Image by Curbow Photo.

The Auction of Washington Wines, Washington’s longest-running charity wine auction, raised $4,015,000 at a series of events this past week and earlier this year. Donations are still being counted, and the final total is expected to be slightly higher. The money will be used to support the viticulture and enology department at Washington State University, Seattle Children’s, and an industry grant for Vital Wines. (Full disclosure: My wife works for the Auction.)

“2025 is our fourth consecutive year surpassing $4 million raised – a milestone for the Auction of Washington Wines,” says Jamie Peha, executive director of the Auction of Washington Wines.

The 38th Auction of Washington Wines culminated with the Gala Saturday August 16^th. The Gala featured 23 live auction lots. The highest bidding item was Lot 17, ‘Bordeaux takes the stage with Pursued by Bear’s Kyle MacLachlan.’ The trip for four, hosted by MacLachlan and winemaker Dan Wampfler, includes private tours and tastings at Château Margaux, Château Lynch-Bages, Château d’Yquem, and Château Haut-Bailly. It raised $140,000.

The second highest item was Lot 8, ‘An Italian legacy on American soil: Explore Napa and Red Mountain Estates’ of Antinori. The lot raised $90,000.

The paddle raise for Seattle Children’s, where people pledge donations at specific dollar levels, brought in $1.8M. This included a historic $250,000 gift from longtime Auction supporters Sue and Stewart Kuehne as well as multiple gifts over $100,000.

For the first time in its history, the Gala was held beyond the grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle, taking place at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Bellevue. The dinner and live auction along with the Gala Social were originally to take place at the newly constructed The SOMM Hotel & Spa in Woodinville. However, construction delays forced a change in venue three weeks prior to the event.

“Through it all, our auction team, vendors, wineries, partners, and volunteers rose to the occasion to deliver an extraordinary experience,” says Peha, who will be retiring from the organization later this month. “The Hyatt Regency Bellevue proved to be an outstanding location for the Gala, earning enthusiastic praise from our guests.”

Last week’s Auction events started August 14^th with Toast!, an event that honors established and emerging industry leaders, which took place at Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville. (Full disclosure: Northwest Wine Report was a 2025 Toast! sponsor, I sit on the board that determines awards, and I have also been a previous award recipient.) Jean-Francois Pellet was recognized as the honorary vintner. Tom Waliser was recognized as the honorary grower. Kyle MacLachlan of Pursued by Bear was the honorary chair.

Mike Sauer of Red Willow Vineyard in Yakima Valley received the Lifetime Achievement Award, the organization’s highest honor. Sauer planted vinifera vines at Red Willow Vineyard in 1973 and was the first in the state to plant Syrah in 1986.

Grower Jim Holmes, owner of Ciel du Cheval Vineyard received the Award of Distinction. This is given to a winery, grower, or industry professional who has advanced the caliber of the Washington wine industry.

Greg & Stacy Lill of Chateau Lill received the Auction of Washington Wines Wines Star Award. This is given to a donor, organization, or individual who has advanced the Auctions mission.

The Healthy Lands, Healthy Communities Award was given to Marissa Dineen, owner of Dineen Vineyards. This is given to individuals who look at current environmental challenges and develop responsible solutions.

Josh McDonald of the Washington Wine Institute received the Wine Industry Champion award. This is given to industry professionals who have positively influenced the success of the Washington wine industry.

Todd Newhouse of Upland Vineyards received the Vine to Wine award. This is given to people who are hands-on in the vineyard, leading or collaborating with peers.

The following people were recognized as emerging leaders: Freddy Arredondo, Cave B. Wine Estates; Kelsey Albro Itämeri, itä wines; and Sidney Rice and Tim Lenihan, Dossier Wine Collective. A hearty congratulation to all award recipients.

The Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction took place on the grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle on Friday August 15^th. The outdoor event featured a healthy amount of rain, which is an extreme rarity in Washington in August.

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 $72M.

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