This March, take time to explore Washington's wonderful food and wine
During Washington Wine Month, many wineries and restaurants are offering package deals, wine classes, dinners and tastings. It’s the perfect time to taste and learn about wine and what foods to pair with that bottle in front of you.
Washington state is second in the nation’s production of wine. And what better way to celebrate wine than at the largest single region wine tasting in the United States -- Taste Washington. This is a wonderful opportunity to taste great wines and learn about wine from about 600 offered. As a bonus, winemakers are on hand to talk about their wines, the vintage and how they make it is another pretty nice perk.
There are over 60 restaurants serving delectable bites to pair with that wine in your glass. Some of the fabulous restaurants include Art of the Table, Artusi, Barking Frog (YUM!), Columbia Tower Club (another Yum!), Daniel’s Artisan, Della Terra, Mainstay Provisions, Marimakan Crabhouse, Matt's in the Market (YUM!) Nell Thorn Waterfront Bar & Bistro, Palace Kitchen, Pike Place Chowder, Vintxo by Valdemar Estates, Seashucked, Seattle Samosa, Shooby Doo Catering, Sorrel (YUM!), Stilos Kitchen & Bar, STK Steakhouse, Street Treats, Superkim Crab House, Surrell, Swine Dining (love this name! It has to be great), Tamale my life, The Fat Pastor, The and last but not least, Where Ya at Matt.
This multi-day event begins on March 14th and ends on the 24th, with 11 unique events. Tickets to Taste Washington events are available on their website – TasteWashington.org. Tickets for Dinner Series and Sunday Brunch will be available the week of March 5.
Like many events that shut down for a few years during COVID, Taste Washington has restructured some of the events. But the Grand Tasting remains and this is where I’ll be spending my time doing intensive research.
The organizers, Washington State Wine Commission and SE Productions, along with a boat load of volunteers start setting up Lumen Field for the Grand Tasting a couple days before the event. Wineries unload boxes of wines they’re pouring over the two days on Friday. They’ll also bring their décor to their booth.
An army of volunteers makes set up a breeze. Swag bags are assembled, wine glasses are unpacked, carpets are laid, and stages are set. Coat racks, tables, chairs, signs, table covers, dump buckets, and water pitchers for two hundred plus wineries and 60 restaurants are made ready on Thursday and Friday.
On Thursday, March 14, prepare to embark on a culinary journey Pacific Northwest style. From tasty crab cakes to succulent oysters, every bite is a taste of the Pacific Northwest. Indulge in the finest seafood offerings prepared by ten acclaimed chefs and perfectly complemented with whites, roses, and sparkling wines from twenty well-known wineries.
Special tastings of Washington wine with industry experts, winemakers and panelists weighing in during the seminars. Located at the Embassy Suites Seattle in Pioneer Square. You can choose between three fascinating seminars on Saturday, March 16:
Washington’s Rhône Revolution
The first planting of Syrah vines in Washington happened almost 40 years ago. David Lake planted Syrah in Mike Sauer’s Red Willow Vineyard. Red Willow, an iconic vineyard first planted in 1971.
Sauer brought cuttings from one of the few vineyards in California that was growing Syrah at the time. He put them in his vineyard nursery for a year before planting them in 1986. Four years later, the floodgates for Rhône varieties in the Columbia Valley opened. In the ensuing decades, Washington has proven to make Syrah shine, Mourvèdre marvel, and gorgeous Grenache.
Boundary Breakers: Washington’s founding icons and modern mavericks
Mavericks of yesteryear are today's icons. How did we get here, and where are today’s modern mavericks taking us? With acclaimed wine entrepreneur Maryam Ahmed, this seminar brings together industry pioneers and the fearless trailblazers who are making new waves. Washington's past, present, and future is explored with its unique approaches, notable leaps of faith, and the inevitable mistakes that teach new lessons.
Washington vs. the world: The ultimate blind tasting
With a slate of high scores from world-renowned critics to growing international acclaim, Washington has emerged as the hub for great winemaking. Alongside a panel of Washington winemakers and industry experts, this presentation includes a selection of top Washington wines in a challenge against top contenders from around the world. It’s a blind tasting extravaganza, where you are the judge, your palate the jury to determine the ultimate champions.
An acknowledgement of the Washington Wine Commission
The Washington State Wine Commission represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington State. It is guided by an appointed board, and provides a marketing platform to raise awareness of the Washington State wine industry and generate greater demand for its wines. It is funded almost entirely by the industry through assessments based on grape and wine sales. The Wine Commission is a state government agency, established by the legislature in 1987.
Mary Earl has been educating Kitsap wine lovers for a couple of decades, is a longtime member of the West Sound Brew Club and can pair a beer or wine dinner in a flash. She volunteers for the Clear Creek Trail and is a longtime supporter of Silverdale. Contact her at cheerstoyoukitsap@gmail.com.