CRUSH, CORK, CHEERS!

Blend, Bottle, and Celebrate Your Very Own Barrel of Wine with 2026 Honorary Vintner Gilles Nicault and Long Shadows Vintners 

Long Shadows was built on a bold idea: bring together winemakers from across the globe, each with their own philosophy and approach, and build a winery capable of realizing every vision at the highest level exemplifying the viticultural excellence of the Columbia Valley. This is your opportunity to step into those revered footsteps, guided by Founding Winemaker Gilles Nicault, the 2026 Auction of Washington Wines Honorary Vintner. Designed for six guests, this insider experience allows you and your group to create your own custom blend from grapes to blend to release. Get in on the action twice – harvest and blending – then be the toast of the party for your own release celebration in Woodinville. This is more than access—it’s authorship — and a once-in-a-lifetime way to leave your mark on a vintage. 

THIS LOT INCLUDES: 

    Crush in Walla Walla

    ★ Get into the vineyard and behind the scenes in the winery as harvest kicks into high gear—fruit rolling in, energy surrounding you—then roll up your sleeves with Gilles Nicault, , where you’ll begin shaping a wine that’s distinctly your own

    ★ Be part of the winemaking team at the winery. Taste fermenting juice, review chemistry, and extraction. Get involved in the day-to-day winemaking activities

    ★ Indulge in an interactive dinner with Chef Rock and Gilles at East Alder Table on your first evening – thoughtful, seasonal, and anything but ordinary

    • A private library tasting and hosted lunch at Long Shadows in Walla Walla offering a deeper look into the wines that define the region
    • Your home base for two nights will be The Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla


    Cork in Woodinville

    ★ Head to Woodinville to bring your wine to its final form, working side by side with Gilles Nicault at The SOMM in a guided session that refines your blend into something truly your own

    ★ Finalize your full barrel (approximately 25 cases) of your custom wine, to be bottled for you to enjoy, share, and celebrate over time


    Cheers in Woodinville

    • Celebrate with your own private release party at Long Shadows Vintners in Woodinville for up to 25 guests, where your wine takes center stage alongside pours from Long Shadows—an evening made for raising a glass to a vintage well done
    • Paired with your vintage, indulge in exceptional catering by Gourmondo, designed to be enjoyed alongside your wine—each bite made to match the moment
    • Raise a glass, share your story, and celebrate the unveiling of your wine with the people who matter most!

          THANK YOU: Gilles Nicault, Long Shadows Vintners, Gourmondo, Columbia Hospitality

          Restrictions: All experiences are for mutually agreed upon dates. Trip to Walla Walla must be booked for September or October of 2026.

          ★ = A feature that money can’t buy

          AUCTION OF WASHINGTON WINES

          2200 6th Ave Suite 411
          Seattle, WA 98121
          (206) 741-0212

          aww@aoww.org

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          The Northwest Wine Benefit Foundation, DBA Auction of Washington Wines, is committed to supporting the growth and awareness of the Washington state wine industry through a series of celebrated events benefiting our community. We have raised more than $76 million since our inception in 1988. 

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