Auction of Washington Wines announced its second annual virtual wine tasting series with Karen MacNeil, renowned wine expert and AWW 2020–21 honorary chair, according to a news release. With notable Washington state winemakers and vintners joining her, MacNeil will host four virtual wine tastings, each exploring different segments of the Washington wine industry.

The series begins June 30 with a focus on the geographic region of Horse Heaven Hills, featuring winemakers from Trothe, Passing Time and Chateau Ste. Michelle. 

On July 14, the focus will be on Washington’s Syrah blends, featuring Columbia Crest, Tinte Cellars and Treveri Cellars. 

On July 21, the session will focus on Bordeaux-style wines, and tastings will include Cabernet blends from Frichette Winery, Mullan Road Cellars and Co Dinn Cellars.

On Aug. 4, the final tasting will further explore the Cabernet blends of Washington wine country, with wines from Brian Carter Cellars, Owen Roe and Valdemar Estates.

There is no charge to attend the virtual tastings, to be held on Zoom. Prior to each session, participants can purchase the select wines from Esquin Wine & Spirits in Seattle, according to the release.

For more information and registration links for this and other AWW events, go to auctionofwawines.org. 

Since its inception in 1988, AWW has raised more than $52 million to benefit Washington State University viticulture and enology research, Seattle Children’s hospital and the AWW Industry Grant. The annual Auction of Washington Wines weekend will take place Aug. 10–16.

—by Jonelle Mejica