Usually anchored by a four-day wine and food festival of in-person events and activities, this year offers new and unique opportunities to ‘Taste Washington’ wine and dining favorites all month long. Taste Washington 2021 introduces Taste Washington To Go and Taste Washington At Home, along with unique winery and restaurant activations, hotel packages and more. Wineries and restaurants across Washington are offering weekly and monthlong specials and promotions, with a focus on five weekly themes.

The five themes are based off of the top five top varietals of Washington wine. Each varietal is paired with a meal category. The themes are versatile enough for restaurants to offer a dish of their specialty. For example, casseroles is all encompassing for anything from enchiladas to cassoulet to mac-n-cheese – and there’s always flexibility for vegetarian options. Additionally, BBQ can mean Southern BBQ, to Korean BQQ to Hawaiian BBQ and so much more.

• Cabernet Sauvignon & Casserole (March 1-7)
• Chardonnay & Catch of the Day (March 8-14)
• Syrah & Barbecue (March 15-21)
• Red Blends & Family Recipes (March 22-28)
• Riesling & Noodles & Dumplings (March 29-April 4)

The new format allows for a wider range of restaurants and wineries to participate, with the new format designed to attract a wider range of restaurants, from pop-ups to statewide favorites. Several first-time participants are featured this year, including Jerk Shack in downtown Seattle.

“I’m excited to join the Taste Washington line up this year to show representation for my community that is usually not part of wine and food events. Jerk Shack represents the only 100% Black owned restaurant in downtown Seattle and we have the best Caribbean food you can allow your palate to embrace,” said Trey Lamont, owner and head chef, Jerk Shack. “Being part of Taste Washington this year means a lot to me. Growing up as a hotel kid, I wanted to become a Chef. I always heard of food and wine events that were such a huge deal to the hospitality industry and I saw the type of preparation it took to have a successful event. I feel as though now it’s my turn.” 

Additionally, wineries are offering incredible deals this month, hotels have created wine getaway packages and retailers are offering discounts off of Washington wine. More than ever, we know we to need to support restaurants, wineries and hotels that have supported Taste Washington for all these years. We don’t want to ask anything above and beyond and we want to give awareness of all our Taste Washington partners to customers. We’ve heard from restaurants that they are excited to be part of Taste Washington this year and re-connect with their customers and hopefully meet a few new ones.

The website has a ton of information about offers creating a sense of discovery. People can engage with Taste Washington all month on their own schedule. The idea is to get folks to choose your own adventure and find new wineries and restaurants that you’ve always wanted try. Now is also the perfect time to join a wine club, order take out from your favorite spot, make a recipe at home, participate in virtual tastings, or book a hotel wine getaway. Overall, the intent of Taste Washington this year offers an opportunity to drive as much awareness and support to restaurants and wineries who have been hit the hardest this last year.