Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction
Benefiting
Details
Join the Auction of Washington Wines’ largest wine and culinary event on the beautiful grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle. Whether you are an expert or wine curious, you’ll meet winemakers who will “roam and pour”, or you can choose from over 100 wines at the tasting bars. Try your hand at a game of chance or step up to place your name on the board to bid on a case from 30 Washington wineries in the Barrel Auction.
Stay tuned for 2023 event details!
Meet the Winemakers
The Winemaker Picnic is the perfect opportunity for you to meet and mingle with the winemakers behind the bottles! Whether you’re an expert or wine curious, you’ll meet winemakers who will “roam and pour” you a taste of what’s in their bottle, or you can choose from over 100 wines at four tasting bars.
Place Your Bids!
Serious about your wines? The Barrel Auction is your chance to taste barrel samples and be one of five bidders to secure a case of future wine releases!
Take your pick from 30 wineries, talk to the winemakers about their wines, the aging process, the grapes, and ask the winemaker to explain how the wine will change before being bottled.
When you have tasted the wines, place your bid. Watch your bids closely! Every bid placed after yours must be higher, and only the top five bids for each lot will stay on the board.
BONUS!
The highest winning bidder of each lot will receive a commemorative barrel head donated by Tonnellerie Quintessence!
Grab a Nosh
Challenge your pairing skills by indulging in global BBQ, featuring Korean, Indian, northwest, and of course, southern US-style, just to name a few. We have some incredibly talented chefs to bring it!
Let iHeart Entertain you
Two of your favorite radio personalities, Bender (veteran Seattle Children’s supporter) and Jodi from iHeart’s 95.7 The Jet, will serve as your emcees. They’ll keep you apprised of what’s happening during the event, as well as moderate the Barrel Auction to keep the peace once the bids begin to fly as the clock runs out!
What’s a party without some music? Seattle DJ/remixer/radio producer for iHeart media, DJ Phase, will be playing Seattle’s new hit music and all-time favorites!
Try Your Luck
Everyone’s a winner at these games whether you’re at the John L. Scott Foundation Wine Bottle Ring Toss or Chip-a-Cork, brought to you by WSU.
VIP Access
With one-hour early entry, you have room to roam before the rest of the crowd arrives, and exclusive access to the VIP tent.
Inside the tent, you will find a lounge area featuring the Reserve Wine Bar and gourmet bites from local superstar chef John Howie.
Mix, mingle, and relax VIP style!
2022 Featured Wineries
Amos Rome, Avennia, Baer Winery, Cairdeas Winery, Cedergreen Cellars, Ducleaux Cellars, Fidélitas Winery, J.B Neufeld, L’Ecole N° 41, Martedi Winery, Matteo Wines, Palencia Wine, Pepper Bridge Winery, Sleight of Hand Cellars, Sparkman Cellars , Wautoma Springs, and Woodward Canyon.
Volunteer with us!
The Winemaker Picnic and Barrel Auction is made possible because of a powerhouse of volunteers that help with tasks ranging from set up, registration/check-in, assist with games of chance, or bidding in the barrel auction. For more information and to sign up, head here.
Website by 
Photos courtesy of Duval Images & Curbow Photo
© 2008-2022 Auction of Washington Wines
Read our Privacy Policy