Ring in the summer with a gastronomical weekend getaway.
So far, June has been pleasantly warm — so let’s not waste the precious few weekends of sunshine. Here are a few oeniphile-oriented events slated for later this month, both near to and far from the city lights.
Friday, June 17th | Vintage Walla Walla BBQ | Walla Walla
50 Walla Walla winemakers light up their grills for a festive summer barbecue at Waters Winery. This relaxed and fun evening also features the VIKING “Master of the Grill” competition, with dance band The Dusty 45s providing the background music.
Saturday, June 18th| Falling Cow Country Wine Festival | Lake Chelan
Join the folks of Lake Chelan Valley at Lake Chelan Winery to celebrate the life of a cow that made national headlines by skipping off a ledge and landing on a moving car. Rock the best cowboy attire for the winery’s fourth annual BBQ, live music and wine event.
Wednesday, June 22nd | Iron Vintners Championship Round| Woodinville
Hosted by Chef Bobby Moore of the Barking Frog at Willows Lodge, this one-of-a-kind competition features two finalists from two preliminary rounds. Both contestants will be given a secret box of ingredients, from which to create an appetizer and entrée in 60 minutes for a panel of celebrity judges who select on presentation, flavor and creativity. Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets which include a commemorative wine glass and two tasting tickets for wine tastings from the featured wineries.
Friday, June 24th | Moteur de Vine Benefit Motorcycle Ride | Prosser
The fourth annual ride kicks off with a BBQ social on Friday night, sponsored and hosted by Willow Crest Winery Friday night. Then, on Saturday morning, participating bikers will travel through three vineyard sites in two appellations, giving them an exclusive chance to tour the wine country. That evening, festivities include an auction, dinner and music. All-inclusive tickets are available for $125, with proceeds benefitting the Clore Center.
Saturday, June 25th | The Great Leavenworth Wine and Food Festival | Leavenworth
A $35 online purchase gets you a souvenir wine glass, tastes from more than 20 wineries and food from a dozen local restaurants. Hosted in historic downtown Leavenworth, guests can attend cooking demonstrations, win prizes and get the chance to meet the winemakers and chefs. Tickets may be purchased online.
Saturday, June 25th | El Gaucho Bellevue Pour on the Plaza | Bellevue
Put on by steakhouse titan El Gaucho for the third consecutive summer, the Pour offers appetizers from the host as well as the Waterfront Seafood Grill. Also included on the menu: wines from more than 20 local wineries. All the while, revelers can get down to the Latin grooves of A Cedar Suede. Top Chef’s Dave Martin (from season one) will make a special guest appearance to autograph his latest cookbook for attendees. Tickets are $85, support the Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club of King County. Call the restaurant at (425) 455-2715 for reservations.
Saturday, June 25th | 10th Annual Sunshine and Wine | Yakima
Held in the Modern Living Building and sun-soaked South Lawn at the State Fair Park, this fundraiser will provide a relaxing setting to all those who attend. Of course, guests can listen to good music, enjoy more than 40 Washington wines, micro brews and spirits, snack on food from local restaurants and take part in both a silent and live auction, as well. Tickets are $30 in advance.
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