding Parties, Happy Hours, to Readings, Team-building Events and Lively Socials, we can host you and up to 50 guests!
WINE TASTING & LIVE PIANO, plus stay tuned for other live music events tba!
Our wine tasting and live piano nights feature different wine producers, varietals or themes all the while taking in the magical moments of live piano by our local pianists. Follow us via our newsletter or Insta to learn about our upcoming Wine Tasting & Live Piano Events, and other live music events TBA!
#BlackLivesMatter — # BlackTransLivesMatter
As a proud Black, Asian, and Gay-Owned Small Business in Seattle, we stand with our Black Community, and all IPOC, LGBTQIA+, underrepresented communities all over the world. We are only as strong as our most vulnerable populations in our community, our society. Click on the Organizations below to learn how you can gain access to important resources, support local Black non-profits, chapters and national organizations that are fighting against injustices to our Black communities.
Black TRANS Lives Matter
“Lavender Rights Project elevates the power, autonomy, and leadership of the Black intersex & gender diverse community through intersectional legal and social services. We utilize the law as an organizing principle to affirm our civil rights and self-determination.
Our organization disrupts oppressive systems that target Black gender diverse and intersex communities of color and lead to disproportionate levels of poverty, housing disparities, and gender-based violence, especially among Black and Indigenous people.”
— LRP
King County Equity Now (KCEN)
King County Equity Now is an ecosystem of over sixty Black-led, accountable community-based organizations, of Black elders, organizers, healers, and families fighting to achieve equity now. King County Equity Now is designing and engineering a new normal rooted in equity.
AMerican civil liberties union (ACLU)
The ACLU is non-profit and non-partisan. We do not receive any government funding. Member dues and contributions and grants from private foundations and individuals pay for the work we do. The ACLU, with headquarters in New York City, litigates across the nation and all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Our Washington, D.C., legislative office lobbies the U.S. Congress. We use strategic communications to educate the public about issues. And the ACLU has expanded its reach by applying international human rights standards in our complex Post 9/11 world. A number of national projects address specific civil liberties issues: AIDS, capital punishment, lesbian and gay rights, immigrants' rights, prisoners' rights, reproductive freedom, voting rights, women's rights and workplace rights.
The (Grape) Press
Seattle Met, March 12, 2019
Eater - Seattle, July 12, 2019
by KIRO 7 Radio, September 26, 2019
by Sarah Studer & Intentionalist, February 27, 2020
by Nat Rubio-Licht, Puget Sound Business Journal, August 1, 2020
by Aakanksha Agarwal, Seattle Refined. February 19, 2021
Brandon Burnstead of KOMO News "Seattle Refined" produced this great and fun story about us, Footprint Wine Tap. Check it out!
“Black wine bar owner focused on sustainability, paving way for underrepresented entrepreneurs”
by Tracey Leong. KIRO 7 News. August 18, 2021
“15 Best Wine Bars in Seattle”
by Alicia Erickson. Tasting Table. Jun 8, 2024
“Visit Seattle for Love & Pride”
by David Lopez. Instinct Magazine. June 13, 2024
“Pouring with Purpose and Pride: How Footprint Wine Tap Sets New Standards for Sustainability in Wine”
WeRise Wines. Jun 18, 2024.
Hours of Operation:
**REGULAR HOURS OF OPERATION**
TUE-THUR: 4p - 9p
FRI-SAT: 4p - 10p
SUN-MON: Closed
We are hosting public and private events. Inquire within by contacting us via email or phone call.
Contact Us:
(206) 485-7175
info@footprintwine.com
Locate Us:
Located in Capitol Hill on Madison St, between 12th and 13th Ave. Free 1-Hour Retail parking available (first come, first served basis) in the Citizen building garage off 13th Ave.
1222 E Madison St,
Suite C
Seattle, WA 98122
Make A Reservation
Click the “RSVP” button below to book your visit now!
RSVP & Large Group Policy:
Please note that All RSVPs must be “Confirmed,” Any no-call/show will be automatically cancelled 5 mins past their RSVP, and parties who cannot make their RSVP 15 mins past their scheduled arrival will be cancelled. Large groups (5+ guests) will be placed on a single tab and no wine flight options are available. Thank you for your cooperation as we best navigate our small business and operation to ensure the best service and experience for you, our Guests!