The Auction of Washington Wines, Washington’s longest-running charity wine auction, raised $4.25M at a series of events this past week. (Full disclosure: My wife contracts with the Auction.) Money raised will support viticulture and enology research at Washington State University, uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s, and an industry grant for Vital Wines.

Events at the 37^th Auction of Washington Wines culminated with the Gala Saturday August 10^th. The Gala featured 25 auction lots. The highest bidding item, which raised $165,000, was a seven day trip to Tuscany for four at properties of the Antinori family. A seven day trip to Burgundy for six people, paired with wine from Chris Figgins’ Toil Oregon, raised $108,000. The paddle raise, where people pledge donations at specific dollar levels, brought in a record $2,095,250.

“This special weekend has shined a spotlight on the camaraderie and unity within the Washington wine industry,” says Jamie Peha, executive director of the Auction of Washington Wines. “The Auction of Washington Wines is deeply appreciative for the incredible support of the vintners, chefs, volunteers, sponsors, our generous bidders, and our hosts, Sparkman Cellars and Chateau Ste Michelle.”

Auction events started Thursday August 8^th with Toast!, an event that honors established and emerging industry leaders. (Full disclosure: I sit on the board that determines awards and have also been a previous award recipient.) Vigneron Christophe Baron of Bionic Wines was recognized as the honorary vintner. Robert Rivera of Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard was the honorary grower. Leslie Sbrocco was the honorary chair.

Rick Small & Darcey Fugman-Small, founders of Woodward Canyon in Walla Walla Valley, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Markus Keller, Chateau Ste. Michelle Distinguished Professor of Viticulture at Washington State University’s Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, received the Award of Distinction. This is given to an individual whose achievements have advanced the caliber of the Washington wine industry.

Photographer Richard Duval received the Wine Star Award. This is given to an individual who has significantly advanced the Auction’s mission. (NB: Duval has also been a long-time contributor to this site.)

Kiona Winery & Vineyards was recognized with the Healthy Lands, Healthy Communities award. This recognizes individuals and businesses that look at environmental challenges and develop equitable solutions.

Chris Stone, deputy director of the Washington Wine Commission, received the Wine Industry Champion award. (Full disclosure: I have contracted with the Wine Commission for over a decade.) Eduardo Enriquez from Corliss Estates received the Vine to Wine award, which recognizes people who are hands-on in the vineyard.

Finally, the following individuals were recognized as Emerging Leaders: Stacy Buchanan (Blood of Gods, read a feature article on Buchanan), Matías Kusulas (head winemaker at Gård, Desert Wind, head viticulturalist at Lawrence Vineyards, and founder and winemaker at Massalto and Valo), and Jordan Small (general manager, Woodward Canyon).

Toast! took place at Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville. All other events, including the Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction and Gala, took place at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Ste. Michelle has hosted the Auction for its entire 37-year existence.

The Auction of Washington Wines was founded in 1988. The Auction’s goal is to support the growth and awareness of the Washington wine industry and benefit the broader community. Since its inception, the Auction of Washington Wines has raised over $67M.

Image copyright Curbow Photo courtesy of the Auction of Washington Wines.

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