Taste Washington

Washington vs. The World!

Come meet three of the pioneer winemakers of the Washington wine industry: Alex Golitzin of Quilceda Creek, Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery, and Rick Small of Woodward Canyon, along with second generation winemaker, Chris Figgins, from the first world class Washington winery, Leonetti Cellar, and Chris Peterson of Avennia, a brand new upstart winery making a big splash in the wine world. All five will be pouring and discussing their wines in a Washington vs. The World smack down with some of the finest wines from around the globe.

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Intro to the World of Wine

The world of wine is many things - complex, fascinating, overwhelming, fun, intimidating, inviting, scary, interesting, passionate, big, small, and many more adjectives that are all over the map. This seminar will help you build a solid foundation of understanding of the world of wine, and Washington’s unique place within it. What makes this such a special place to grow grapes and make wine? What varieties excel here, and why? What are the major grape growing regions and what makes them all unique? Learn about these issues, and more, in a fun, inviting session for wine lovers who are just discovering this great industry.

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Cure what Ales Ya!

Please join Cured by Visconti’s (Washington Wine Commission's 2013 Restaurant of the Year), Stella Artois, and Jones of Washington at the Cure What Ale’s Ya seminar hosted by Beer Sommelier Michael Kelley and moderated by Dan Carr from Cured and winemaker Victor Palencia.

During this seminar you will taste and learn about the contrasting, complementing, and balancing elements of food and alcohol pairing. You will also discover what makes beer a fantastic food pairing choice, how cured meats are selected and produced, and all about Jones of Washington wines. Michael will walk you through the various aspects of beer and food pairing using the cured meats, a selection of artisanal cheeses, and chocolates from Theo chocolates. You will also hear from Jones of Washington about how to tickle your senses with wine and food.

Featured Pairings:
Hoegaarden, the original Belgian Wit Beer, with Paprika Salumi and Feta Cheese.
Leffe Brune, Belgian Brown Ale, paired with LandJaeger sausage.
In addition to these pairings you will be treated to four more beer pairings featuring Redhook IPA, Redhook ESB and two pairings with Jones of Washington wines.

Take Home gift:
You will receive a set of three glasses from the Belgian Trio-Stella Artois, Leffe, Hoegaarden (retail value $35). These attractive glasses are an instant conversation stimulator and excellent vessels to serve your beer at home.

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RIEDEL Glass Tasting

RIEDEL Crystal of America proudly present: A Unique and Fascinating Wine Seminar with Joel Simon.

In a unique and fascinating wine glass tasting, Joel Simon, Northwest Regional Manager for RIEDEL Crystal of America will demonstrate the relationship between the shape of a glass and our perception and enjoyment of wines.

Tasting will also include a chocolate and wine tasting, featuring Lindt EXCELLENCE, which will bring more depth and discovery to the wine drinking experience.

Seminar includes a 3 piece Vinum XL Red Wine Tasting Set (retail value $98.50).

All Mixed Up - The Art
of Blending

Blends are one of the hottest categories on the market. What’s all the buzz about? Why are consumers embracing this category so enthusiastically? Why and how do winemakers blend their wines? What grapes play well together, and which one aren’t allowed in the sand box together? At this seminar you will learn from some of Washington’s masters as they pull back the curtain on the blending room and reveal the secrets behind the art of blending.

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Yakima Valley 30th Anniversary

The Yakima Valley is Washington's first American Viticultural Area, approved 30 years ago in 1983. It's also steeped in the early history of the Washington wine industry. Some of the state's first European wine grapes were planted in Sunnyside by William B. Bridgman in 1917. The legendary Dr. Walter Clore came to the Yakima Valley soon after Prohibition was repealed and began planting grapes in the '50s and '60s to show Washington's viability as a world-class wine region. Today, some of Washington's greatest vineyards — Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun, Boushey, Red Willow and DuBrul among them — are in the Yakima Valley. In this seminar, we will explore the Yakima Valley's fascinating history and diverse viticulture

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Join the Cider Revolution

The Northwest is quickly becoming a cider powerhouse, with new cidermakers popping up weekly, crafting their range of obscure to familiar apples into delicious fine ciders. Why? Join us to learn what all the excitement is about. In this seminar you’ll hear the history of U.S. cider, taste some Northwest innovations, and enjoy artisan cider and cheese pairings from a panel of Washington cidermakers and Jill Lightner, Editor of Edible Seattle. Find out why hard cider is the fastest growing segment in the U.S. beverage industry and what role the Pacific Northwest will play in its growth.

Ciders:
First Set:
Tieton Cider Works Precipice Perry
Finnriver Farm & Cidery Artisan Méthôde Champenoise
Cheese pairing: Mt. Townsend Seastack

Second Set:
Tieton Cider Works Wild Washington Apple
Finnriver Farm & Cidery Farmstead
Cheese pairing: Glendale Shepherd Island Brebis

Third Set:
Finnriver Farm & Cidery Cranberry Rosehip
Tieton Cider Works Apricot
Cheese pairing: Tieton Farm & Creamery Bianca

Fourth Set:
Finnriver Spirited Apple Wine
Tieton Cider Works Frost
Cheese pairing: Tieton Farm & Creamery Venus