Taste Washington – one of the largest wine events in our area – returns March 28th – March 31, 2019!

March 28 is the VIP Red & White party. “This intimate and exclusive experience takes you ‘into the cellars’ of Washington’s premier winemakers to taste the best of the best. This is the only event at Taste Washington where you will you find Washington winemakers’ most-coveted bottles, including wine club-only bottles and 90+ point pours. Held at the renowned AQUA by El Gaucho on Seattle’s waterfront, this elegant affair requires you to dress the part. So break out your red and white attire and come prepared for a fashionable evening of unmatched sophistication”

The New Vintage is Friday night.“More than a night out on the town, The New Vintage is an unforgettable experience that delivers stories in the form of food and wine. With unexpected moments at every turn, this event is your backstage pass to meet and mingle with the exciting chefs and inspiring winemakers who are putting Seattle and Washington State on the world’s food and wine heat map. [At] The Sanctuary, The New Vintage welcomes Seattle star chefs Edouardo Jordan (JuneBaby), Ethan Stowell (How to Cook a Wolf) and Rachel Yang (Joule), coupled with chef friends from around the country including Chris Cosentino (Cockscomb, San Francisco, CA), Vivian Howard (The Chef and the Farmer, Kinston, NC), and Gregory Gourdet (Departure, Portland, OR). Experience wine cocktails at the Halo Bar up above, plus exclusive bites in an intimate space down below. Take in the magic of Washington wines—those you know and love, and others you’re sure to fall in love with. Explore, indulge, imbibe, and you can confess your sins later.”

And, the big kahuna, The Grand Tasting, is Saturday and Sunday. “A truly ‘grand’ experience, this two-day event is overflowing with Washington’s culinary riches. With delicious samples from over 235 Washington wineries and bites from over 65 local restaurants, we simply don’t believe in having too much of a good thing. Watch today’s hottest chefs demonstrate their culinary skills on stage, get up-close and personal with hundreds of area winemakers, and indulge in Pacific Northwest-inspired food and wine. And while you’re at it, find new favorites to vote for in Taste Washington’s fourth annual Best Bite competition. Whether you’re a seasoned wine and food connoisseur or simply a fan of eating and drinking great things, there’s something to satisfy every taste bud at this event.  Thank goodness you’ll have two days to discover it all.”

Here are some of my tips for a successful wine and food event:

• Get your tickets early  (Taste WA events 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 and bring a travel charger. I snap photos of the wines I like along the way so I can remember my favorites!
• Share your photos and reviews on social media posts with hashtag #TasteWA.