Taste Washington is the largest single region wine fest in the US, with 230 wineries taking part with more than 800-featured wines. Now in its 18th year, it is four days of wine and food tastings and seminars, which culminates with a Grand Tasting at CenturyLink Field Event Center, near Safeco Stadium, on the last two days. The event centre is a great venue, spacious enough so that it never feels crowded. Food stations are conveniently interspersed among the various wineries. Other vendors are located along the outer periphery along with areas culinary demos featuring some of Seattle’s finest chefs. Alphabetical arrangements and large overhead signs make it easy to find specific/favourite producers.
Don’t like wine? No problem, you could spend your whole time sampling the incredible food offerings from sushi, fresh oysters, organic greens, local cheeses and mouthwatering creations from some of Seattle’s top chefs from 65 participating restaurants, as well as craft beers and ciders. There is truly something for everyone.
Taste Washington offers many events, now spread out over four days. People can choose from sessions such as:
• The “Red and White” exclusive evening reception highlights some of Washington’s most celebrated wineries, including rare 90-point-plus magnums. Guests are invited to don their best red and white cocktail attire, taste the culinary talents.
• “Taste Washington on the Farm” lunches. Three unique lunch options offer the opportunity to meet farmers, winemakers, chefs, expert oyster growers, artisan cheese makers and urban famers. Cheese Bliss at Kurtwood Farms on Vashon Island; Exploring the lush Snohomish Valley at Willie Greens Organic; and A Deep Dive into Oyster Growing at Taylor Shellfish on Samish Bay.
• “The New Vintage” at the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. This upbeat event is complete with a backdrop of celebrity chef tasting stations, DJ Tina T and winemakers.
• Educational seminars take place at the Four Seasons Hotel. Seminars are led by top national wine personalities and sommeliers. Topics include: Washington vs. The World – 2015; Appellations Spotlight: Columbia Gorge; The Chardonnay Revival; Wine Tasting with the Masters; Appellation Spotlight: Red Mountain; and The Cider Renaissance
The growing conditions in Washington are perfect. The vineyards are located in the eastern deserts where they are kept dry and warm in the rain shadow of the Cascades Mountains. In addition there is a huge temperature range between night and day, resulting in deeply flavored, rich wines. Although Washington State is at the same latitude as Bordeaux, its aridity and day/night temperature shifts are reminiscent of the best vineyard conditions in Argentina or Spain. What really sets Washington State apart from Bordeaux or Napa is the price. Most of these superb wines are available for $20 or less.
I have to say that this was, without doubt, the best wine festival I have attended. It was an amazing selection of excellent wines and amazing food. You owe it to yourself to attend Taste Washington in 2016.
You can find them on:
Twitter – @TasteWashington #TasteWA
Facebook – Taste Washington
www.tastewashington.org
