Auction of Washington Wines‘ events fund vital research projects, incoming graduate students and equipment necessary for research and teaching in the Washington State University Viticulture and Enology Program.
Donations have improved vineyard practices in Washington’s Columbia Valley by funding research into removing leaves from vines earlier in the growing season to open up the canopy, reduce disease pressure and improve grape quality. Donations also fund research that helps identify, manage and prevent the spread of grapevine diseases, such as eafroll and Red Blotch, which affect grape quality and yield. Thanks to this funding, winemakers can purchase an affordable, research-based, step-by-step manual for completing microbiological and chemical analyses that improve wine quality and provide more options for controlling the finished product.
The Washington wine industry depends on research projects like these to continue to grow, improve and produce excellent wine — so why not get out and have some fun with a purpose this summer?
Excellent wine, food at Vintners in the Vineyard on Red Mountain
Thank you to the 135 guests who joined us for Vintners in the Vineyard at Col Solare winery June 6! The evening was filled with majestic vineyard views of Red Mountain, a delicious hors d’oeuvres and more premium Washington wine selections than one could taste in a single evening.
Twenty-five exceptional winemakers poured three to five of their latest releases. Washington State University wine science students Brooke Kietzmann and Joe Sperry served Blended Learning wines, crafted by undergraduates studying viticulture and enology in partnership with commercial vineyards and wineries in Washington. Gourmet food was catered by Jake Crenshaw of Olive Marketplace and Cafe in Walla Walla.
We’d also like to thank the Auction of Washington Wines for organizing this annual fundraiser, formerly known as Revelry on Red Mountain, that generated $13,700 for the WSU Viticulture and Enology Program and Seattle Children’s Hospital.
>>View event photos on the WSU Viticulture & Enology Facebook Page.
Missed out? Get ready for Sip. Savor. Swirl. 3 Days, 3 Ways to let your palate run wild with the best of Washington wines!
Please join WSU at the Auction of Washington Wines’ annual three days of wine events from Thursday, August 13 to Saturday, August 15. There is an event for every wine lover!
Picnic & Barrel Auction Thursday, August 13, 5 p.m. Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville
The kickoff to the weekend of events where you’ll have the opportunity to meet and mingle with over 100 Washington winemakers, nosh on gourmet picnic fare from the Tulalip Resort chefs and enjoy live entertainment on the lovely concert grounds at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. Take a peek at the slideshow featuring the festivities; you won’t want to miss it!
Winemaker Dinner Series Friday, August 14, 6:30 p.m., Private Estates around the Puget Sound
Fight, Fight, Fight for fabulous wines! WSU alumnus Greg Rankich and his wife Heidi invite you to a Palouse-enhanced dinner overlooking Lake Washington at their Juanita Bay home. Here you will enjoy not one but three amazing Washington wines paired with an unforgettable dining experience by Chef Aaron Leopold of Crush. This evening will celebrate the opening of the new world-class Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center, where practical research and education will grow the Washington wine industry’s skilled work force and premium products in the years to come. Go Cougs!
This dinner is limited to 40 guests, with only a few seats reserved for Huskies.
Columbia Winery Charity Run & Walk Saturday, August 15, 8:30 a.m. Columbia Winery, Woodinville
Participate in a 5K or 10K course in Woodinville wine country with over 1,400 others!
The Winemaker Gala Saturday, August 15, 5 p.m. Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville
Join winemakers, wine collectors and philanthropists at the grand finale event celebrating Washington wine. Meet and mingle with over 100 Washington winemakers, enjoy live music and indulge in mouthwatering food from top local chefs at Chateau Ste. Michelle.
2015 Participating Sponsors
Alaska Airlines | Bank of America | Chateau Ste. Michelle | iHeart Media | John L. Scott Foundation | KING 5 | The Seattle Times | Tulalip Resort Casino
– Erika Holmes