PULLMAN, Wash. — The tenth anniversary of “Celebrate Washington Wine,” the black-tie gala dinner and auction to benefit the Washington State University Viticulture and Enology Program, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011.
The event is held annually at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville, Wash. and is known for its intimate setting, award-winning cuisine with wine pairings, and the unique and diverse selection of items, adventures and experiences offered in both silent and live auctions.
Over its nine-year history the event, which celebrates the partnership between WSU and the state’s wine industry, has netted $1.2 million for WSU’s viticulture and enology program. The program provides scientific research to support the growth of the state’s wine industry and is educating the next generation of winemakers and grape growers.
Popular items at past auctions have included the opportunity to “fly” Boeing’s flight simulator, a gourmet tailgate party and wine tasting hosted by some of the state’s top wineries, an African safari vacation adventure, golf trip packages, exceptional bottles of wine, exclusive dinners and wine tasting events.
This year’s auction will once again feature the popular CEO Collection comprised of favorite Washington wines donated by business and community leaders, and the Washington Women in Wine Collection comprised of wines donated by women in the wine industry as well as business and community leaders.
Corporate sponsorships are available for the event, donations for the auction are welcomed and an online auction is already underway. More information and access to the online auction are available at http://www.wineauction.wsu.edu.
Online registration for the gala is also available through the website. Tickets are $250, or $2,500 to sponsor a table of ten. The event has sold out in past years so early registration is recommended.