EDITOR’S NOTE: To promote your wine event on our Calendar of Events, simply e-mail the specifics about the event to: chuck@discoverwashingtonwine.com. It’s best to send the information about your event a minimum of 30 days in advance.
Auction of Washington Wines to Host
Second Annual Virtual Wine Tastings
Noted wine expert Karen MacNeil: Host of Auction of Washington Wines’ Second Annual Virtual Wine Tasting Series.
Wine lovers are invited to join Auction of Washington Wines (AWW) in the Second Annual Virtual Wine Tasting Series with renowned wine expert Karen MacNeil. MacNeil will be joined by a handful of Washington state winemakers and vintners to host four virtual wine tastings from Wednesday, June 30 through Wednesday, Aug. 4, just before AWW’s annual August weekend of events, taking place Aug. 10-16.
Each session will explore a different focus of Washington wine and include key players from Washington’s burgeoning wine industry.
The 2021 Virtual Wine Tasting Series kicks off on June 30 with a focus on the geographic region of Horse Heaven Hills. MacNeil will be joined by winemaker Ray McKee of Trothe wines (Andrews Family Vineyards), former NFL quarterback Damon Huard, co-owner of Passing Time Winery, and winemaker Katie Nelson of Chateau Ste. Michelle to showcase three vintages from Horse Heaven Hills and discuss the individuality of this American Viticultural Area (AVA).
The theme of the second session is Exploring Washington’s Syrah blends. It will feature Will Wiles of Columbia Crest Winery, Noah Fox-Reed of Tinte Cellars and Christian Grieb of Treveri Cellars. Guided by MacNeil, these winemakers will discuss the differences between the dark-skinned Syrah grape compared to other Washington varietals and how it makes this wine style one of Washington’s best. This session will be held on July 14.
On July 21, MacNeil will host a third session all about Bordeaux-style wines. Tastings will include Cabernet blends and tasting notes from winemakers Greg Frichette of Frichette Winery, Dennis Cakebread of Mullan Road Cellars and Conan Dinn of Co Dinn Cellars.
The series will conclude on Aug. 4 with a tasting exploring the Cabernet blends of Washington Wine Country. Brian Carter of Brian Carter Cellars, David O’Reilly of Owen Roe Winery and AWW Honorary Vintner Marie-Eve Gilla of Valdemar Estates, will lead participants through a tasting of some of the industry’s best Cabernet Sauvignon’s while discussing what makes Washington state a great wine region.
There is no charge to attend the virtual tastings, which will be held via Zoom. Prior to the sessions in July and August, participants can purchase select wines from Esquin Wine & Spirits of Seattle.
For more information, including how to register for the series, visit: https://auctionofwawines.org.
About Karen MacNeil
Karen MacNeil is the author of the award-winning and best-selling book about wine, The Wine Bible. She has won every major wine award given in the English language, including the James Beard Foundation’s Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year. She is an Emmy-winning broadcast journalist for her role as host and lead writer of Wine, Food, and Friends with Karen MacNeil on PBS. Her firm, Karen MacNeil & Company, creates customized corporate events and wine tours around the world for companies such as Disney, Merrill Lynch, Singapore Airlines and General Electric. In 2018, she was recognized as one of the “100 Most Influential People in Wine.”
Summer Concert Series at Arbor Crest
Wine Cellars Continues Through September
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars of Spokane has announced the dates for its 2021 Concert Series. The concerts, which spotlight well-known as well as up and coming entertainers, are held on Thursday and Sunday evenings throughout the season. It’s your chance to enjoy fresh air, amazing views, and the food and wine you’ve come to expect from Arbor Crest.
The series began on Sunday, May 2 and will continue through the end of September. Following is a list of concert dates during the month of July.
Thursday Concerts – July 1, Rusty Jackson; July 8, Current Flow; July 15, The Ronaldos; July 22, Kosh; July 29, Amber Sweeney.
Sunday Concerts – July 4, One Street Over, Power Trio; July 11, Rhythm Dawgs; July 18, Robin Barrett & The Coyote Kings; July 25, Sara Brown Band.
The schedule of concerts for the remaining months of August through September can be found by going to: www.arborcrest.com/concerts-1. All guests must be 21 or older and purchase a General Admission Ticket for admittance to the concert grounds. Tickets are $8 for Thursday concerts and $15 for Sunday concerts.
If you want to add a more upscale option to your concert experience, reserved VIP seating is available for each concert, offering you and your guests the comfort of table seating and staffed food and wine service. For more information about the reserved seating option, call the winery at (509) 927-9463, or visit: www.arborcrest.com/concerts-faqs.
Next Episode of “Sommlight” Series
Scheduled for Tuesday, August 3
Make sure to check out the next episode of the Washington Wine Commission’s “Sommlight Series.” Featuring advanced sommelier Cara De 
Lavallade, manager of the beverage program for the Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AR., the episode will be aired on Tuesday, Aug. 3.
Hosted by the Wine Commission’s Marketing Director David Flaherty, “Sommlight” was launched in July of 2020 as a weekly series of virtual conversations with well-known sommeliers and other wine professionals. Beginning in January, 2021, however, the frequency of episodes was changed to twice a month. And in May, 2021, the frequency of episodes changed to once a month.
“Sommlight unveils the other side of sommeliers and wine professionals, showcasing their humor, humanity and depth,” Flaherty explains. “Sommeliers are so professional by nature that it’s been fascinating to pull back the curtain a bit, have some fun, and reveal the complexities and unique qualities everyone can relate to,” Flaherty added. “We have an opportunity to showcase some of our favorite people in the wine business that are forging unique paths and inspiring so many of us.”
The “Sommlight” Series is available on every platform, and in multiple forms. While it is primarily run as an IGTV series with episodes ranging from 12 to 16 minutes, you can also experience one-minute teasers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and even a long-form podcast version of each episode (40+ minutes) on the Sommlight website – www.sommlight.com — through Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
If you have missed any of the 31 episodes that have aired since July 30, 2020, you may watch any or all episodes by visiting the Sommlight website. Following is a list of the 11 episodes that have aired since January 12, 2021.
- Annette Alvarez-Peters – Episode 21 – Aired January 12, 2021
- Alisha Blackwell-Calvert – Episode 22 – Aired January 26, 2021
- Chris McFall – Episode 23 – Aired February 9, 2021
- Beth Hickey – Episode 24 – Aired February 23, 2021
- Lenny Redé – Episode 25 – Aired March 9, 2021
- Wendy Shoemaker – Episode 26 – Aired March 23, 2021
- Kim Cavoores – Episode 27 – Aired April 6, 2021
- Yannick Benjamin – Episode 28 – Aired April 20, 2021
- Nick Davis — Episode 29 — Aired on May 11, 2021
- Madeline Puckette — Episode 30 — Aired on June 1.
- Jennifer Estevez — Episode 31 — Aired on July 6
- Cara De Lavallade – Episode 32 – Airing on Aug. 3
For more information about the Sommlight series, contact Heather Bradshaw, Communications Director, Washington State Wine Commission at (206) 495-5844 or email Heather at: hbradshaw@washingtonwine.org.
Taste Red Mountain Event Scheduled
for Sat., Aug. 7 at Hedges Family Estate
On Saturday, August 7, get to know the top vineyards in Washington State at Taste Red Mountain. Red Mountain is celebrating 20 years as an American Viticultural Area with an exclusive wine tasting event featuring more than 20 wineries.
Tickets include access to multiple stations pouring Red Mountain wines, a dinner plate from a variety of onsite food trucks, a commemorative wine glass, a celebratory champagne toast, and wagon rides through the vineyard available as an add-on.
Vineyards and wineries participating in the event include Aquilini Vineyards, Canvasback Vineyards, Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, Col Solare Winery, Cotes de Ciel Winery, Dalee Vineyard, Domaine Magdalena, Eagle Harbor Wine Company, Fidelitas Winery, Hamilton Cellars, Hedges Family Estate, Hightower Cellars, J.M. Cellars, Kiona Vineyards and Winery, Klipsun Vineyard, Market Vineyards, Muret-Gaston Wines, Pacific Rim Winemakers, Schooler Nolan Winery, Tapteil Vineyard Winery, Tinte Cellars, Upchurch Vineyard and Zeron Vineyard.
The event will be hosted at Hedges Family Estate at 53511 North Sunset Road, Benton, WA 99320 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person and are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-red-mountain-tickets-157708491343.
Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Summer Concert
Series Is Back; First Concert Kicks Off Aug. 20
Get ready to pack up those meat and cheese spreads, folks. Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Summer Concert Series is back. The Woodinville winery has unveiled its always anticipate summer concert lineup, which kicks off with the soul-pop troupe Fitz & the Tantrums on Aug. 20.
Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com, though two September makeup dates featuring John Legend – re-scheduled from 2020 – are already sold out.
As of now, Chateau Ste. Michelle plans to require concertgoers to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test dated within 48 hours of the show. However, the winery plans to reevaluate its health and safety guidelines closer to the show dates and may alter its protocols, according to the winery’s website.
With capacity restrictions lifted on June 30 in accordance with the governor’s reopening plans, Ste. Michelle’s summer concert season is getting off to a late start during this bounce-back year.
Here’s Chateau Ste. Michelle’s complete summer slate:
- Fitz & the Tantrums: Aug. 20, $45-$69.50
- Josh Groban: Aug. 24-25, $72.50-$149.50
- The Ultimate Queen Celebration Starring Marc Martel: Aug. 27, $45-$75
- Chicago: Aug. 28-29, $58.50-$90.50
- Tower of Power and War: Sept. 5, $49.50-$69.50
- Rodrigo y Gabriela: Sept. 7, $45-$69.50
- John Legend: Sept. 9-10, sold out
- Train: Sept. 11-12, $59.50-$89.50
- Lake Street Dive with Allison Russell: Sept. 18, $49.50-$69.50
- Chris Isaak: Sept. 19, $45-$69.50
For more information about Ste. Michelle’s 2021 Summer Concert Series, visit: www.ste-michelle.com/visit-us/summer-concerts
Auction of Washington Wines Returns to In-Person Events with Hybrid Approach for 2021; Annual Gala Set For Saturday, August 14
The Auction of Washington Wines (AWW) is returning to in-person events with a hybrid approach for 2021. After moving to a virtual format for the first time in 2020, this year’s 34th Annual Gala, presented by the John L. Scott Foundation, features both in-person and virtual events. All proceeds from the weekend benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital, Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Program and the AWW Industry Grant Program. Registration and tickets for all events are now open.
This year’s event features an online silent auction and the annual Gala, which guests may attend virtually or in-person at one of three mini-Galas hosted at wineries in Woodinville, WA.
“Knowing we will be joining together in person this year, even at a smaller capacity, is indescribable, especially after the challenges faced by small business owners and our winery partners in the last 16 months,” said AWW Executive Director Jamie Peha. “We were heartened by the support of our sponsors, winery partners and participants when we made the decision to go virtual last year, and we know this year’s cross between a fully virtual and in-person format is the right step toward reconvening next year for our 35th anniversary.”
Regarding this year’s week-long series of events, Peha said, “Expect high-caliber online and live auction lots and more of them. With nearly 100 lots from under $100 up to $25,000, everyone can bid at their level in support of the Washington wine industry.”
The Online Auction – August 10-14
On Tuesday, Aug. 10, the online silent auction opens for bidding with unique wine packages, wine-themed items and winery-hosted tours and experiences. Bid high and bid often until 8:30 p.m. PDT on Aug. 14 when the online auction closes. Some of the lots up for bid are:
Long Shadows Vintners Magnum Collection
This collection of ultra-premium Columbia Valley 1.5-liter bottles is a wine collector’s dream. The highest bidder will receive one bottle of each of Long Shadows’ six acclaimed red wines — including a 2016 Pirouette Proprietary Red, 97 points from Jeb Dunnuck — packaged together in a beautiful wood box. Additionally, enjoy a private tour and tasting for six with Long Shadows’ head winemaker, Gilles Nicault, at the winery in Walla Walla, WA.
Avennia Dinner for Eight with Chef Aaron Tekulve
Enjoy an evening of Washington wines and expertly paired food at the newly built home of Avennia Wine partners Marty and Colleen Taucher in Kirkland, WA. Dinner for eight will be provided by rising Chef Aaron Tekulve of Surrell on Madison. Wines will be provided by Avennia, though guests may also enjoy some surprises from the Taucher’s personal cellar.
12 Bottle Verticals of Leonetti Cellar’s Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Years 2006–2017
For more than 40 years, the Figgins Family has been producing highly coveted wines at Leonetti Cellar, which was the first winery in Walla Walla and bonded in 1977 by Founders Gary and Nancy Figgins. What started as a vision to make world-class wines turned into a true success story. Today, Leonetti Cellar produces some of the most sought-after Bordeaux wines in the world and this lot is the chance to own a vertical of each of its Cabernet Sauvignons, Washington’s most popular and lauded varietal.
Quilceda Creek Vertical Collection Vintage Years 2006 –2009
AWW dug deep into the Library Cellar to retrieve four large-format bottles of Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon etched with the signature and likeness of Paul Newman. Each bottle was inspired by Newman’s SeriousFun Camps and specifically designed in 2005 for Camp Korey, a haven for families dealing with childhood illness founded by Tim Rose in honor of his son, Korey. The real magic lies inside as each 5-liter bottle is filled with an award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon of either 99 or 100 points from Quilceda Creek.
Buy-In Events
Participants interested in instant gratification can reserve seats for one of two private buy-in events. Each event is limited to 40 people and tickets can be purchased for $500 per guest.
Touchdown with Passing Time and Doubleback
Fans of the Washington State Cougars and University of Washington Huskies will revel in an exclusive virtual engagement with football legends turned winemakers — Damon Huard of Passing Time and Drew Bledsoe of Doubleback. This celebrity experience features two bottles of signature wine and a personal tasting for two at each winery. Included in this buy-in event is the opportunity to bid on exclusive DoubleTime magnums, a collaboration of the two wineries.
WOWW is for Women of Washington Wine
This exclusive female-focused night out will feature a dozen women in Washington wine in a night of mingling, grazing, wine tasting and partying. The night is co-hosted by AWW co-chair and Lill Family Wines owner Stacy Lill and AWW board member Jessica Munnell of Wautoma Springs. Winemakers for the event include an all-female cast from Baer Winery, Columbia Crest, Damsel Cellars, Frichette Winery, Hedges Family Estate, Hightower Cellars, Leonetti Cellar, Orr Wines and Warr-King Wines along with guest chefs Bre Beike of Heritage Kitchen and Bar and Sabrina Tinsely of La Spiga. Each guest will take home three signed bottles of wine from the event.
The Gala — Saturday, Aug.14
There are a variety of ways to participate in the annual Gala, one of the Top 5 Wine Charity Auctions in the U.S. according to Wine Spectator (2020).
Virtual Gala
Tune into the virtual Gala — broadcast live from Chateau Ste. Michelle — from anywhere to participate in the live bidding. The live Gala will be livestreamed on YouTube and viewed from the other mini-Gala locations as patrons join the bidding via their mobile phones.
Returning this year, participants at home are invited to order the “Gala-In-A-Box,” featuring a four-course meal with a choice of a seafood, beef or vegetarian main course from Bellevue’s FogRose Atelier. Orders can be placed through Aug. 5, and picked up directly from the restaurant prior to the live event.
Intimate Mini-Galas Hosted by Washington Wineries, Presented by the John L. Scott Foundation
New this year, AWW is offering three in-person “mini-Galas,” held at winery partners in Woodinville. Each mini-Gala will include a multi-course dinner accompanied by wine, participation in the Virtual Gala and a few surprises. Tickets for each event are priced at $500 per guest.
Mini-Gala Locations:
Chateau Ste. Michelle — Capacity up to 250 guests
- Featured wineries: Chateau Ste. Michelle, Col Solare, Tenet Wines, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest Winery, Northstar Winery and Spring Valley Vineyard.
- Featured chefs: Douglas Jones, Aerlume; Maggie Trujillo, AQUA; Ken Palmer, AQUA by El Gaucho; Margarito Moreno, El Gaucho.
- Special guests: AWW Honorary Chair Karen MacNeil, Honorary Vintner Marie-Eve Gilla, Honorary Grower Rob Mercer.
Maryhill Winery — Capacity up to 100 guests
- Featured wineries: Maryhill Winery, Pepper Bridge Winery, J. Bookwalter, Alexandria Nicole Cellars.
- Featured chefs: Michael McFarland, Maryhill Winery; Ryan Donaldson, Stone House and Gather Kitchen & Bar; Breanna Beike, Heritage Restaurant|Bar.
The Winemakers Reserve — Capacity up to 160 guests
- Featured wineries: Matteo Wines, DeLille Cellars, Rotie Cellars.
- Featured chefs: catering by Roy Breiman, Columbia Hospitality; Sabrina Tinsley, Osteria La Spiga; Quentin Stewart, Ben Paris.
Those who cannot attend the online events can support the Auction directly at: www.washingtonwine.ejoinme.org/Donate.
For collectors, Commemorative Magnums can be purchased for $300 at www.aoww2021.ggo.bid. This year’s large-format bottle is provided by AWW 2021 Honorary Vintner Marie-Eve Gilla of Valdemar Estates and features a Cabernet Sauvignon from V Square Vineyard, located in SeVein.
Learn more about this year’s annual auction weekend at https://auctionofwawines.org/events/.
About the Auction of Washington Wines (AWW)
Since its inception in 1988, AWW has raised more than $52 million to benefit Seattle Children’s Hospital, Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Program and the AWW Industry Grant. AWW is listed among the top five wine charity auctions in the U.S. by Wine Spectator. AWW’s mission is to support the growth and awareness of the Washington state wine industry through a series of celebrated events benefitting the community. Key supporters for the 2021 season of events include Ste Michelle Wine Estates, The Seattle Times and Winebow Fine Wine & Spirits.
Walla Walla Valley Wine Announces New
Summer Program – the Walla Walla 12
Walla Walla Valley Wine has announced a new summer program called the “Walla Walla 12,” a self-guided wine scavenger hunt designed to help consumers pair wines
with life’s occasions. The program will run through the 12 weeks of summer – June 1 through August 31.
“The Walla Walla Valley produces many high-quality wines across a broad range of styles and price points,” explains Robert Hansen, Executive Director of Walla Walla Valley Wine. “The Walla Walla 12 program introduces a new and exploratory way to approach wine tasting and provides a path for visitors and locals alike to share wine and Walla Walla Valley experiences with friends and family.”
The Walla Walla 12 centers around a sheet of stickers that contains a list of 14 different events that pair well with wine. As visitors make their way around the Walla Walla Valley’s wineries, they can find the perfect wine to match with events such as Taco Tuesday and Movie Night with the help of winery teams and online blogs curated at www.WallaWallaWine.com/12.
Once participants have selected their wine, they place the corresponding sticker on the bottle and continue until they have completed their Walla Walla 12 – a case of perfectly paired wine. The stickers serve as a cue to remind the purchaser of the event for which the wine was selected.
Sticker sheets can be requested for via the online portal at www.WallaWallaWine.com/12 , or can be picked up at any participating winery in the Walla Walla Valley beginning June 1.
In addition to the free stickers, participants in the program can pick up a complimentary 6-pack wine tote at the Visit Walla Walla tourism booth at 26 E Main Street daily between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. beginning June 1.
Participants in the program are encouraged to share their Walla Walla 12 experiences on social media using #WallaWalla12 and by tagging @WWValleyWine. Those who do will be entered into drawings for three summer giveaways.
“In the Walla Walla Valley, we believe that wine pairs best with life. Whether you are casually sipping on your patio or pulling out a bottle for a special steak dinner, the Walla Walla Valley has a wine for that,” says Hansen. “We hope this program helps wine enthusiasts discover and experiment with the over 40 wine varieties and styles this region has to offer.”
For more information about “Walla Walla 12,” visit: www.wallawallawine.com/events or call (509) 526-3117.
About Walla Walla Valley Wine
Walla Walla Valley Wine is a nonprofit wine industry membership organization whose primary mission is the marketing of the Walla Walla Valley’s American Viticultural Area (AVA). The organization functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media and trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry.
Sip Suds & Si Wine and Art Walk Returns
to Downtown North Bend, WA. on Aug. 21
Are you craving normalcy? Ready to connect with friends and neighbors? Then the North Bend Downtown Foundation has some great news! Sip Suds & [Little] Si – an
art, music, wine and beer walk – is returning after an extended pandemic-related vacation.
The concept is simple. On Saturday, Aug. 21, from 6 p.m to 9 p.m., pre-registered ticket holders can stroll the streets of historic downtown North Bend enjoying local art, live music and stopping by designated businesses for tastes of local wine and beer.
This year’s Sip Suds & [Little] Si event is a bit smaller than in previous years – hence the Little Si reference. Tickets – $35 each – will be capped at 200, so be sure to purchase online ASAP.
Each ticket holder will receive a take home Sip Suds & Si branded glass to use for tastings, 10 tasting tickets and one wrist band that serves as both your ticket and proof that you’re of legal drinking age.
Wineries that will be pouring at the event include Naches Heights Winery, Sky River Brewing, Sigillo Cellars, Love That Red, 425 Cellars, Drum Roll Wines, Pearl and Stone, Uva Furem.
Not sure what to do with the kiddos? Organizers of the event have you covered. Ignite Dance & Yoga is offering a special Kids Night Out party that will keep your little ones entertained and happy while you enjoy the event. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $35 per child with an available sibling discount.
Downtown North Bend shops, restaurants and services will be open during the event, but wine and beer tasting requires an advance ticket and age verification. Those under 21 do not require a ticket and can join on the walk, but tastings will not be an option.
NOTE: No alcohol may be consumed or transported in open containers on the streets. It must be consumed in the venues that are hosting tastes on the route — or other licensed establishments. Purchase Sip Suds & [Little] Si tickets at: https://www.northbenddowntown.org/tickets/p/sip-suds-and-little-si.
For more information about the event, contact Gaila Haas, North Bend Downtown Foundation at: info@northbenddowntown.org.
Make Plans Now to Attend The Shindig
at Yellowhawk Resort on Aug. 27-28
Formerly known as Basel Cellars, Walla Walla’s Yellowhawk Resort & Sparkling House will host its first annual charity event called The Shindig on Friday, Aug. 27 and Saturday, Aug. 28. The event will include a Friday evening reception and wine tasting, as well as a Saturday Grand Gallop dinner and auction in partnership with the Blue Mountain Community Foundation.
The two-day event will raise funds to support the local wine and culinary industry workforce and local nonprofits that are helping children have a healthy post-pandemic return to school. Non-profits that will benefit from the event include the Wine Country Culinary Institute, the Walla Walla Community College’s Institute for Enology and Viticulture, and SOS Health Services of Walla Walla.
Basel Cellars was purchased in December of 2020 by Pacific Northwest hospitality leaders Dan Thiessen, Chad Mackay, Scott Clark, Phillip Christophides and Paul Mackay, who renamed the Walla Walla icon Yellowhawk Resort & Sparkling House. As its new name implies, the winery will be making sparkling wines exclusively from now on. In fact, on Thursday, July 15, the winery released its first four sparkling vintages — a sparkling white, a sparkling red, a sparkling rosé and a sparkling Sémillon.
The four wines will be available for purchase in the winery’s tasting room starting July 15 and at The Shindig event on Aug. 27 and 28. Yellowhawk is located in the Southside District of the Walla Walla Valley AVA at 2901 Old Milton Hwy, Walla Walla, WA 99362. You can purchase Yellowhawk’s new release wines directly from the winery’s online store at: www.yellowhawkresort.com/wines. Or by calling
(509) 522-0200.
Tickets for The Shindig are $79 for the Friday night reception, $149 for the Saturday night Grand Gallop dinner and auction, and $200 to attend both functions. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.sevenrooms.com/events/yellowhawkresort.
Callan Cellars, Longship Cellars Share Top Honors
at Bellingham Judged Wine Competition – Gold
Medal Wine Weekend Set for August 27-28
The 2021 Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival Judged Competition was one for the record books. It featured a record number of entries, participating wineries, and Gold and Double Gold medalists. It was also capped with a pleasant surprise: the Best in Show award for the top point-receiving wine ended in a tie.
The sixth annual event, organized by the Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation, took place at the Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel and Conference Center on July 3, 9, and 10. A total of 351 wines from Oregon and Washington were blind tasted by a panel of seven judges over the three-day period.
Best in Show honors were shared by a Washington red wine and a Washington white wine — the Callan Cellars 2019 GSM from Woodinville winemaker Lisa Callan, and the 2020 Mind and Memory Sauvignon Blanc from winemaker Kyle Welch of Longship Cellars in Richland, WA.
Both wines originated from the Yakima Valley American Viticultural Area. Callan’s blend of 84% Syrah, 14% Grenache, and 3% Mourvèdre came from Boushey Vineyards, while Welch’s first-ever Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from Yakima Valley’s Sugarloaf Vineyard.
There were plenty of other notable award winners, with seven wineries earning three or more Double Golds (unanimous gold scores) from the judges.
In addition to Callan Cellars’ three Double Golds, four other Washington wineries scored three doubles: Lake Chelan’s Tsillan Cellars, Wit Cellars in Prosser, Quincy-based Jones of Washington, and Van Arnam Vineyards in Zillah.
Two wineries also earned an event-record four Double Gold medals: Zerba Cellars, based in Milton-Freewater, OR., and Thurston Wolfe Winery in Prosser, WA.
Consumers will have a chance to taste some of the Judged Competition’s top-scoring wines at an upcoming two-day set of events in Bellingham.
A Gold Medal Wine Weekend will be hosted by the Four Points by Sheraton on August 27 and 28. The first day will feature a wine and appetizer social; a five-course wine dinner will be showcased the next evening. Dan Radil, President of the Whatcom Beer and Wine Foundation, will moderate the festivities.
Reservations are required and can be made at: www.eventbrite.com/e/bellingham-gold-medal-wine-weekend-tickets-156556401411.
A complete list of all 2021 medal winners is available at www.whatcombeerandwinefoundation.org/wine-festival.
