Taste Washington! The Ultimate Wine Experience

Taste with Riedel

09:30 - 11:15 am — $99 — Buy Tickets

Does the glass really make a difference? See for yourself as Riedel Winery Director Sylvie Laly leads a tasting of wines in various glasses, designed for new-world wines. Each participant will take home a set of four Riedel "Vitis" series glasses, a $175 value.

• 2004 Dunham Cabernet Sauvignon, CV $45
• 2006 Cor Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Milbrandt Vineyards, WS $14
• 2004 Chelan Estate "Estate Vineyard" Pinot Noir, CV $30
• 2005 Arbor Crest Chardonnay "Conner Lee Vineyard", CV $18

Sylvie Laly

Knock on Wood (SOLD OUT)

10 - 11:15 am — $40 — Buy Tickets

One of the most hotly contested topics in winemaking today is the use of oak. How much? None at all? Why? Why not? What are its effects? Find out the role oak plays in Washington's fine wines from some of the best winemakers and palates working in our state today via a tasting and lively "discussion" as to the pros/cons and if there are rights/wrongs — or is it just a matter of taste?

• Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Barrel Sample French Oak
• 2006 Buty "Conner Lee Vineyard" Chardonnay, CV $35
• 2006 Betz Family Winery "La Serenne" Syrah, CV $50
• Leonetti Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Barrel Sample American Oak
• 2006 Sparkman Cellars "Lumiere" Chardonnay, CV, $35
• 2005 Betz Family Winery "Père de Famille" Cabernet Sauvignon, CV $55

Amy Mumma Bob Betz MWChris Figgins Daniel McCarthy Wes Marshall

An Ode to David Lake (SOLD OUT)

10 - 11:15 am — $40 — Buy Tickets

David Lake MW is one of the most influential figures in the history of Washington wine's rise to world-class status. Join an esteemed panel of our state's vinous luminaries as they taste through some the landmark offerings he fashioned during his 20+ years as winemaker of Columbia Winery. Relive heartfelt, touchstone moments which display the glowing effect he had on the people and wines he moved along the way.

• 1991 and 2003 "Otis Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon, YV NA and 2003 "Otis Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon, YV $28
• 1992 "Red Willow Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon, YV NA and 2003 "Red Willow Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon, YV $28
• 1995 "Red Willow Vineyard" Syrah YV NA and 2003 "Red Willow Vineyard" Syrah, YV $30
• 1982 "Cellarmaster's" Riesling, CV BA and 2006 "Cellarmaster's" Riesling CV $12

Paul Gregutt Mike Sauer Brian Charlton Robert Takahashi Michael Teer

The Best of All Worlds (SOLD OUT)

10 - 11:15 am — $ — Buy Tickets

For those who argue it isn't Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec or Petit Verdot on their own, but a blend of any of these noble varieties that make the finest wines in Washington State. The only way to find out is to try them against the world’s other classic examples, with some of Washington's finest makers of Bordeaux inspired blends leading the way.

• 2004 Chateau ste. Michelle "Artist Series Meritage", CV $48
• 2005 Cadence "Ciel du Cheval Vineyard", RM $40
• 2005 Soos Creek "Artist Series #5", CV $35
• 2004 Chester Kidder Red Wine, CV $50
• 2003 Matthews Red Wine, CV $60
• 2004 Cote Bonneville "Carriage House" DuBrul Vineyard, YV $50
• 2004 Chateau de Pez, St. Estephe, Bordeaux, FR $38
• 2003 Neil Ellis Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Stellenbosch, S AFR $18
• 2003 Cullen Wines, "Ellen Bussel Red", Margaret River, AUS $19
• 2005 Chappellet "Mountain Cuvee" Napa Valley, CA $23

Ben Smith Doug Frost MS/MWBob Bertheau Robert Bigelow MSMark Davidson

Washington Wine Library TV

10 - 11:15 am — $40 — Buy Tickets

One of the brightest lightning bolts to hit the New Wine Media is New Jersey native Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library TV, an internet video blog offering Gary’s riotous, insightful and funny wine ratings without pretense. Help him film one of his immensely popular spots alongside three of his favorite Washington State wines…New York Jets spit bucket included!

• 2005 Harlequin "Celilo Vineyard" Chardonnay, CG $28
• 2004 Nicholas Cole "Camille" Blend, CV $48
• 2004 Boudreaux "Reserve Champoux Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon, HHH $100
• 2006 Cougar Crest Viognier, WW $20
• 2005 Gramercy Cellar Syrah, WW, $40
• 2007 Nefarious "Stone's Throw Vineyard" Riesling, CV $18

Gary Vaynerchuk

Food and Wine Pairing Luncheon hosted by Ilan Hall and Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein

11:30 - 1 pm — $65 — Buy Tickets

Want to see how to cook a great dish AND choose the perfect Washington wine to go with it? Celebrated food and wine experts Ilan Hall (winner of Top Chef Season Two), Evan Goldstein (author of the hugely successful wine pairing book, “Perfect Pairings”) and Bell Harbor’s Executive Chef Jay Bartleson will team up to demonstrate how to prepare a 3 course gourmet luncheon on their state-of-the-art Viking range, then choose Washington wines to compliment each dish. Helping out with the fun will be a panel of 4 Washington State Sommelier of the Year Winners!

• 2006 Barnard Griffin Fume Blanc, CV $9
• 2005 Waterbrook Melange, CV $15
• 2006 Chateau Ste Michelle "Dry" Riesling, CV $12
• 2006 Kestrel Vintners "Late Harvest" Chardonnay, YV $40
• 2005 Gordon Brothers Syrah, CV $20

Ilan Hall Evan Goldstein MSShayn Bjornholm MSErik Liedholm Tim O'Brien

Riesling Rocks the Rim with Wild Ginger

1:15 - 2:30 pm — $40 — Buy Tickets

Washington State's spot on the Pacific Rim is not just geographic — it is also culinary, being home to some of the finest Asian influenced cuisine on the planet. Many would argue that Riesling is this food's finest partner. Amazingly enough, we also have some of the best Riesling on the planet! Find out how perfectly the two match via a food and wine pairing class with dishes prepared by the world famous Wild Ginger Restaurant.

• 2006 Woodward Canyon "Dry White" Riesling, CV $25
• 2006 Chateau Ste. Michelle/Dr. Loosen "Eroica" Riesling, CV $25
• 2006 Kung Fu Girl, CV $14
• 2006 Pacific Rim Dry Riesling, CV $11
• 2006 Poet's Leap, CV $20
• 2006 OS Riesling, HHH $20

Bob Bertheau Evan Goldstein MSMark Davidson Nicolas Quille Ole Thompson

The Next Big Red Variety

1:15 - 2:30 pm — $40 — Buy Tickets

Washington is filled with vinous treasures from unsung black grapes like Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Grenache, Tempranillo and Malbec. Learn about these noble varieties via a discussion with some of the state's finest producers — then taste them blind and vote on The Next Big (Red) Thing!

• 2005 Camaraderie 'Crawford Vineyard" Malbec, YV $25
• 2002 Cavatappi "Maddalena" Nebbiolo, YV $25
• 2005 Walter Dacon Sangiovese, RM $30
• 2006 Chinook Cabernet Franc, YV $26
• 2006 Three Rivers Tempranillo, CV $29

Kay Simon Holly Turner Don Corson Peter Dow

Bad to the Rhône (SOLD OUT)

1:15 - 2:30 pm — $40 — Buy Tickets

White and red rhône grape varieties — from Viognier to Syrah, Grenache to Roussanne — are all the rage in our state. Many a pundit predict them to be the base of the finest wines in Washington in the coming years. A panel of pioneering winemakers and grape growers will guide you through some of the finest reasons why.

• 2006 Waters Syrah, CV $25
• 2006 Syncline Mourvedre, HHH $25
• 2005 McCrea Sirocco, WA $32
• 2006 Doyenne Roussanne, RM $32
• 2006 Alexandria Nicole "Shepherd's Mark", HHH $20
• 2005 Brian Carter Cellars "Oriana", YV $24
• 2005 Owen Roe Sinister Hand CV $24
• 2006 A Maurice Viognier, CV $25

Mike Sauer Doug McCrea James Mantone Patrick Comiskey Erik Liedholm

Green is the New Black

1:15 - 2:30 pm — $40 — Buy Tickets

Sustainability isn't just a catch phrase! Washington is increasingly "green" in its winemaking practices. A panel featuring the leaders in organic and biodynamic approaches will explain their effect on vineyards, wineries and what is in the bottle. Taste why good for earth is good for Washington wine!

• 2007 Badger Mountain Chardonnay, CV $10
• 2005 Milbrandt "Legacy" Syrah, WA $24
• 2007 Badger Mountain "No Sulphur Added" Organic Chardonnay, CV $10
• 2005 Va Piano Cabernet Sauvignon, WWV $38
• 2005 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon, WWV $48
• 2005 Abeja Syrah, WWV $32
• 2007 Snoqualmie Naked Riesling, CV $12

Norm McKibben Joy Andersen Laura Maniec Butch Milbrandt Mickey Dunne

A Washington Wine In the Dark

3 - 4:30 pm — $65 — Buy Tickets

Think you know your Washington wine? Put your palate to the test with a blind tasting of the state's top grape varieties. Guiding you along will be a panel of experts trained in both Washington State and the skill of tasting wine without a clue as to what it might be. Those brave enough to stand by their claims might just win a magnum of our finest!

Paul Gregutt Bob Betz MWDoug Frost MS/MWGreg Harrington MSRobert Bigelow MSShayn Bjornholm MSPatrick Comiskey