A Special Note from the Founding Director

Eat, Drink, and Travel Locally in 2009

Throughout 2008, we made great strides toward our mission of fostering collaborative partnerships among organizations and businesses throughout Washington’s vineyard region to promote tourism, economic growth and cultural enrichment. Now more than ever, we are thankful to be a part of this mission and to work with such talented and inspiring people, dedicated to helping the land, citizens, businesses, and communities of our unique wine country thrive and grow.  

While today’s economic climate poses a great challenge for agricultural regions across the country, Washington is fortunate to have a world-class wine growing region that not only promotes economic growth, but also enhances and preserves the natural beauty and agricultural heritage of our state, supports socially and environmentally responsible farming and winemaking practices, inspires cultural enrichment of our rural communities, and builds pride for our citizens.

This year, we are reminded of the incredible economic impact that Washington’s vineyard region has and will continue to have on our state’s economy. In 2009, our primary focus is to encourage Washington state citizens to eat, drink, and travel locally. Not only does it help maintain our local farms, vineyards, and open spaces, but most importantly, Washington produces some of the best wines and foods in the country.

Janet Leduc

Sip and Savor the Local Flavor at the Wine Country Celebration

Sip and Savor the Local Flavor at the 7th Annual Wine Country Celebration and Grand Gala Auction
We help the land, businesses, people, and communities of our unique wine country thrive and grow.

Now in its seventh year, the Wine Country Celebration has become the signature event of Washington’s vineyard region. This weekend-long fundraiser - the first of its kind to be held at wineries throughout the wine growing appellations themselves - attracts business and community leaders from around the state to celebrate and support the continuing growth of Washington’s wine country. In its first six years, the Wine Country Celebration has raised over $2.5 million for programs that bring local organizations together to promote economic revitalization, wine and culinary tourism, and community well-being in the region.

For the first time ever, this year’s Wine Country Celebration will reach beyond the Cascades Mountains to shine a spotlight on the incredible economic impact that the wine industry has on our entire state’s economy and encourage wine and food lovers of all ages to join in. First, we are offering Prequel Winemaker dinners at top-notch restaurants around Greater Seattle. Secondly, in addition to the 5-star service VIP Tickets to the Grand Gala Auction, we are offering an additional lower priced cocktail seating ticket for just $200 - a fun way for up and coming wine and food lovers to get in on the action. Last but not least, we will feature a new Everyday Drinking Wine Auction - a perfect way to stock up your home cellar while supporting Washington Wine Country.

We believe that nothing compares to a meal created by artisans who believe in choosing ingredients harvested in our great state. It’s the connection between the land, the grapes, the grains, the homegrown herbs, the farmstead cheese – and the way in which creative vintners and chefs highlight these inherent flavors. We invite you to come together as a community to savor the bounty and support our state’s economy by eating, drinking and traveling locally. Welcome to Washington Wine Country. There’s no taste like home. 

Choose from Several Unique Winemaker Dinners throughout May and June
These intimate dinner parties will offer guests a taste of Washington Wine Country on both sides of the Cascades. Plus, guests will have the first opportunity to bid on hard-to-find wines and fun culinary experiences before the Grand Gala Auction. Prequel Winemaker Dinners will be held around Greater Seattle in May and June at Canlis and Crush in Seattle and Pearl Bar and Dining in Bellevue. On Friday, June 19th, choose from three more exciting Winemaker Dinners in the Vineyards - at Long Shadows Vintners in Walla Walla, Bookwalter Winery in Richland, and Gilbert Cellars in Yakima.

Gather Together at the Grand Gala Auction on Saturday, June 20th, 2009
Spend an evening on the lawn of the DeAtley Estate, savoring each delicious experience while giving to a good cause at this year's Grand Gala Auction. Sip wines poured from the hands of Washington winemakers. Sample small dishes served up by our state’s most creative chefs and artisan food purveyors. Place your bid on the wall of wine, witness blown-glass artists in action, and join the fun of the live auction – all at this festive and flavorful summer celebration.  

VIP ticket holders: Enjoy the five-star service as award-winning chef Jason Wilson takes you on a five-course journey through his mouthwatering wine country cuisine, paired, of course, with some of Washington’s most beautiful wines.

Cocktail ticket holders: Light in spirit and rich in flavor, the Grand Gala Auction’s Cocktail Seating area features it all: the tastes, the chefs, the winemakers, and the fun – at a reduced price of $200.

New this year: The Everyday Drinking Wine Case Auction
Elevate your weekday dinners with a case of Washington’s best everyday drinking wines – smooth and luscious, easy on the palate as well as the wallet. Let the bidding begin! 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.winecountrycelebration.com or call
206.285.0514.

Facts & Tidbits

Did you know?

Living Wine Country

Along the Wine Road

Don't miss the Rush of a Deep Drive down the Fairway or Taste Some of the State's Best Wines on your Next Trip to Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland - Tri-Cities

Spring is almost here, so dust off those golf clubs and head just three hours over the mountains and through the snow to sunny Tri-Cities. Ripe with vast green golf courses and charming restaurants, Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco are the ideal destination for for great golfing and relaxed wine tasting. Check out some of the locals' favorite courses:

-Canyon Lakes Golf Course is rated 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest and is tied for the top rated golf course in Washington State. Plus, there's a GPS on every cart, for those of us who tend to get lost in the rough.

-Columbia Point Golf Course is adjacent to the Columbia River in Richland, boasts a variety of tee boxes, and measures 6,571 yards from the championship tees. This James J. Engh design features mounded, rolling fairways, and large undulating greens.

-The course at Horn Rapids Golf & Country Club winds its way through the sand and sage of the natural desert, providing a brilliant contrast to the desert colors. It features an 18-hole putting course, driving range, practice bunker, three practice greens, and more. 

-Sun Willows Golf Course boasts four sets of tees with the longest measuring 6,785 feet, a full-service bar and grill, driving range, and a pro shop where you can stock up on necessities for the season.

Get a Taste of the Destination

After a good long day on the greens, relax with a little wine tasting at the trio of wineries on Tulip Lane. Bookwalter Winery has been producing small lots of high quality wine since 1983, so be sure to make room in the car for their new spring releases! Just down the road is Barnard Griffin, whose Rosé of Sangiovese is a great wine for lunch on the patio or dinner in the garden.

When you’re ready for dinner, make your way to Tagaris Winery, home to restaurant Taverna Tagaris. Choose from a variety of Mediterranean dishes, paired with their award-winning wines, including refreshing Pinot Gris or, for something a little different, the Kennedy White Port, a unique treat for your weekend getaway.

Washington Wine Country Collection

Washington Wine Country's Programs and Accomplishments

Over the past six years, Washington Wine Country has raised over $2,362,000 for marketing campaigns and community development projects that attract wine and culinary tourists and support new business development. “Washington Wine Country is doing an excellent job to promote our industry,” says Anne-Marie Hedges of Hedges Family Estate, “and thanks to [its] hard work, our wine region will one day be a favored destination for wine lovers.”

Regional Partnerships: Since its inception, Washington Wine Country has developed and initiated promotional plans with numerous partners throughout the vineyard region, including a cooperative television advertising campaign, special events, underwriting a documentary on the building of wine country, and the production and distribution of a winery map. In total, these efforts have reached more than 10 million people. This past year, Washington Wine Country launched yet another cooperative public relations campaign to great success.

• Launched a cooperative public relations campaign for 2008 with the Yakima Valley and Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureaus and Tourism Walla Walla to promote the region to local, regional, and national media

• Won $25,000 grant award from the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development for cooperative public relations campaign

Community Development: Working primarily with city governments and downtown associations within the vineyard region, Washington Wine Country has produced and distributed banners, billboards, and prints for the purpose of physically identifying the region as “Washington Wine Country,” raising awareness of travelers to and within the region.

• Expanded coverage throughout wine country with over 300 additional avenue banners and hundreds of posters

• To date, over 23 million cars have pass annually Washington Wine Country signage

Special Events: Washington Wine Country produces and promotes events in order to draw tourists to the vineyard region and raise money for Washington Wine Country programs.

• In its first six years, the annual weekend-long Wine Country Celebration and Grand Gala has raised over $2,360,000 for marketing programs and initiatives

• The Wine Country Celebration has attracted over 3,000 people to the region to experience the wine country lifestyle and culture, enjoy the natural beauty of the region, and learn more about its agriculture heritage

Education and Outreach: Washington Wine Country publishes theonly bi-monthly newsletter in the Washington wine industry primarily consisting of business news, economic development issues, and industry updates, with a particular focus on the tourism-related amenities and features of the region.

• Launched new Wine and Culinary Field Guide, with itineraries of suggested wine country travel routes and destinations for the culinary traveler

Marketing: Washington Wine Country has utilized a series of inspired graphics that have developed into a well-established brand for the vineyard region that continues to increase in recognition and popularity.

• Introduced the fifth graphic in the series, the “Harvest Vine Lady” to much acclaim, resulting in a two-fold increase in sales of prints around the world

• Continued to develop www.winecountrywashington.org web site, a tool providing news, events, resources and education for today’s wine and culinary traveler

3/27-3/29 - Columbia Gorge Passport Weekend - Spend the weekend discovering "A World of Wine in 40 Miles" in the Columbia Gorge. Passport holders will enjoy exclusive tastings, hors d'oeuvres, discounts and more. Passports are on sale for $15 at Gorge area tasting rooms and online. For more information, visit www.columbiagorgewine.com.

4/5 - Columbia Crest Vineyard Tours - Join Columbia Crest for a field trip into the estate vineyard as you learn about the cycle of the grape, terroir, and viticultural practices. A formal tasting will follow, featuring Columbia Crest red and white wines. Pre-registration is required. $20 per person. This tour will be repeated on the first Sunday of every month through August. Dates are as follows: May 3, June 7, July 5 and August 2. For more information, visit www.columbia-crest.com.

4/8 - 5 for $5 at 5 pm- Join Barnard Griffin from 5 pm to 7 pm every Wednesday in their Richland tasting room for a different selection of 5 wines each week for your review and enjoyment. Light snacks will be paired with the wines selected. Tasting fee: $5.00. (Free for Barnard Griffin Wine Club members.) You will also receive a 5% discount on any wine purchases during this time each week. Wine Club Members will receive an additional 5% discount on their purchases. For more information, visit www.barnardgriffin.com.

4/12 - Columbia Crest Annual Kite Festival - Local kite enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their kites to fly with experts from around the Columbia Basin. Prizes will be awarded in various categories. No admittance fee. For more information, visit www.columbia-crest.com.

4/18 - Vineyard Crew Pruning Session - Become a member of the Two Mountain Winery Vineyard Crew and learn what it takes to make wine in the vineyard. For more information, visit www.twomountainwinery.com.

4/24-4/26 - Spring Barrel Tasting - Barrel tasting allows tasters a sneak preview of upcoming vintages from their favorite wineries. This special weekend in the Yakima Valley features winemakers and cellar staff who are on hand to share insights and answer questions on the winemaking process. Many of the 50 participating wineries enhance the wine tasting experience by offering cheeses, sauces, salsas, and even desserts along with special tastings and educational experiences. For more information, visit www.wineyakimavalley.org.

4/24-4/26 - Yoga & Wine Retreat - Instructor Angela Gargano returns with her popular yoga and wine retreat! Let the practice of yoga bring you into the present moment and help you to fully appreciate and experience all that wine country has to offer. This year's program will also include some great activities for non-yoga practicing travel partners, including golf clinics, hikes, and nature walks. Rates begin at $975 per person for the two-night, three-day weekend retreat, including a cooking class, winery experience, and all meals. Space is limited. For more information, visit www.cavebinn.com.

View a complete wine country calendar at www.winecountrywashington.org/eventCalendar.aspx.