Gilles Nicault and Luanne Holden-Boushey To Be Honored at August Auction Events
Tickets for the August Winemaker Picnic On Sale Now
SEATTLE (May 7, 2026) — Auction of Washington Wines today announced Gilles Nicault, director of winemaking and viticulture at Long Shadows, as the 2026 Honorary Vintner, and Luanne Holden-Boushey, owner of Boushey Vineyards, as the 2026 Honorary Grower.
Now in its 39th year, Auction of Washington Wines continues its tradition of recognizing individuals whose leadership and dedication have helped shape the Washington wine industry. The annual event series supports Seattle Children’s uncompensated care programs and hospital clinics in Eastern Washington, Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Department, and VITAL Wines, a nonprofit dedicated to improving access to healthcare for vineyard workers and their families. Since its founding in 1988, Auction of Washington Wines has raised $72 million in support of community health and the state’s wine industry.
“We’re proud to recognize Gilles and Luanne this year,” said Katie Maltais, executive director of Auction of Washington Wines. “Gilles’ craftsmanship and long-standing leadership in the cellar, paired with Luanne’s decades of dedication in the vineyard, represent the care and commitment that drive Washington wine forward. It’s an honor to celebrate their contributions.”
Gilles Nicault Named 2026 Honorary Vintner
As Long Shadows’ founding winemaker, Gilles Nicault has spent more than three decades shaping Washington wines, bringing a distinctive blend of old-world training and new-world innovation to his work.
Raised in southern France and trained in viticulture and enology at the University of Avignon, Nicault built his early career in Provence, the Rhône Valley, and Champagne before coming to Washington state in 1994. He joined Long Shadows in 2002, where he has played a pivotal role in developing the winery’s internationally recognized portfolio.
Known for his collaborative approach, Nicault has worked alongside some of the world’s most respected winemakers, translating their styles through the lens of Washington’s terroir while helping define the character and potential of the Columbia Valley.
Luanne Holden-Boushey Named 2026 Honorary Grower
A pioneer of Washington agriculture, Luanne Holden-Boushey has spent decades cultivating vineyards in the Yakima Valley, helping to shape the region’s growth as a world-class wine destination.
Originally from Bellevue, Holden-Boushey began her career as a teacher before transitioning to farming alongside her husband in Grandview. Over time, their family farm evolved from apples and cherries to a diverse vineyard operation, with early plantings dating back to the late 1970s.
Today, she farms 28 grape varieties, adapting to changing industry trends while maintaining a deep connection to the land. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to agriculture, resilience, and the continued evolution of Washington wine.
“The Auction is an opportunity to come together, celebrate the work happening across the state, and support the future of the industry,” said Maltais. “Honoring Gilles and Luanne, who have both served the state and the industry for decades, makes this year especially meaningful.”
August Events and Ticket Availability
The 2026 Auction season culminates in August with the Online Auction, Winemaker Picnic, and Gala, signature events that bring together winemakers, collectors and supporters for a celebration of Washington wine and philanthropy.
August 14 at 5:00 p.m. (VIP access at 4:00 p.m.) | Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, Woodinville
Tickets available now
Held on the scenic grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle, the Winemaker Picnic brings together more than 80 Washington winemakers pouring 200+ wines. Guests will enjoy bites from guest chefs, live music, and a Winemaker Select Live Auction featuring exclusive wines and futures from 30 Washington wineries.
PNC Bank is the presenting sponsor of the VIP Tent, AgWest Farm Credit is the presenting sponsor of the Winemaker Select Live Auction, and Trysk Print Solutions sponsors the 30-and-under ticket program. 2026 Winemaker Picnic Details
August 15, 4:30–10:30 p.m. | The SOMM Hotel & Spa, Woodinville
Limited tickets available – please contact Katie Maltais at kmaltais@aoww.org to purchase
The Gala is the marquee fundraising event of the Washington wine calendar, celebrating the industry while supporting the community. The evening begins with a lively Gala Social featuring 20 wineries. Guests will enjoy cult-status Washington wines paired with a multicourse dinner prepared by The SOMM Hotel & Spa’s executive chef, Maximillian Petty, a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist; and a curated live auction featuring rare lots and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. The celebration continues with the Afterglow lounge under the stars.
PNC Bank is the presenting sponsor of the Gala Social, and Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery is the presenting sponsor of Afterglow. 2026 Gala Details
August 11–15 | Virtual
The Online Auction offers registered bidders the opportunity to win exclusive packages, ranging from curated Washington wine collections and luxury staycations to one-of-a-kind experiences. Bidding opens August 11 and closes the evening of August 15. Registration is open now. 2026 Online Auction Registration
For event information and tickets, visit auctionofwawines.org or call (206) 741-0212.
About Auction of Washington Wines
Auction of Washington Wines supports the growth and raises awareness of the Washington wine industry while benefiting the greater community through fundraising events. The auction has raised $72 million since its inception in 1988. Washington’s premier wine auction uplifts the state’s industry and raises funds for Seattle Children’s, Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology Department, and VITAL Wines, a nonprofit winery dedicated to improving access to healthcare for vineyard workers and their families through education, advocacy, and direct services. Key supporters for 2026 include Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, The Seattle Times, PNC Bank, and the John L. Scott Foundation. For more information, visit auctionofwawines.org. Follow Auction of Washington Wines on social media: auctionwawines on Instagram and AuctionofWAWines on Facebook.
