The Auction of Washington Wines is an annual fundraiser centered around amazing wine events—and this year kicks off with Revelry on Saturday, May 26, 2012 over Memorial Day weekend from 6 to 9pm.  Nearly two dozen winemakers will assemble to pour Washington wines for an unforgettable evening atop Red Mountain at Col Solare Winery.  Guests will enjoy a spectacular sunset and panoramic views, gourmet food by Bin20 and amazing wines while rubbing elbows with outstanding winemakers and growers.  
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CASHMERE, WA – The Washington Wine Industry Foundation (WWIF) tees up its 12th Annual Wine Cup® Monday, July 9 at Meadow Springs Country Club in Richland.  The shotgun golf scramble begins at 1:00pm.  Wine industry supporters, golf fanatics, wine connoisseurs, and anyone who just wants to have fun are invited to get their foursome together for one of the Foundation’s strongest annual fundraisers. 
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The 4th Annual Taste of Tulalip is an award winning Wine and Food Weekend and is offering advance purchase tickets which go on pre-sale sale May 11, 2012. “Buy early; get in,” says Tulalip Resort Casino President/CEO Ken Kettler.  He is referring to the line of disappointed Taste of Tulalip wannabes who were unable to enjoy the award-winning November weekend of wine, food and tradition, as the 2011 event sold out.  Tickets for both Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10, 2012 event dates are available through Brown Paper Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com.

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Wine industry veteran Janet Byerley, and longtime award-winning winemaker, Brian Carlson, have joined forces to launch Avenue Wine Group, a winery specializing in custom crush and alternating proprietor services, in Walla Walla, WA.
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Seattle, WA – Results released today from a comprehensive economic impact study of the Washington State wine industry tell a story of 285-plus percent growth to the state’s local economy, compared to a similar study done in 2007.  The 53-page report cites a total wine industry worth of $8.6 billion annually in Washington State and $14.9 billion annually in the US.  The research was conducted by Stonebridge Research on behalf of the Washington State Wine Commission with support from several other organizations, including the Washington Wine Institute and WAWGG.
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Vin du Lac Winery, a winery from the Lake Chelan AVA , has announced new duties and titles for two key team members.  Assistant Winemaker David Traynor, has added “sales liaison” to his title.  At the same time, National Sales Manager Gary Knopp adds “winemaking” to his title.
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April 19, 2012, Kirkland WA — The eastside community of Kirkland, known for art galleries, shopping and eateries, has a new wine district.  Three tasting room’s opened their doors on April 14, 2012 to celebrate the grand opening weekend of what the group has officially named the “Kirkland Warehouse District”. Northwest Cellars Winery, which has been at this location since 2004, welcomes new neighbors Skylite Cellars and Waving Tree Vineyards & Winery.  Collectively, visitors can taste wines sourced from vineyards and AVA’s across the state; from the Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Snipes Mountain, Red Mountain and Walla Walla Valley.

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We loved these smart tips compiled by our friends at the Yakima Valley VCB so much that we’re posting them here so readers can get the most out of Spring Barrel Tasting events happening in Washington State over the coming weeks.  Check the calendar for upcoming wine events.
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April 13, 2012 – Mercer Estates has hired Jessica Munnell to take over the reins of Winemaker for Mercer Estates and their Wine Out West label.  Starting next week, Munnell will step into her new role of overseeing all winemaking operations for the successful Prosser-based winery. 
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A growing number of high end eateries in the Puget Sound are going “green” when it comes to restaurant wines served by the glass.  Kingfish Café owners Laurie and Leslie Coaston looked for a way to bring quality Washington-grown wines to their patrons at reasonable prices, as well as eliminate the waste associated with bottled product.  They found what they were looking for at Proletariat Wine Company—a small lot co-op which installs keg wine systems for restaurants.
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