Winemakers Turn Out for the Biggest Wine Auction Events of the Year
SEATTLE, WA–(Marketwire – June 16, 2008) – Tickets go on sale June 13 for the 2008 Auction of Washington Wines, the must attend Washington wine weekend of the summer! This year the Auction celebrates the Coming of Age of Washington wines, August 14-16.
Washington’s wine industry has advanced remarkably in size and stature since the Auction’s inception over 20 years ago. The event has become the industry’s premier fundraiser and proudly supports uncompensated care at Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center and the Washington Wine Education Foundation.
“Auction Co-Chairs, Greg Lill and Tod Leiweke, and our entire planning team are so excited about the Coming of Age Celebration. This anniversary comes at an amazing time for Washington state wines, as they increasingly receive outstanding recognition and praise,” said Auction Executive Director Carol Munro. “As the industry continues to grow internationally, it remains all the more committed to supporting important charities at home.”
The Coming of Age celebration will include:
PICNIC WITH THE WINEMAKERS and Barrel Auction, Thursday evening, August 14
4:30 p.m. until dusk – Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, WA
The fun begins Thursday, August 14, at Picnic with the Winemakers and Barrel Auction on the grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle. At the picnic, there will be fabulous Washington wines, silent and barrel auctions, games, great entertainment and gourmet food. Bring Your Own Blanket (BYOB) to spread on the lawn and enjoy this summer evening. Tickets are $125 per person.
WINEMAKER DINNERS, Friday evening, August 15
6:30 p.m. – Various Seattle-area locations
Winemaker dinners take place on Friday, August 15. Patrons are invited into some of Seattle’s finest estates and wineries to dine with Washington winemakers and experience a gourmet meal prepared by a notable local guest chef. Full descriptions of this year’s dinners are posted on the website. Tickets are $250 per person.
“COVEY RUN” 10K AND TALKINGRAIN 5K RUN/WALK AND KIDS DASH, Saturday, August 16
8:00 a.m. – Start and Finish at Red Hook Brewery, Woodinville, WA
The popular Covey Run 10K race and TalkingRain 5K Run /Walk winds through the streets of Woodinville wine country. The Covey Run is open to ages 21 and up, and the TalkingRain 5K open to all ages and the Kids Dash is free for kids 14 and younger. A grape stomp, music and prizes accompany the run. Participants are encouraged to form teams now to raise pledge money for Children’s Hospital. Register online at www.runforchildrens.org.
COMING OF AGE GALA AUCTION, Saturday evening, August 16
4:30 p.m. – Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, WA
The 21st annual “Coming of Age” Gala Auction, on the grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle. Dynamic auctioneer, David Reynolds, will host the bidding on an impressive list of live auction lots. The menu will be prepared by world-renowned chefs and accompanied by a great selection of Washington wines. Brian Nova Orchestra will entertain from center stage and provide the perfect accompaniment for post auction dancing in the festive tent. Tickets start at $500 per person.
All Auction events are open to the public, some age restrictions do apply. Single event ticket prices start at $125. Corporate and weekend packages are available. For tickets and information, please call 206.326.5750 or click on www.auctionofwashingtonwines.org.
About Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center
Consistently ranked as one of the best children’s hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center serves as the pediatric referral center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. Children’s has been delivering superior patient care for 100 years, including advancing new discoveries and treatments in pediatric research, and serving as a primary teaching, clinical and research site for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. In 2007, the hospital is expected to provide over $43 million in uncompensated care to over 57,000 patients.
About the Washington Education Foundation
The Washington Wine Education Foundation aims to strengthen the quality and reputation of the Washington Wine Industry by providing support toward a world class enology and viticulture research, education and training program specific to Washington State. A portion of funds raised during the Auction of Washington Wines goes toward scientific research in vineyards and fermentation, Washington-based educational programs that promote undergraduate and graduate degrees, and to farm worker and industry employee programs that promote health and safety. This educational group began collaborating in 2001 to create quality educational programs in winemaking and grape growing.
About Auction of Washington Wines
The Auction of Washington Wines, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is the philanthropic organization of the Washington State wine industry and one of the top charity wine auctions in the nation. More than $19 million has been raised since the auction was founded in 1988.
The 2008 auction is co-chaired by Greg Lill, CEO/Co-Owner, DeLille Cellars, and Tod Leiweke, CEO, the Seattle Seahawks. Major sponsors include: Chateau Ste. Michelle, John L. Scott Foundation, Classical KING FM, KING5 TV, Lexus, Seattle magazine, Seattle Sounders FC, Viking, VineVertical, Wells Fargo Private Bank and Wine Spectator and Wizards of the Coast.
For information, please visit www.auctionofwashingtonwines.org or call 206-326-5747.
