Wine lovers: The biggest wine weekend in the Seattle region returns March 31 through April 3. TASTE WASHINGTON!
The weekend kicks off with an elegant Red & White Party on March 31. Taste WA on the Farm is already sold out but you can still snag tickets to The New Vintage (with DJ Tina T) on April 1. Participate in Wine Seminars on Saturday and Sunday.
The biggest event, The Grand Tasting, happens Saturday and Sunday at CenturyLink Field Event Center! You’ll be able to sip wine from over 225 Washington wineries (I LOVE that we have so many great wineries in this state!) and enjoy bites from over 65 restaurants (including a gluten-free treat from my client Capitol Cider). Be sure to check out the Chef Stage schedule before you go. Also, The Grand Tasting events tend to sell out, so get those tickets now!
Kathryn and I will be attending The Grand Tasting on Sunday – let me know if you plan on attending that day and let’s say hello!
Here are some of my tips for a successful wine and food event:
- Get your tickets early (they tend to sell out).
- Bring a friend! It’s more fun to taste with a buddy. Make this a birthday or thanks-for-being-awesome gift.
- Check out the food and winery lists in advance and make a list of what booths you want to visit. I like to make a list of “favorites” (those I’ve tried before and LOVE) and “newbies”.
- Always try wines/restaurants you haven’t tried before, that’s a big part of what makes this event fun!
- Bring a bag or larger purse! Sometimes restaurants and wineries will hand out coupons/tasting passes etc – you’ll run out of pocket room fast!
- Drink lots of water! Hydration is key. Bring a water bottle with you.
- It’s ok to spit or dump! A lot of wineries will give you an ample pour – this is so you can see the color of the wine and smell it easier – it’s ok not to drink it all! Your senses will diminish as you get buzzed and a lot of the fun of this event is finding wines you’ll want to buy later.
- Talk to the folks pouring wine, but feel free to step a bit to the side of the table while you engage in conversation with them so they can continue to pour for the people behind you. You can still chat them up while you let others listen in and sip for themselves.
- Dress up a little but wear comfortable shoes. There’s a lot of space to cover!
- Charge your phone before you go. I snap photos of the wines I like along the way so I can remember my favorites!
- Share your photos and reviews on Instagram, Twitter, or in public Facebook posts with hashtag #TasteWA.
Enjoy yourself!
Seattle Pockets 