Auction of Washington Wines Raises More Than $4.1 Million in 2026
The 39th annual auction events celebrated Washington wine and raised funds for community health and the future of the industry
Caption (left to right): Drew Bledsoe, Doubleback Winery founder and Auction of Washington Wines 2026 Honorary Chair addressing Gala attendees
Gala attendees helping raise funds for Seattle Children’s, Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Department and VITAL Wines
(photo © Vivian Hsu Photography)
SEATTLE (Aug. 19, 2026) – Today, Auction of Washington Wines, one of the nation’s top charity wine auctions, announced that it raised over $4.1 million during its 39th annual fundraising events, which brought together the Washington wine community in support of community health and uplifting the state’s industry. Since its founding in 1988, Auction of Washington Wines has raised more than $76 million.
The Auction’s 2026 season culminated Aug. 11–15 with the Online Auction, Winemaker Picnic and Gala, signature events that brought together more than 1,500 guests and more than 200 winemakers, vintners and growers for a celebration of Washington wine and philanthropy in Woodinville and online. Proceeds from the auction benefit Seattle Children’s uncompensated care programs and hospital clinics in Eastern Washington, Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Department, and VITAL Wines, a nonprofit dedicated to improving access to healthcare for vineyard workers and their families.
“This year’s auction was an incredible celebration of Washington wine and the generosity of the people who make this community so special,” said Executive Director Katie Maltais. “We are deeply grateful to our wineries, growers, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and guests who came together to make these events possible. Their support allows us to invest in organizations doing important work across our state while continuing to strengthen and elevate the industry.”
Led by 2026 Honorary Chair Drew Bledsoe, former NFL quarterback and founder of Doubleback Winery, the Auction’s season celebrated the people and contributions that continue to move the state’s industry forward. Gilles Nicault, director of winemaking and viticulture at Long Shadows Vintners, was recognized as the 2026 Honorary Vintner, and Luanne Holden-Boushey, owner of Boushey Vineyards, was honored as the 2026 Honorary Grower.
“This community welcomed my wife, Maura, and me when we entered the business, and being part of the Auction, this year has been a meaningful way to give back,” said Bledsoe. “The generosity and sense of community behind Washington wine are what make it so special. It’s been an honor to celebrate the people who continue to move this industry forward while supporting organizations that are making a real difference across our state.”
The 2026 Auction of Washington Wines season included the following highlights:
• Winemaker Picnic, Aug. 14
More than 1,000 guests gathered on the grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville for an evening celebrating the breadth of Washington wine. More than 100 Washington winemakers poured 200+ wines alongside bites by guest chefs and live music. The Winemaker Select Live Auction featured exclusive vintages and futures from 30 Washington wineries.
In the lively on-site auction, guests bid on 150 exclusive, not-yet-released cases from top wineries, with the highest bids going to Upchurch Vineyard, Cairdeas Winery, Reynvaan Family Vineyards and Cascade Cliffs Vineyard & Winery.
More excitement was had with Honorary Chair Drew Bledsoe and Event Co-Chair Damon Huard leading a football-throwing fundraising game, with guests competing to win signed footballs and bottles from their respective wineries, Doubleback Winery and Passing Time. This year also marked record-breaking attendance at the Winemaker Picnic.
PNC Bank was the presenting sponsor of the VIP Tent, AgWest Farm Credit was the presenting sponsor of the Winemaker Select Live Auction, and Trysk Print Solutions sponsored the 30-and-under ticket program. The Seattle Times served as one of the auction’s media partners.
• Gala, Aug. 15
The Auction of Washington Wines Gala sold-out and brought together 440 guests at The SOMM Hotel & Spa in Woodinville for the marquee fundraising event of the Washington wine calendar. The evening began with an energetic Gala Social featuring 20 wineries, followed by cult-status Washington vintages paired with a multicourse dinner prepared by The SOMM’s executive chef, Maximillian Petty, a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist.
The evening offered a curated live auction featuring rare lots and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. Top lots included a bespoke Bend, Oregon, escape with the 2026 Auction of Washington Wines Honorary Chair Drew Bledsoe, which sold for $105,000; a custom, multiphase winemaking experience in Walla Walla and Woodinville with the 2026 Honorary Vintner Gilles Nicault, which raised a total of $105,000; a five-day VIP Le Mans experience in France, hosted by the Aston Martin Heart of Racing team, which sold for $50,000; and a private, collector-level dinner featuring the Upchurch family’s personal wine library, which sold for $40,000. The room erupted during the paddle raise, which raised a total of $2.1 million, with two generous gifts of $200,000 each from auction patrons Jay and Terry Ackley along with Lon and Colleen Halvorson. There were multiple additional gifts of $100,000. The celebration continued under the stars in the Afterglow lounge.
PNC Bank was the presenting sponsor of the Gala Social, and Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery was the presenting sponsor of Afterglow.
• Online Auction, Aug. 11–15
Bidders from across the country participated in the Online Auction, featuring 72 exclusive packages, ranging from curated Washington wine collections to luxury staycations and one-of-a-kind experiences. The highest bids went to a Caprio Cellars experience for six, a winemaking experience at Amos Rome for 12, and a pair of Penfolds bottles.
“The generosity we saw throughout this year’s events is a testament to the strength of the Washington wine community and the people who believe in our mission,” said Maltais. “As we look ahead to our 40th year, we’re excited to build on this momentum, continue elevating Washington wine and deepen the impact we can make together for our beneficiaries.”
About Auction of Washington Wines
Auction of Washington Wines supports the growth and raises awareness of the Washington wine industry while benefiting the greater community through fundraising events. The auction has raised more than $76 million since its inception in 1988. Washington’s premier wine auction uplifts the state’s industry and raises funds for Seattle Children’s, Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology Department and VITAL Wines, a nonprofit dedicated to improving access to healthcare for vineyard workers and their families through education, advocacy and direct services. Key supporters for 2026 include Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, The Seattle Times, PNC Bank and the John L. Scott Foundation. For more information, visit
auctionofwawines.org. Follow Auction of Washington Wines on social media: auctionwawines on Instagram and AuctionofWAWines on Facebook.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Althea Conyers Achem
Public Relations, GreenRubino for Auction of Washington Wines
620-245-7692
altheaca@greenrubino.com
