Photo: Richard Duval Images

There are few things better than drinking great wine, and without question one of those things for us is drinking great wine while simultaneously contributing to a great cause. Next month the Auction of Washington Wines (AWW) will be hosting its annual charity event in Woodinville August 18th – 20th, and regardless of whether you’re a relative newcomer to wine, a wine enthusiast or full blown oenophile, it is definitely an experience not to be missed.

If you haven’t discovered Washington wine yet, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better opportunity to taste such a wide array of the state’s offerings in such a welcoming atmosphere during one of the best times of year.  Located just a 20 minute drive north of Seattle, Woodinville is a small suburb that is home to more than 140 wineries and tasting rooms featuring wines predominantly made in the Walla Walla, Columbia and Yakima Valleys in the southeastern part of the state. When it comes to quality, consistency and value for money, we happen to rank Washington as one of our absolute favourite wine regions worldwide. Further, we just recently learned that Washington has more 90+ scored wines than any other region in the world, including France, Italy and California’s Napa Valley. Participating wineries at the AWW next month are a veritable who’s who of Washington’s finest including several we’ve written about: Avennia, àMaurice , Barrage Cellars, Delille Cellars, Lauren Ashton, L’ecole 41, Quilceda Creek, and Woodward Canyon.

And if the wine alone isn’t enough to entice you, the 2016 Auction of Washington Wines promises not only engaging events, but all proceeds will be going to support Seattle Children’s Hospital, as well as Viticulture and Enology research at Washington State University. As a result, participants are not only helping to build a healthy community but also ensuring a strong legacy for the local wine industry.

Executive Director Sherri Swingle says the two really go hand in hand, “The auction weekend is an up-close-and-personal experience. Guests have the opportunity to meet and talk with winery owners and vintners from the best wineries in our state, not sales reps or staff.” She adds, “All funds raised support cancer clinical trials, autism services and uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital, so buying wine takes on a special meaning and actually helps families in need.”

Photo: Richard Duval Images

As for the events themselves, Swingle says the key theme is “fun”. The Thursday Picnic features over 2500 bottles of wine, more than 100 winemakers, 10 chefs and numerous games providing a carnival like atmosphere, while the Winemaker Dinners are intimate evenings giving you the chance to become acquainted with some of the state’s most celebrated vintners. Top it all off with a Gala dinner on Saturday night that has become one of the biggest wine parties in the area and you have the makings of a very memorable few days (see detailed event information at the end of this article).

What started as a dinner party raising $40,000 in its first year has since grown to become the Washington wine industry’s largest charitable event, raising more than $34 million over the past 28 years. AdVINEtures will be lucky enough to be experiencing the event firsthand this year, attending the Picnic & Barrel Auction on Thursday August 18th, and we’re fairly certain this will be turning into an annual visit for us…we look forward to seeing you there.

EVENT INFORMATION:

Event information, including location and ticket prices (USD), are listed below. For more details, visit http://www.auctionofwashingtonwines.org/

*NEW* Private Barrel Auction – Thursday, August 18, 2016 This trade-only event features exclusive tastings and live auctions of one-of-a-kind, limited wine futures from notable Washington State winemakers. The private barrel auction will be hosted at Novelty Hill-Januik Winery and Chateau Ste Michelle, prior to Picnic. The event offers a rare opportunity to acquire distinctive, exceptional lots not available elsewhere.

Photo: Richard Duval Images

Picnic & Barrel Auction – Thursday, August 18, 2016 Returning to the beautiful Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville, Wash., the annual Picnic & Barrel Auction will feature myriad activities for all to enjoy. Participants will meet and greet over 100 Washington winemakers as they mingle among the crowd to pour tastings of their newest releases. Guests will enjoy bidding on some of Washington’s most coveted limited-release wines during the exciting Barrel Auction while indulging in gourmet picnic fare presented by the talented team from Tulalip Resort Casino. Tickets are $150 per person.

Winemaker Dinner Series – Friday, August 19, 2016 These intimate dinners will be held at private estates around the Puget Sound. Patrons can experience the company of Washington winemakers whose wines are paired exquisitely with a gourmet meal created by the regions’ most well-renowned chefs. Tickets to these exclusive private dinners are $500. Additional giving opportunities will be offered at the dinners. Columbia Winery Charity 10K Run and 5K Run & Walk – Saturday, August 20, 2016 The 9th Annual Columbia Winery Charity 10K Run and 5K Run & Walk welcomes participants to join 1,400 other runners and walkers at 8:30 a.m. at Columbia Winery in Woodinville. Entry fees are $30 through July 31, $35 through August 1-17, and $40 day of race. Day of race registration begins at 7 a.m. at Columbia Winery. For additional information, visit www.runforchildrens.org.

The Winemaker Gala – Saturday, August 20, 2016 The 29th Anniversary Winemaker Gala will be held on the grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle. Guests will enjoy a five course meal prepared by some of the area’s finest chefs. Each table will be hosted by a Washington winemaker who will pair and pour wines from their collection. The evening will feature live and silent auctions. Seating is limited and this event has sold out for the past several years. Tickets are $500 per person.