PULLMAN, Wash. Tickets are already on sale for Washington State University’s School of Hospitality Business Management’s annual Winefest, to be held Nov. 3 at Gladish Community Center in Pullman. A fundraiser for the Sigma Iota student-run hospitality association, this year’s 23rd annual Winefest will be a kick-off event for WSU’s traditional Dad’s Weekend.
This year’s Winefest will feature wines for sampling and purchase from more than 40 wineries from across the Northwest, a hearty hors d’ oeuvres buffet prepared by Memorable Events Catering, a silent auction, and live music by the Natalie Rose Jazz Band.
As in previous years, Winefest guests will enjoy 10 samples of the region’s outstanding wines and learn a little about each winery from the representatives on hand. Additionally, there will be an elegant dessert bar, created entirely by WSU students under the supervision of Chef Dwight Smith, for which guests may use their wine tickets.
In addition to the traditional silent auction, this year’s event will feature a raffle. Two grand prize winners will enjoy a two-night hotel stay at either the Renaissance Lodge & Spa or the Fairmont Mission Inn & Spa, both located in the beautiful wine country of Sonoma Valley, Calif., Each grand prize is valued at more than $700.
“We’re looking forward to another outstanding Winefest this year,” said Hospitality Instructor, Kevin Bennett. “Winefest showcases premiere Northwest wines as well as our own Sigma Iota organization, whose members plan and execute the entire event.”
Winefest will be presented in two sessions, the first from 5-7 p.m. and the second from 8-10 p.m., both at the Gladish Community Center, 115 NW State Street. A free shuttle service will be provided to the center from the WSU campus, picking up and returning patrons to the turnaround near the campus bookstore. The first run will leave the Bookie at 4:40 p.m. and the last run will return at 10:20 p.m. Limited parking will also be available at Gladish.
Tickets are $25 per person and will be sold only to those aged 21 or over. Tickets are available Online at www.winefest.wsu.edu, at various on- and off-campus locations (visit www.winefest.wsu.edu/tickets.html for a list of times and locations), and may also be purchased at the door prior to each session.
For more information on Winefest and Sigma Iota, please visit www.winefest.wsu.edu or email winefest2006@hotmail.com.
