The weekend is here, and Sunset’s Weekend Guide will help you make the most of your two free days.   Here, a Northwest wine director tells us the best wines to sip and serve.  Tell us yours!

Expert: Dawn Smith, wine director and sommelier at Bin Vivant ($$$; 1200 Carillon Point, Kirkland; 425/803-5595)

Field of study: Thanksgiving pairings, the best hangover remedy, and the next Washington wine to try.

Wine director and sommelier Dawn Smith gives us the skinny on the Northwest wine scene (left). Photograph by Michael Hanson

Favorite bottle of (affordable) Northwest red with turkey: Chinook Cabernet Franc.

Best Seattle wine bars: The Purple Café and Wine Bar ($$$; multiple locations) and Portalis Wine Shop + Wine Bar ($; 5205 Ballard Ave. N.W., Seattle; 206/783-2007).

Best way to soak up a hangover: The oeufs en meurette at Café Campagne ($$; 1600 Post Alley, Seattle; 206/728-2233): two poached eggs served on garlic croutons with pearl onions, bacon, and champignons in a red-wine and foie-gras sauce served with pommes frîtes.

Enjoy French food within walking distance of Seattle's waterfront at Café Campagne. Photograph courtesy of Café Campagne

Best Washington varietal: Syrah—it is world class.

Idaho winemakers on the radar: Ste. Chapelle Winery, Koenig Distillery & Winery, and Snake River Winery.

Best wine with Bin Vivant’s “widow maker” burger (Kobe beef, foie gras, and truffled cheese): The 2005 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon—a truly decadent combination.