Taste Washington Wine Month caps off with the four-day Taste Washington extravaganza, featuring more than 225 wineries, acclaimed local restaurants, and educational seminars (including the Cider Renaissance seminar with our editor).
But that is not the only way to experience the Taste Washington Wine Month, throughout the 31 days of March numerous wineries, hotels and businesses will be hosting special events and promotions to bring the wonders of Washington wine direct to you. Dozens of events are planned, more information can be found here, but we’ve got your top picks on how to plan out your March of wine.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle || March 3-6
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle will be offering four days worth of events in commemoration of Taste Washington Wine Month. To kick things off, two wineries will be represented each day, leading up to a winemakers dinner to be hosted at the hotel on the 6th. Wineries offering complimentary tastings include DeLille Cellars, Upchurch Vineyard, Betz Family Winery, Ross Andrew Winery, Chateau Ste Michelle and Novelty Hill. Tastings are complimentary, but require a prior RSVP. The winemakers dinner begins at 6:30 on Friday, March 6, and features a six course meal with wine pairings provided by Spring Valley Vineyard, and presented by head winemaker Serge LaVille. Seating cost $125, and availability is limited. || fairmont.com
Snohomish Wine Festival, Snohomish || March 7
Slip into the country and taste some wine! The Snohomish Wine Festival in the historic downtown Snohomish offers ticket holders the chance to taste from 23 different Washington wineries. The festival is offered in two sessions throughout the day, one in the early afternoon, and one in the evening with a break in the middle. A general admission ticket will get you in to one of these, while a VIP ticket will get you into both (with a special tasting offered during the two hour break!). Commemorative glasses and free appetizer plates are offered for both price levels, with special ticket prices available for designated drives. || snohowinefest.com
Taste Washington on the Farm, Various locations || March 27
Tasting and eating in a convention center is all well and good, but how often do you get to experience the products of labor and love at the farm where they were created? Sounds pretty great doesn’t it? This is exactly why Taste Washington is offering a separate event on the day before the big Taste Washington weekend, which allows ticket holders to go on location to where some of the best wine, food and artisan crafts are made. What’s more, you don’t have to drive! Pick from one of three different experiences, sending people by the bus load to different areas around Seattle for a day of wineing, dining and conversation with some of the masterminds themselves. If a day on Vashon Island, exploring Snohomish Valley, or looking into oyster diving at Samish Bay sounds like your cup of tea, then this is the event for you. Just remember, this is a separate ticketed event from Taste Washington, so your tickets will have to be purchased separately. || tastewashington.org
Red & White Party, Seattle || March 26
What’s the best way to prepare for Taste Washington? By starting early. Set right on the waterfront of Seattle’s AQUA by El Gaucho, the Red & White Party will feature a smorgasbord of both food and wine. With the culinary talents of Executive Chef Wesley Hood, and wines from 27 different Washington wineries, it is sure to be a night to remember. Live music will also be playing throughout the evening, performed by The Ben Fleck Trio. || tastewashington.org
Woodward Canyon Winemakers Dinner at Ray’s Boathouse, Seattle || March 7
Ray’s Boathouse in Seattle will be featuring Washington wine throughout the month of March, each week highlighting a different winery, and offering discounts on purchases. However, March 7 is especially significant, as they will be hosting Woodward Canyon for a winemakers dinner. Wines for the evening will be poured and discussed by Woodward Canyon owners Rick and Darcey Small, with a 5 course dinner menu organized by Chef Paul Duncan. Tickets run for $95 per person, and reservations are required. || rays.com
