The Auction of Washington Wines is always one of the most anticipated wine events of the summer as well as one of the top charity wine auctions in the nation (which I didn’t know until looking it up). Put on by the Washington Wine Commission in coordination with Chateau Ste. Michelle, who hosts the event each year at their Woodinville winery, this annual fundraiser raises money for uncompensated care at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle and the Washington Wine Education Foundation.
And while this is definitely a good cause, for which many people donate their money and time, it’s often an event unattended by the average wine enthusiast. The cause of this? Well, for one thing the ticket prices are not quite on par with your usual tasting fee. For instance the Gala Auction, which is also the main event, runs $500 a pop. Prior to which is the $125 Picnic with the Winemakers and Barrel Auction as well as various winemaker dinners at $100 plus per person. So unless you’re looking to commit well over a thousand dollars for you and a guest to attend the whole thing ends up being beyond what most people are willing to spend.
One good alternative however is taking part in just one of the many activities wrapped up in the whole event. This year I chose to attend the Picnic with the Winemakers held on Thursday night, August 16th from 5pm until dark. This turned out to be the right choice because even at $125 it was one of the most enjoyable wine events I have been to this year. Located on the concert grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle there was plenty of space, which made the event feel like a casual backyard barbeque even though there was over 1,000 other attendees as well as countless winemakers pouring wine. Yum!
This was great because there was no crowding to taste any of the wines being poured from the winemakers or from the various booths. Nor was it difficult to help yourself to some of the great food being served at each corner of the event. All too often do you attend a wine tasting just to spend too much time waiting for wine pours and navigating through the crowd in search of the food, which always seems to elude you. This event however was perfect with plenty of wine, food, music, conversation, and even the sun decided to make an appearance, which is uncommon for an outdoor wine event in Seattle. But to be honest, at one point there the sky did look like it was going to threaten rain.
Anyway, if you have ever wanted to attend the Auction of Washington Wines but felt that it was too expensive, which you would be right about, then I highly recommend you reconsider and try making it to the Picnic next year. It’s well worth the $125 price tag…which goes to a good cause after all.