SEATTLE – Etched magnums, collectible cabernets and syrahs, exclusive dinners and wine tastings, and romantic overnight getaways are just a few of the items that will be up for bid at the seventh annual “A Celebration of Washington Wines” auction Jan. 26.
Wine enthusiasts can attend the black-tie event, which includes a reception, silent and live auctions and dinner. Tickets are $225 per person and can be reserved by calling Britta Nitcy at (509) 335-6479 or e-mail to nitcy@wsu.edu.
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 the Viticulture and Enology Program at WSU. The goal is to raise more than $1.5 million to fund the endowment.
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, news anchor,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.
The auction will again feature the CEO Collection, a mixed collection of bottles from the private cellars of Washington state business executives who are invited to donate a bottle of their favorite Washington wine. New this year is the Sommelier Selection, a collection of favorite Washington wines donated by sommeliers and wine stewards from around the state.
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 500 wineries. The industry contributes $3 billion annually to the state’s economy.
