Auction of Washington Wines announced in a news release their annual Wine & Music event will feature an online auction, virtual concerts and in-person winemaker dinners in a weeklong celebration May 18–23. 

The virtual auction will showcase some of Washington’s most coveted wineries and experiences through 120 auction lots, including a six-year vertical of Sangiovese from Leonetti Cellar, a staycation in Woodinville at the boutique Archer Hotel and tickets to a Train concert held anywhere within the United States before December 2022, complete with airfare from Alaska Airlines.

New this year, Wine & Music Week will feature three nights of virtual conversations and concerts. May 18, 19 and 20, host Trey Busch, music lover, winemaker and owner of Sleight of Hand Cellars, will interview a local musician to find out what inspires them, with a performance to follow. Viewers are invited to join AWW online with a glass of their favorite Washington wine to watch and discover if music really can make wine taste better.

AWW will also host two intimate winemaker dinners in Eastern Washington wine country. On Thursday, May 20, dinner will be held at the Fiction Restaurant at J. Bookwalter in Richland. On Friday, May 21, Hightower Cellars will host dinner in the outdoor “giving garden” at the vineyard in Benton City. Dinners have limited tickets available and COVID-safe guidelines will be followed.

All proceeds from Wine & Music Week will benefit Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology Program and AWW’s Industry Grant Program, which supports organizations and programs that directly affect Washington state grape growers and wine producers.

For more information, auction registration or to purchase dinner tickets, go to: https://auctionofwawines.org/events/. 

—by Jonelle Mejica