Auction of Washington Wines (AWW), a nonprofit devoted to advancing awareness of the Washington wine industry, announces a return to in person events just in time for its 35th anniversary. Mark the calendar for Wine Country Vintner Dinners in Eastern Washington in May and look further afield for the Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction and Gala at Chateau Ste. Michelle in August. Note the addition of a new event, the industry-focused honoree celebration, TOAST!
Proceeds from this year’s events benefit Washington State University Viticulture & Enology Research at the Wine Science Center in Richland, Seattle Children’s Tri-Cities Clinic, and Industry Grant Partner Vital Wines. In 2021, Vital Wines used AWW funding to help create a new full-time position within the organization focused on COVID education and healthcare access among vineyard and winery workers.
“We are proud to be a champion for the Washington wine industry while supporting the amazing work done by our three beneficiaries,” said Jamie Peha, executive director of AWW. “After moving to virtual, online, and smaller events over the last two years, we are thrilled to welcome people back to in-person events for the full Washington wine experience.”
Wine Country Celebrations, May 10-15, 2022
While the Wine Country dinners are now sold out, watch for the Wine Country Online Auction, on May 10 – featuring over 100 auction lots including wine country travel, winemaker experiences, spring releases, and more. The auction goes live on May 10 at 10 a.m. here.
Virtual Private Barrel Auction, August 8, 2022
Open to trade and collectors by invitation only, the auction will feature 20+ premium Washington wineries offering five-case lots for exclusive ownership. This event is presented by Winebow Fine Wines + Spirits. Look for a series of participating winemaker interviews via Zoom, hosted by Master of Wine, Bob Betz. Qualified trade can register now at this link.
TOAST! August 11, 2022
New this year in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Auction of Washington Wines, the wine industry community and wine lovers alike will gather at Chateau Ste. Michelle winery in recognition of past and present AWW honorees, established industry luminaries, and emerging leaders. AWW is proud to recognize Marchese Piero Antinori, Honorary President of Marchesi Antinori; Renzo Cotarella, CEO of Marchese Antinori; and Marvin Shanken, Editor and Publisher of Wine Spectator Magazine and Chairman of M. Shanken Communications; as Honorary Chairs for 2022.
Attendees will enjoy a coursed dinner featuring top Washington wines and the opportunity to raise a glass in celebration of the people who keep the community thriving and moving toward the future. Capacity for this event is 200. Tickets are available now here.
Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction, August 12, 2022
AWW’s largest wine and culinary event returns to the beautiful grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle. The open-air event will feature winemakers who will “roam and pour” tastes or find more than 100 wines at the tasting bars. Enjoy global BBQ, featuring Korean, Indian, and southern style, as well as sweet bites. Meet, mingle, and enjoy a summer evening of Washington wine with games of chance and the opportunity to bid on cases of wine from 30 Washington Wineries in the Barrel Auction – all benefiting the industry and community. Capacity for this event is 1,200. Tickets are available now here.
35th Annual Gala, August 13, 2022
This special evening at Chateau Ste. Michelle begins with a culinary social hour with Washington wine tasting bars, a mini-barrel auction headlining luxury wine brands, and 60 winemaker-hosted tables pouring during a four-course seated dinner. Bid on one of 25 exclusive live auction items featuring Washington wineries. The Gala after party under the stars will cap the evening with a live music performance from local favorite The Dusty 45’s, dancing, and a not-to-be-missed dessert bar. Capacity for this event is 600. Tickets are available now here.
In addition, a virtual Gala Online Auction will run from August 9-13 with more than 150 auction lots from Washington wineries to include exclusive bottles, wine travel, and culinary and wine experiences.
