Auction of Washington Wines, a nonprofit devoted to advancing awareness of the Washington wine industry, announced its lineup of events for 2021. After moving to virtual events last year, AWW is maintaining a largely online format while offering some in-person events in smaller settings, according to a news release.

“2021 is a fresh start — one I believe we all looked forward to — so it seemed like the perfect time to recommit to the community that supports us,” said Jamie Peha, executive director of AWW. “We’re proud to be a champion for the Washington wine industry, and it is our goal to inspire the world to experience all that our region has to offer.”

AWW will host the Private Barrel Auction online from April 19–20, with 30 wineries offering five-case lots for exclusive ownership. A series of winemaker interviews via Zoom, hosted by wine expert Dr. Owen Bargreen, will be available beginning March 2. 

Wine and Music Week, from May 18–23, will include virtual concerts and an online auction, plus regional wine and travel experiences. Also, as current safety restrictions allow, AWW will host small wine country dinners at J. Bookwalter Wine and Hightower Cellars Vineyard.

The 34th annual week of August events will feature an online auction Aug. 10–16 and a virtual gala Aug. 14. For the second year, supporters may bring the gala home by purchasing “Gala-in-a-Box” dinners from local chefs or special Washington wine bundles to enhance the at-home experience.

New this year, AWW is adding small gala dinners at premier Seattle- and Woodinville-area wineries, in compliance with all social distancing and safety regulations in effect. Celebrated local chefs will present multicourse and wine-paired dinner experiences, and each location will present select live auction lots, exclusive tastings and surprises. 

In addition, AWW welcomes Stacy and Greg Lill, owners of Chateau Lill and Lill Family Wines, as community co-chairs for 2021. They join existing industry co-chairs Gretchen and John Bookwalter of J. Bookwalter Wines. As co-chairs, they will promote the 2021 AWW season of events in support of the partnership built between AWW, Seattle Children’s and the Washington State University viticulture and enology program.

For more information about AWW and their 2021 events, including bidding registration, please visit https://auctionofwawines.org.

—by Jonelle Mejica