As long time readers know, I will (very, very) occasionally recommend an upcoming Washington wine event of particular significance. One such event is coming up this week – the Auction of Washington Wines, which takes place August 16th through 18th.

This is the 25th year of the Auction of Washington Wines – a significant milestone for the event and for the industry. The Auction was first created in 1988 as a partnership between the Washington Wine Commission and the Enological Society of the Pacific Northwest. It has evolved over the years into its own 501(c)(3) organization with the goal to promote the local wine industry and to give back to the community. Proceeds from the Auction benefit both uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Washington Wine Education Foundation. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $26 million.

The three-day event starts with the Picnic & Barrel Auction on August 16th at 4pm on the lawn at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Nearly 80 wineries will be represented (see list here). This is one of my favorite events of the year as winemakers get out from behind the table and walk the grounds of Ste Michelle pouring their wines. Additionally, the food from Tulalip Resort Casino is always exceptional. For the Barrel Auction, 25 wineries will be auctioning off cases of to-be-released wines to the five highest bidders. Attendees will be able to taste the barrel samples of these wines during the event.

Friday features a series of winemaker dinners, with a who’s who list of participating wineries including Andrew Will, Betz, DeLille, Leonetti, Quilceda Creek, and Woodward Canyon and many more. Finally, Saturday brings the Covey Run – a 5k or 10k run/walk – followed by the Wine Gala. The Gala features a six-course meal and 29 one-of-a-kind auction items including a 25-year vertical from Leonetti Cellar (!) and five liter, five year vertical from Quilceda Creek (!!).

Read more about the Auction of Washington Wines as well as ticket information for each of the events here.

Hope to see you there!