Owner/winemaker Justin Wylie draws the Va Piano Vineyard name as well as his business philosophy from the old Italian saying “Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano” – He who goes slowly, goes safely and goes far.  Inspired by a year abroad in Florence, Italy where he fell in love with the art, architecture, culture and history he encountered there, Wylie returned to Walla Walla and paired his experiences with a passion for enology.  His quintessential Walla Walla wines display intense flavors, fine tannin structure and abundant aromas.   “I strive for balance in everything, and that’s truly my approach to winemaking. The majority of grapes we use are estate grown, and we continue to source grapes from across the region from carefully chosen vineyards” says Justin.  Guests at the February wine dinner will get a chance to meet Wylie and taste his brilliant wines paired with dishes crafted by Dean Shinagawa’s award winning culinary team.

The dinner is priced at $100 per person, including tax and gratuity.  For information call 360-716-1458 or go to www.tulalipresort.com.  Sommelier Tommy Thompson and his wine team have been honored with Wine Spectator’s 2011 Best of Award of Excellence.

Since that tipping point, the state’s wine industry has seen tremendous growth in terms of numbers, sophistication, and setting standards of quality recognized globally, growing from around 40 wineries in the late 1980′s to nearly 750 licensed wineries today.  The Commission will celebrate their 25-year milestone by honoring 25 members of the Washington State wine industry who have been in business for 25 years or more through a series of grower and vintner profiles.  These essays aim to highlight a diverse cross-section of industry veterans that helped shape the past quarter century of Washington State wine.  (Stay tuned for more about the honorees as the announcements are made public.)

The Commission has also announced an expanded campaign for Washington Wine Month and the Washington Wine Restaurant Awards to take place in March 2012.  Washington Wine Month will have a dedicated website promoting the many and varied wine promotions going on in restaurants, retail outlets, and winery tasting rooms throughout the month.

Additionally, the Auction of Washington Wines will celebrate 25 years of charitable giving from the Washington wine industry. The Auction, overseen by The Commission and aided with contributions from scores of organizations and sponsors including Washington Tasting Room Magazine, is considered the region’s most prestigious charity wine event with over $26 million donated to uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital and an additional portion given to the Washington Wine Education Foundation.

After its sold-out inaugural year in 2011, the camp will expand to three sessions this summer.  The camp serves up three days of tennis for players of all levels with instruction from some of the nation’s most revered coaches including Jeff Northam and John Hein from Whitman College, and Greg Patton from Boise State, at the prestigious campus of Whitman College.

Off the courts, campers will meet some of the valley’s top winemakers with chauffuered winery and vineyard tours, and guided tastings.

Exciting additions for 2012 include dinners at the award-winning Whitehouse-Crawford restaurant, tastings at the exclusive Figgins Family Estate with winemaker Chris Figgins (Leonetti), and a winemaker dinner with Ashley Trout, who produces outstanding Malbec in both Walla Walla and Argentina (Flying Trout) and big Bordeaux blends in Walla Walla (Tero Estates).

Campers will also enjoy a cooking class with celebrated chef Gene Soto, where they’ll dine on their creations John Freeman of Waterbrook, who has prepared special pairings. Additonal VIP “Dinner with the Winemaker” meals are included. Campers will also receive a tour of the Viticulture and Enology Center, and learn about regional wines and geology from renowned geologist and wine enthusiast, Kevin Pogue.

The 2012 camp dates are June 21-24, July 12-15 and July 19-22.  Camps are limited to 24 participants to keep the winery events intimate.  Visit the website for more information on the camp itinerary, participating wineries and winemakers, and registration.

Pictured: (Left) Annette Bergevin of Bergevin Lane Vineyards with friends, pouring barrel samples for guests of last year’s Picnic & Barrel Auction event held every summer on the grounds at Chateau Ste. Michelle winery in Woodinville, WA.

This year’s events include a picnic, gala, auction, winemaker dinners, and more.  Tickets for all events will be available online in April 2012 or check back here at Tasting Room Magazine.  The Chair of Chairs is Rick Holley, and the Auction Co-chairs are Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery and Stein Kruse, president & CEO of Holland America Line.

Revelry, Saturday, May 26, 2012
Over Memorial Day Weekend, guests will join 20 notable winemakers for a beautiful evening on Red Mountain. On the terrace at Col Solare, guests will mingle with the winemakers and taste gourmet fare, all while enjoying the panoramic views of Red Mountain, the Horse Heaven Hills and Yakima Valley. Guests also have the chance to bid on exciting items offered in the silent auction. Tickets are $95 per person.

Picnic & Barrel Auction, Thursday, August 16, 2012
At the beautiful Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville, the Picnic & Barrel Auction will feature a myriad of activities for all to enjoy. Participants will rub elbows with Washington winemakers as they mingle among the crowd to pour tastings of their newest and oldest releases. Guests will enjoy bidding on some of Washington’s most coveted limited-release wines during the exciting Barrel Auction while indulging in a gourmet picnic fare presented by the talented team of chefs from Tulalip Resort Casino. Tickets are $150 per person, early bird pricing available for a limited time.

Winemaker Dinner Series, Friday, August 17, 2012
These intimate dinners will be held at private estates throughout the Puget Sound. Patrons can experience the company of Washington winemakers whose wines are paired exquisitely with a gourmet meal created by guest chefs. Seating at these dinners is limited. Tickets are $250 per person.

The Covey Run, Saturday, August 18, 2012
The 6th Annual Covey Run presented by The Run for Children’s Guild, welcomes guests to join 1,400 runners and walkers at the Covey 10k Run, 5k Run/Walk and the Kids Dash at 8 a.m. Runners/walkers will meet at the Redhook Brewery in Woodinville.  To participate as a sponsor or for more information, contact Aileen Kelly at aileen.kelly@seattlechildrens.org or call 206-987-4816.

The Wine Gala, Saturday, August 18, 2012
The 25th Anniversary Wine Gala will be held on the grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle.  Guests will enjoy a six course meal prepared by some of the area’s finest chefs.  Each table will be hosted by a Washington state winemaker who will pair and pour wines from their collection.  Entertainment will include Celebrity Auctioneer Dave Reynolds, performances by Rich Gray, and live and silent auctions.  Seating at the Wine Gala is limited. Tickets are $500 per person.

About the Auction of Washington Wines
Since its inception in 1988, the Auction of Washington Wines has raised more than $26 million, with a majority benefitting uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital.  This distinguished event gives wine lovers the chance to help the Washington wine industry bridge a critical funding gap for children across the Northwest.  Tasting Room Magazine is proud to be a sponsor of this event.

About Seattle Children’s Hospital
Consistently ranked as one of the best children’s hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s serves as the pediatric and adolescent academic medical referral center for the largest landmass of any children’s hospital in the country (Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho). For more than 100 years, Children’s has been delivering superior patient care and advancing new treatments through pediatric research. Children’s serves as the primary teaching, clinical and research site for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. The hospital works in partnership with Seattle Children’s Research Institute and Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation. Together they are Seattle Children’s, known for setting new standards in superior patient care for more than 100 years.

About the Washington Wine Education Foundation
The Auction of Washington Wines events benefit the Washington Wine Education Foundation which aims to support the growth of a world class enology and viticulture program through the support of education, training and research. Currently, the Foundation is committed to fulfilling the funding for the Endowed Chair of Viticulture and Enology at Washington State University.

“The Seattle Wine and Food Experience offers a comprehensive tasting that allows for a greater understanding of wine for the consumer,” said Jamie Peha, producer of the event. “Although Washington wines are naturally showcased, this event also includes a special regional focus on Oregon, as well as wines from Idaho, California and major international brands.”

Tasting Room Magazine is a sponsor and will host a booth at the event.  Also new this year is a Distillery Row, as well as a Beer and Cider exhibit. Both elements will expand the tasting and educational opportunities for guests beyond just wine.

“This event offers something for everyone, whether you love wine, spirits or beer,” said Peha. “It’s the perfect event to highlight the booming craft distillery industry in our state.”

The Seattle Wine and Food Experience also has its finger on the pulse of the area culinary scene. From more than 20 chefs preparing gourmet bites to the Artisan Food “Shop,” the event offers guests culinary “experiences” including:

6-7-8 Audi Lounge + Oyster Bar & Bubbles - Featuring one of the most decadent culinary pairings - oysters and sparkling wine - along with the latest Audi car models.

Stella Artois VIKING chef demo stage with Chef Thierry Rautureau - ”The Chef in the Hat” emcees as local chefs show off their kitchen know-how

Fonté Coffee Lounge - One of the city’s homegrown coffee roasters, the Fonté Coffee Lounge offers guests a quick pick-me-up near the live music provided by area bands.

Featured restaurants include: A la Mode Pies, Andaluca Restaurant, Arnies Restaurant, Cantinetta, The Capital Grille, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Cicchetti Kitchen & Bar, Coho Café, Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar, The Coterie Room, The Country Cat Dinnerhouse & Bar, FROST Doughnuts, Kaspars Special Events & Catering, LOLA, LUC, Ponti Seafood Grill, Purple Café and Wine Bar, Ray’s Boathouse, Cafe and Catering, Serafina Osteria & Enoteca, Spur Gastropub, Taste of Tulalip, Tavern Law, Trellis Restaurant and Wild Ginger.

Admission to the Seattle Wine and Food Experience is $49 per person and includes access to all areas of the event and drink and food samples. No one under 21 will be admitted and ID is required.  Visit the event website for more information or to purchase tickets.

As shown here, the “Naches Heights” name applies to an elevated plateau area in Yakima County, Washington.  (Photo: ©Tasting Room Magazine)

Located to the west of Yakima, Wash., and falling entirely within the greater Columbia Valley wine growing region, Naches Heights is 13,254-acres in total size, with slightly more than 105 acres currently planted with vineyards.

The establishment of the Naches Heights AVA will become fully effective on January 13, 2012.  In order to carry the Naches Heights designation on wine labels, at least 85% of the grapes used to make a wine must be grown in the designated area.

One of the unique distinctions of Naches Heights is that all of the vineyards in the new AVA are certified biodynamic, organic or sustainable, according to Paul Beveridge, owner of Wilridge Winery & Vineyard.  Beveridge, along with Phil Cline, owner of Naches Heights Vineyard, have been driving forces behind the petition for the AVA.  Whether or not this distinguishing quality will hold true for the AVA’s future as more growers are attracted to the area, this is the first time this has occurred in Washington, if not the United States.

Phil Cline was the first person to plant vines on Naches Heights.  He says, “We are pleased that the federal government agrees that Naches Heights is a distinctive place to grow wine grapes.  We are also pleased that all of the vine growers on Naches Heights are committed to sustainable viticulture.”

Paul Beveridge commented on the difference between the Naches Heights terroir and the surrounding Columbia Valley: “We have been farming on Naches Heights for five years and producing wine from Naches Heights grapes for the past two years.  While the large Columbia Valley AVA is characterized by river valleys and was shaped by the ancient Missoula floods, Naches Heights is located above the valleys on a one million year old Andesite lava flow from the Cascade Mountains that was never inundated by the historic floods.  The Andesite is unique to Naches Heights in Washington State and we think it gives a distinctive character to our wines.”

American Viticultural Areas are geographical wine grape growing regions in the United States with distinct soil and climate conditions.  Their boundaries are defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, a division of the United States Department of the Treasury, and established at the request of wineries or other petitioners.

Washington State’s American Viticultural Areas (as of 12/14/2011):

1. Yakima Valley (1983)
2. Walla Walla (1984)
3. Columbia Valley (1984)
4. Puget Sound (1995)
5. Red Mountain (2001)
6. Columbia Gorge (2004)
7. Horse Heaven Hills (2005)
8. Wahluke Slope (2006)
9. Rattlesnake Hills (2006)
10. Snipes Mountain (2009)
11. Lake Chelan (2009)
12. Naches Heights (2012)

The Commission will license the event to SCVB, and the Commission will become a presenting sponsor.  Beginning immediately, SCVB will assume primary responsibility for producing the event, including sponsorship and vendor arrangements, while the Commission will manage winery participation and other wine-related activities.

“Over fourteen years, Taste Washington has grown to become the premier showcase for the Washington State wine industry in the Pacific Northwest,” said Kent Waliser, Chairman of the Washington State Wine Commission and General Manager for Sagemoor Vineyards. “This new partnership will enable Taste Washington to continue to grow into a destination wine and food event on a national level,” he added.

“Taste Washington has long been a crown jewel of our local community,” said Chad Mackay, 2012 Chairman of Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau and President and COO of El Gaucho. “By working with the Commission to produce this event, SCVB aims to bring visitors from across the country and around the world to Seattle to experience the best of our rich wine and culinary traditions.”

The Commission and SCVB also announced changes to the format for Taste Washington.

The Taste Washington Grand Tasting, previously a one-day event, will now expand to two days, Saturday, March 31, 2012, and Sunday, April 1, 2012, at CenturyLink Field Event Center in Seattle. It is hoped that the expanded format will enhance business opportunities for restaurants, hotels, visitor attractions and other businesses.

The Taste Washington Seminars, held previously at Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle, will move to CenturyLink Field Event Center on Saturday, March 31, 2012. Tickets for the Seminars will be sold independently of those for the Grand Tasting.

And for the first time, ticket packages – inclusive of Grand Tasting tickets, Seminar tickets, and lodging – will also be available.

“Taste Washington fits perfectly with SCVB’s core mission – to bring more visitors to Seattle and Washington State,” said Tom Norwalk, SCVB President & CEO. “Our state’s world-class wine is already a tourism driver and we look forward to working hand-in-hand with the wine industry to build on the success of Taste Washington, explore expansion of this event to multiple days or weeks and further showcase Northwest food, restaurants and chefs.”

The licensing agreement for Taste Washington will be ongoing, subject to mutual agreement. Varsity Communications, which has provided event production services for the event for the past five years, will continue in its role.

About Taste Washington:

Taste Washington is the largest single-region wine and food event in the United States, featuring more than 200 Washington State wineries and over 60 Pacific Northwest restaurants. Held annually in the spring, Taste Washington attracts more than 3,000 wine and food enthusiasts to the Seattle area. For more information on Taste Washington, please visit www.tastewashington.org.

The Saturday afternoon Grand Taste event on November 12, 2011 brings together 100 premier wineries from Washington, Napa and Italy under one grand venue along with an amazing array of gourmet food, making it one of the state’s top wine events.

Get a 15% TICKET DISCOUNT to the Grand Taste event on Saturday, November 12, 2011. Regular pre-sale tickets are $65 each, but click here and enter our special Tasting Room Magazine discount code TR55 and you’ll pay only $55 each, a savings of $10 off each ticket purchased.    

Attendees can taste Cab’s and Cabernet-based blends from 40 Washington State artisan wineries and enjoy an assortment of appetizers paired with Cabernet-based wines.  Some of Washington State’s top artisan winemakers will be present pouring their wines.

As a bonus, this year’s event will include Cabernet’s from around the world.  LeClaire says, “This year we’ve added international Cabernet Sauvignon’s to illustrate the differences between one of Washington’s finest grapes, and what other climates and winemaking styles from around the world do with this regal grape.  Also this year we will be featuring an array of Cabernet-based blends, since Cab is such a powerful and important component in many of Washington’s very best wines!”

• Featured wineries this year include (alphabetically):
• 
  
• 509 Wines
• Apex at Alder Ridge
• Bad Boys’ Wines
• Barons V Winery
• Brian Carter Cellars
• Cedergreen Cellars
• Columbia Crest
• Corvus Cellars
• Davenport Cellars
• DiStefano Winery
• Dumas Station Wines
• Forgeron Cellars
• Gamache Vintners
• Gard Vintners
• Gecko Wine Co./Michael Florentino Cellars
• Ginkgo Forest Winery
• Glencorrie Winery
• Goose Ridge Estate Winery
• Kaella Winery
• Kalamar Winery
• Kestrel Vintners
• Kitzke Cellars
• Northwest Cellars
• Nota Bene Cellars
• Pandora Cellars
• Patterson Cellars
• Pondera Winery
• Reininger Winery
• Skylite Cellars
• Smasne Cellars
• Sozo Wine Co.
• Ste Michelle Wine Estates
• Stomani Cellars
• The Bunnell Family Cellar
• Trouvaille Winery
• Vin du Lac
• Willis Hall
• WJ Deutsch & Sons
• Woodinville Wine Cellars

LeClaire told Tasting Room Magazine, “Cabernet Classic is perfectly timed to appeal to the wine enthusiasts whose desire for satisfying vino transforms along with the weather.  The dry Rose’s and Pinot Grigio’s had their time, but with the cool fall days here, who doesn’t want to enjoy a deep, soothing, rich glass of Cabernet?”

The cost for this one-of-a-kind wine & food event is $50 per person.  For tickets visit www.firstharvest.org.  

Event produced by Wine Events & Promotion, www.vinolover.com, and Seattle Uncorked.  Proceeds will help Rotary First Harvest provide nutritious produce to food banks and hot meal programs across Washington State.

“This has been the pinnacle of my professional experience,” said Ms. Pollard. “After a wonderful six years with the Commission, I am excited to pursue some business opportunities of my own,” she continued.

Ms. Pollard has served during a period of rapid expansion in the Washington State wine industry. There are now more than 740 wineries in the state, up from 360 wineries in 2005, when Ms. Pollard joined the Commission

Kent Waliser, chairman of the Commission, said “Robin Pollard has contributed creative energy, passion, and leadership to the Washington State wine industry during a period of explosive growth and change.” “The Commission thanks her for her service and dedication, and we all wish her the very best in her future endeavors,” he added.

During her tenure with the Commission, Ms. Pollard has led the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategic marketing plan, paving the way for successful campaigns in major domestic markets including Tampa Bay, Austin, Denver, Phoenix, and Chicago. She was also instrumental in leading the Commission’s efforts to open new export markets including Canada, Japan, Northern Europe, Southeast Asia, India, and Mexico.

Before joining the Commission, Ms. Pollard was integral to the state’s successful recruitment of the final assembly of the Boeing 7E7. Prior to that, she was director of the Economic Development Division at the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED). While at CTED, she also served as state tourism director for six years.

A committee consisting of current Commissioners, Ms. Pollard, and other members of the Washington State wine industry will be formed to lead the search for a new executive director. After December 31, 2011, Chris Stone, deputy director for the Commission, will assume responsibility for day-to-day operations on an interim basis.

For information on the Washington State Wine Commission, please visit www.washingtonwine.org.