WSU and Auction of Washington Wines Present the Second Annual Wine and Jazz Festival

BY Dennis Farrell, Student Writer

RICHLAND, Wash. – The Washington State University Viticulture and Enology program, WSU Tri-Cities and the Auction of Washington Wines are partnering together for the second annual Wine and Jazz Festival, offering live music, wine tasting and the opportunity for attendees to help the Washington wine industry.

The festival starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, at the WSU Tri-Cities campus in Richland. The event will feature jazz saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa as headliner, along with two opening acts, food and wine tasting provided by 25 Washington wineries.

Proceeds from the Wine and Jazz Festival will benefit WSU V&E research. The research focuses on ensuring the Northwest region stays competitive in the national and global wine market, while providing sustainable growth in the industry. Research projects funded through Auction of Washington Wines also provide students with hands-on training, creating a workforce that can meet the growing needs of the grape and wine industry.

“We are excited to partner with WSU to bring this signature event to the Tri-Cities campus and anticipate the Wine and Jazz Festival will grow into a regional celebration of Washington wine,” said Sherri Swingle, executive director of Auction of Washington Wines. “The research being conducted by WSU’s V&E program is vital to the growth and success of our industry and will help propel us further onto the world stage.”

Kashiwa has released nine solo albums and two albums with his own group The Sax Pack. His new album, Let it Ride, features other great contemporary jazz musicians.

The festival is being sponsored by Toyota of Tri-Cities, Brightstar Entertainment, RBC Wealth Management, Russ Dean RV and SmoothJazz 102.3.

Attendees can select from several ticket packages: a $25 option for a concert ticket; an all inclusive food and wine tasting option for $85; or an all inclusive weekend package with additional features and hotel accommodations for two at $950. Tickets are available online at auctionofwashingtonwines.org