Baldwin, Coffey to Co-chair Wine Auction “CEO Collection”

SEATTLE – Chief Executive Officers Bill Baldwin, Baldwin Resource Group Inc. in Bellevue, and Arthur M. Coffey, Red Lion Hotels Corp., Spokane, will co-chair the “CEO Collection” for the 2008 A Celebration of Washington Wines auction, set for Jan. 26.

The CEO Collection is a unique assortment of wines from business executives around the state who contribute a bottle of one of their favorite Washington wines.

“We are honored to have Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Coffey serve as co-chairs for the 2008 CEO Collection,” Nancy Harnasch, chair for the wine auction committee, said. “They understand the importance of WSU’s Viticulture/Enology program for the university, the agricultural communities and the state.  Thanks to their assistance, we expect this one-of-a-kind auction item will draw record-setting bidding.” 

The annual gala, held at Chateau Ste. Michelle winery in Woodinville, has grossed more than $1 million over its six-year history to benefit WSU’s program that trains aspiring wine makers and grape growers. Last year’s event raised more than $235,000 toward an endowed fund for a chair in university’s Viticulture and Enology program. The goal is to raise more than $1.5 million to fund the endowment.

New to this year’s auction is the Sommelier Selection, a collection of favorite Washington wines donated by sommeliers and wine stewards from around the state. Sommeliers are wine specialists of both international and domestic selections as well as experts at pairing food and wine.

This year’s items up for bid include a cruise for two on Holland America Line, a getaway for two at Salish Lodge and Spa, a two-night stay at W Seattle Hotel, an etched 2004 6L Annie Camarda syrah, a label etched and painted magnum of Leonetti Cellar 2004 reserve, private group wine tastings at premier wineries and more.

The Jan. 26 gala will begin at 6 p.m. with a reception and silent auction. Dinner, prepared by the award-winning culinary staff at Chateau Ste. Michelle, includes wine paired with each course. Margo Myers, co-anchor of Seattle’s KIRO 7 Eyewitness News, will emcee the event. Stokes Auction Group’s Jeff Randall, a veteran of radio and television broadcast known for his high energy, will return as this year’s auctioneer. Tickets are $225 per person and can be reserved by calling Britta Nitcy at (509) 335-6479, nitcy@wsu.edu.

For more information on A Celebration of Washington Wines, visit www.wineauction.wsu.edu.

Washington is the nation’s second largest producer of domestic wines. Today the state boasts more than 350 wine grape growers providing 20 different varietals of premium grapes for the state’s more than 500 wineries. The industry contributes $3 billion annually to the state’s economy.