6th Annual ‘A Celebration of Washington Wines’ Auction Jan. 27

SEATTLE – Private wine tastings, cases of collectible cabernets and merlots, commemorative magnums and luxurious vacation getaways are just a few of the items that will be up for bid at the sixth annual “A Celebration of Washington Wines” auction Jan. 27.

The event, held each year at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville, benefits the Viticulture and Enology program at Washington State University.

Wine connoisseurs and amateurs alike are welcome to attend the black-tie event, which includes a reception, silent auction, dinner and live auction. Tickets are $200 per person and can be reserved by calling Jackie Jacobs, WSU West, at (206) 219-2416.

In addition to wines donated by many of the state’s award-winning winemakers, the auction will again feature the CEO Collection, an assortment of bottles from the private cellars of business executives from around Washington state who are invited to donate a bottle of their favorite Washington wine.

Auction items include a 2003 Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon magnum, a three-liter etched bottle of 2003 Pepper Bridge Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, a three-course dinner and wine for six guests at Saint Laurent Winery, and a five-night stay at Oasis Resort in Palm Springs, Calif. For a second year, the auction will include a collection of books on cooking, wine and entertaining, many autographed by the authors who donated them.

The Jan. 27 gala begins 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. Seattle resident Jeff Randall, a 25-year veteran of radio and television broadcast known for his high energy and passion, will serve as this year’s auctioneer.

Co-chairs for this year’s CEO Collection are Cathi Hatch, president and chief executive officer of Zino Society, and Heidi B. Stanley, vice chair and chief operating officer, Sterling Savings.

For more information on “A Celebration of Washington Wines,” visit the event Website at www.wineauction.wsu.edu.

WSU created its Viticulture and Enology program in response to industry research that underscored a need for skilled winemakers and vineyard managers for one of the fastest growing sectors of the state’s agriculture economy. Drawing on its unique capabilities in research, teaching and extension, WSU offers the Viticulture and Enology program as an option in its Bachelor of Science in Horticulture degree program. The collaborative effort includes support from the wine industry and the Washington Viticulture and Enology Consortium (www.wineducation.wsu.edu/).

Washington is the second largest producer of premium wines in the country. The industry’s total economic impact on the state is an estimated $3 billion according to the Washington Wine Commission.