Auction of Washington Wines’ premier philanthropic wine events benefit Seattle Children’s, Washington State University Viticulture & Enology Department, and Industry Grant Partner, Vital Wines
Seattle, Wash. (August 12, 2024) — Auction of Washington Wines celebrated its 37th year of philanthropic wine events in Washington state at last week’s TOAST! Industry Awards, Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction, and Gala. The annual event series raised $4.25 million. In total, Auction of Washington Wines has raised more than $67 million since its inception in 1988.
Auction of Washington Wines is one of the nation’s premier wine auctions and a nonprofit devoted to advancing awareness of Washington state wine through fundraising events supporting the community. The three-day celebration in August featured more than 300 participating winemakers, vintners, and growers who showcased the best wines that Washington has to offer. At the Saturday night Gala, a performance by Rizo Love kicked off the festivities with star power, while actor and Pursued by Bear winery owner Kyle MacLachlan, along with former NFL player and Dossier Wine Collective owner Sidney Rice, had cameras flashing all night long.
Lots that had the most bid paddles in the air at the August 10 Gala included a customized six-night, seven-day trip for four to the Tuscan vineyards and properties of the Antinori family, which raised a total of $165,000, a six-night wine experience in Burgundy for six to explore the land of Pinot Noir, aptly paired with Chris Figgins’ Toil Oregon, which raised a total of $108,000, and seven-nights for six in an extraordinary villa in Andalucia, Spain which raised a total of $105,000. Coveted lots included the 100-point magnum collection from Quilceda Creek, the DeLille Cellars 28-vintage collection with a private tasting led by wine critic Jeb Dunnuck, and the Oaxaca trip with Upchurch Vineyard owner, winemaker and now master agave expert Chris, and his wife Thea.
“The auction welcomed long-time bidders and many new faces throughout an incredibly successful year of statewide fundraising, and this year’s roster of events was better than ever,” said Jamie Peha, a 30-year industry veteran and the Auction of Washington Wines’ Executive Director. “We are successful because of our collaborative industry, donors, and sponsors, whose ongoing support is crucial to our mission. Together we can continue to elevate the Washington wine industry and support our beneficiary partners, Seattle Children’s, WSU’s Viticulture & Enology department, and our Industry Grant Partner, Vital Wines.”
