I’m finally catching up on my email and noticed that January 24 is the date set for the eighth annual Washington wine auction and gala, called A Celebration of Washington Wines.

Chateau Ste. Michelle will host the black-tie event, which benefits the Viticulture and Enology program at Washington State University. According to the Tri-City Herald, money from the last two events helped create an endowment for a chair of the WSU program: “Thomas Henick-Kling, an internationally known enologist, will start the position in February and will be based at WSU Tri-Cities in Richland.”

In addition to a gourmet dinner and a variety of wines, the gala includes a reception and auction for items such as etched magnums, library wines and much more.

For more information – and it’s a great way to support the state’s wine industry — visit the website, A Celebration of Washington Wines.

Cheers!