One of our favorite summer events is the Auction of Washington Wines, a glamorous and fun weekend that benefits Seattle Children’s and the Washington Wine Education Foundation.

The weekend kicks off early with the Picnic & Barrel Auction at Chateau Ste. Michelle on Aug. 18. We have attended the picnic for the last few years, and had such a good time. First, the weather usually is sunny and warm. (Hopefully, that statement won’t jinx it this year!) Second, the fine wines of Washington state are showcased, as you stroll around the beautiful grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle.

Winemakers pour tastings of their newest – and oldest – releases, and are available to talk to you about their selections. And what would a picnic be without great bites? Chefs from the Tulalip Resort Casino will provide gourmet picnic fare to pair with the wine. And then there are the delicious desserts!

Featured wineries include: Adams Bench Winery, Andrew Will Winery, Bergevin Lane Vineyards, Brian Carter Cellars, Boudreaux Cellars, Buty Winery, Cadaretta Wines, Columbia Winery, Dunham Cellars, Dusted Valley Vintners, Hestia Cellars, J. Bookwalter Winery, L’Ecole Nº 41 Winery, Maison Bleue Winery, Nefarious Cellars, Reasons Wine, Reynvaan Family Vineyards, Robert Karl Cellars, Sparkman Cellars, Spring Valley Vineyard, Va Piano Vineyards, Walla Walla Vintners and Woodward Canyon Winery.

And then there’s the auction; 25 vintners will offer barrel samples of their futures to taste and buy. The top five bidders on each wine will receive one case each.

Two days after the picnic, on Aug. 20, a prestigious Wine Gala will feature a six-course meal paired by wines from around the state.

Featured chefs include: Wayne Johnson (Andaluca), Jason Stoneburner (Bastille Café & Bar), Janet Hedstrom (Chateau Ste. Michelle), John Sarich (Chateau Ste. Michelle), Peter Birk (Ray’s Boathouse), Jason Stratton (Cascina Spinasse), Jacob Crenshaw (T. Maccarone’s), Tim Towner (TM Dessert Works), Brian Scheehser (Trellis at The Heathman Hotel) and Perry Mascitti (Tulalip Resort).

Each table will be hosted by a winemaker who will pour their wines to pair with each course. Tickets for the gala are $500 per person – remember, this event benefits Seattle Children’s and the Washington Wine Education Foundation.

This year, the gala is no longer a black-tie event. Cocktail attire is the way to go, no jackets required.

Cheers!