We always have a wonderful time at the Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction at Chateau Ste. Michelle, which is the kickoff to the annual summer weekend extravaganza hosted by Auction of Washington Wines.

This incredible non-profit wine event is just around the corner, Aug. 15-17. Focused on elevating awareness of Washington state wines, proceeds benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Viticulture and Enology program at Washington State University.

This August marks the 32nd year of the event, which raised more than $4 million last year, and more than $46 million since 1988.

The highlight for us is always the AWW Picnic & Barrel Auction, and the good news is there are still tickets left. But run, don’t walk, because this is an amazing summer happening every year. We can’t wait!

Winemaker Picnic and Barrel Auction

Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction at Chateau Ste. Michelle,Thursday, Aug. 15, 4 pm
The AWW weekend kicks off early with the picnic and barrel auction. We have attended this incredible event over several years, and always had a wonderful time tasting the stellar wines of Washington, talking to winemakers, and bidding on futures.

This year, more than 100 different wines, including new barrel samples, will be poured by 30 wineries. In most cases, you will have an opportunity to talk to the winemakers directly, hear their stories, and find out what makes their wines special. You can taste barrel samples and bid on a case of future release wines.

Our cellar is graced with futures that we have bid on at past picnics, and it was so much fun, in addition to supporting Washington state wine and a great cause. Oh, and drinking those futures, once they’re ready, is great fun too, of course!

This year, wineries include Ambassador Family Wines, Barrage, DeLille, Result of a Crush, Woodward Canyon and many more. You can find the full line-up here.

Great Bites

And we can’t forget the food! The wines will be paired with more than what we consider to be traditional picnic fare. These renowned Seattle-area restaurant chefs will serve food pairings that showcase their talent: Tom Douglas of Etta’s, Lisa Nakamura of Gnocchi Bar, Lisa Dupar of Lisa Dupar Catering, Brian Gojdics of Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria, Kurt Beecher Dammeier of Beecher’s Cheese, Shawn Applin of RN74 Seattle, Ryan Donaldson of Gather Kitchen & Bar, Molly Moon’s, Conversation and Trophy Cupcakes.

Place Your Bid

There are two ways to bid at the picnic. First, you can bid on future wine releases, as mentioned above. Second, you can bid on an array of unique wine packages and experiences in the silent auction.

Tickets for the Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction are $150, which includes an all-inclusive food and wine tasting, with chances to bid on one-of-a-kind wines in the Barrel Auction.

if you haven’t purchased tickets yet, what are you waiting for?

Further details are available at the Auction of Washington Wines website.

Cheers,
Margot and Dave