Raising a half million dollars more than last year for a total charitable intake of $2.1 million, the Auction of Washington Wines culminated August 16-18, 2012 in Woodinville, Washington. Whether the increase is a sign of the state’s strong economic engine, or the fact this year marked the event’s 25th anniversary, the generous outpouring of support from wine industry donors and enthusiastic wine bidders together raised valuable millions for charity. Scores of wineries across the state participated in food & wine events that included Revelry On Red Mountain, Woodinville Picnic & Barrel Auction, The Covey Run, Wine Gala, including several winemaker dinners.
Clockwise from top left: Tasting Room Magazine co-founder Adean Vitale with Lisa Baer of Baer Winery; gourmet food prepared by Tulalip Resort Casino; Gordy Venneri of Walla Walla Vintners; Leslie Balsley of William Church Winery with Lauren Vogt of Robert Ramsay Cellars; Wheel of Wine at the picnic & barrel auction; Kay Simon of Chinook Wines (right) with friends
Sherri Swingle, the event’s executive director, said, “I am simply stunned at the incredible generosity that took place this past week. We are honored to have such support from our industry and patrons in celebrating the Washington wine industry while raising vital funds for uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Viticulture and Enology Program at Washington State University.”
The Picnic & Barrel Auction on August 13th featured picnic games, a silent auction, and the exciting Barrel Auction. Wine lovers attended one of eleven winemaker dinners held the next day around the greater Seattle area in various locations including Bellevue Towers, EFESTĒ Winery and various private homes. Attendees who purchased three-day ticket packages attended the exclusive 25th Anniversary Chairman’s Winemaker Dinner, located at a private home on Lake Washington where guests dined as they floated above the water on a barge. James Beard Award Winning Chef Tom Douglas presented a magnificent meal while the proprietors and winemakers of Woodward Canyon, Betz Family Wines, DeLille Cellars, Quilceda Creek Vintners, and Chateau Ste. Michelle gathered with library vintages to share. The weekend concluded with The Covey Run 5K and 10K Run/Walk on Saturday morning and The 25th Anniversary Wine Gala on Saturday evening.
“The wine gala auction was the crowning event and a fabulous way to mark the 25th anniversary,” said Bob Betz, 2012 auction co-chair and owner of Betz Family Winery. “It was a year of superlatives: never-before-seen lots offered by Washington growers and wineries, a record number of guests from around the country, and an impressive total raised for our two charitable beneficiaries.”
“This incredible evening was the pinnacle of three days of celebrating the success of the Washington wine industry while raising money for the very profound work done by Seattle Children’s Hospital,” said Stein Kruse, 2012 auction co-chair and President & CEO, Holland America Line & Chairman, Seabourn. “It’s an honor to be part of these events supporting such important contributors to our region.”
Highlights of the top donated auction items included:
• Seven-night trip for four couples to the vineyards of Tuscany – $120,000 (the most ever raised by an auction lot)
• Safari to South Africa and wine country trip with Betz Family Winery for nine nights – $36,000
• Mediterranean cruise aboard Seabourn – $24,000
• DeLille Cellars wine collection – $22,000
• Quilceda Creek 5-Liter – $17,000
• 25-year vertical of Leonetti Cellars – $12,000
About the Auction of Washington Wines
Since its inception in 1988, the Auction of Washington Wines has raised more than $28 million, with a majority benefitting uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital. This event gives wine lovers the chance to help the Washington wine industry bridge a critical funding gap for children across the Northwest. Sponsors and media partners include Washington Tasting Room Magazine, Tulalip Resort Casino, Viking Range/Gateway Appliance Distributing and others.