Auction of WA Wines

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Auction of Washington WinesIf you don’t have tickets yet for this year’s Auction of WA Wines, including the Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction at Chateau Ste. Michelle, what are you waiting for? These incredible non-profit events are just a month away. At the Aug. 11 picnic, you’ll have an opportunity to talk directly to winemakers, hear their stories, and find out what makes their wines special. You can also try more than 100 wines at the tasting bars, and dishes from some of the best chefs around town. So run, don’t walk, for your tickets to one of the best summer wine events, hosted by Auction of Washington Wines. Read on for more information.

Auction of WA Wines

Morgan Lee, winemaker at Two VintnersEvery year, we always have a wonderful time at the Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction. We taste stellar wine and delicious food. And we enjoy talking to winemakers. For example, in 2018, we met Morgan Lee of Two Vintners for the first time. We also bid on wine futures in the Barrel Auction. The supporting wineries in 2023 can be found here. In addition, chefs from Jack’s BBQ, Communion Restaurant and Bar, and Ray’s Boathouse will be dishing up favorite bites.

Other Auction Events

Auction of Washington WinesThe Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction is just one part of an annual extravaganza of charitable wine events on Aug. 8-12. First, an online gala auction begins on Aug. 8, with bidding on unique wine packages, wine-themed items, and amazing wine-themed experiences.

Further, the excitement wraps up with a Gala at Chateau Ste. Michelle winery on Aug. 12. The gala is always fantastic. A social hour kicks off with a mini-bottle auction of luxury wine brands, savory bites, and tasting bars.

In addition, the Gala dinner comprises four courses by top local chefs. And, of course, there’s bidding on exclusive live auction items featuring Washington wineries, followed by an after-party where you can dance the night away with music by DJ Disco Vinnie.

TOAST!

As well, TOAST! on Aug. 10 is a night to recognize past and present AWW honorees, industry luminaries, and emerging leaders. Therefore, this spectacular evening features a multi-course dinner prepared by El Gaucho, paired with fine Washington wines. AWW also hosts an industry afterparty.

These are the 2023 TOAST! honorees:

  • Lifetime Achievement award, recognizing an individual whose extraordinary dedication, inspiration and advocacy for the Washington wine community spans 25+ years in the industry: Ted Baseler, Emeritus President and CEO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
  • Award of Distinction, recognizing a winery, grower representative or industry professional whose achievements have advanced the caliber of the Washington wine industry: Marty Clubb, L’Ecole No 41
  • Healthy Land, Healthy Communities award, for commitment to addressing today’s environmental challenges and developing equitable, viable and responsible solutions: Hedges Family Estate 
  • Emerging Leader award, for individuals whose contribution, service or involvement are creating the pathway and/or vision for the future:
    • Rebecca De Kleine, Four Feathers Wine Estates
    • Devyani Isabel Gupta, Valdemar Estates
    • Michelle Moyer, WSU Professor in Viticulture & Enology Department
    • Ashley Trout, Vital Wines, Brook & Bull Cellars
  • Vine to Wine award, for an individual who is hands-on in the vineyard, including leading or collaborating with peers: Eduardo Zaragoza, Shaw Vineyards
  • Wine Industry Champion award, for non-industry professionals whose cooperative support has positively influenced the success of the Washington wine industry: Andy Perdue, Great Northwest Wine
  • Auction of Washington Wines Star award, for a donor, organization or individual whose commitment significantly advanced AWW’s mission of uplifting the Washington wine industry and supporting the community: Gary McLean, GMMD Consulting

More details and tickets to all events are available at the Auction website.

Auction Charitable Giving

Since its inception in 1988, the Auction of Washington Wines raised more than $59 million to improve the growth and awareness of the Washington state wine industry. Further, proceeds benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital and Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Program. Above all, find out more about the impact of the Auction of Washington Wines.

Summary: Auction of WA Wines

In conclusion, we’ve always enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere at Auction events, in addition to learning about the state’s wine while giving back to the industry.

As well, our cellar is graced with futures that we have bid on at past picnics, and we’ve had so much fun supporting Washington state wine and a great cause.

We hope to see you there!

Meanwhile, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. And of course, here, at Write for Wine – It’s Wine O’Clock Somewhere.

Cheers,
Margot and Dave

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About Margot

Margot started writing about wine decades ago as a national journalist in Canada and the U.S. She and Dave created this website in 2007. Originally, the website introduced people to wines in Washington state, the second-largest wine region in the U.S. But over the years, the site expanded to feature other wine regions in the U.S., Canada, and in the world. If you like to read about standout wine and winery stories, then Write for Wine is for you.