We just can’t get enough of Taste Washington. If you haven’t had a chance to explore the many delicious offerings at Taste Washington yet, fret not—there is still one wine-fueled week to go. Here are five things we love about this time-honored festival:

1. All the Washington wine 

We love that while we have our old favorites, we get to explore new WA wines. Washington is full of our familiar favorite wines and there is still so much more to explore. Washington produces over 70 varieties of grapes, across 16 different growing regions, so there is a flavor profile for everyone. New vineyard plantings are going in every year as winegrowers experiment with different techniques in the vineyard and the cellar. There is always something new to try!

2. Three cheers for Northwest Cuisine 

The fresh format (“At Home” and “To Go”) allows people to discover new Washington-inspired pairings wherever they are. Through creative promotions, people can experience Washington’s incredible cuisines while directly supporting the Washington wineries and restaurants they love throughout the state.

While it is a monthlong celebration, there are weekly themes based on the top 5 varietals of Washington wine. The current theme is all about ‘Rieslings & Noodles’ (Week 5—Week of March 29). Find featured restaurants and pairings here. Want to chef up some special pasta at home? Try the Taste Washington at Home Recipe where you can make your own meals at home.

3. Safe, special seminars, & interactions

Washington wineries are active across all virtual platforms, interacting with wine club members and customers, staying connected in creative in new ways.

Some notable examples:

• DeLille Cellars Tasting to-go kits
• 20 Years of Red Mountain Tasting Series a weekly, virtual tasting series with wine professional Owen Bargreen

4. The sweetest deals

Think Covid-friendly celebrations—from staycations and hotel deals, to recipes and at-home celebrations. Find new wineries and restaurants that you’ve always wanted to try. Join a wine club, order take out, make a recipe at home, participate in virtual tastings, or book a hotel wine getaway.

Stay at Thompson Seattle, just steps away from Pike Place Market, and experience all that Seattle has to offer. Snag the special Taste promo code from their listing and book now for exclusive savings on overnight accommodations. Available on all room types, even suites!

Book an overnight at The State Hotel and receive a bottle of wine from Browne Family Vineyards. Sip while relaxing in your stylish room, or on the 8th-floor rooftop overlooking Pike Place Market and Puget Sound. The days are getting longer, which means you can drink more wine.

Stay the night at The Inn at Pleasant Beach on Bainbridge Island and receive a pair of select Washington wines. Stay a second night for even more Taste offers.

Attend a free wine pairing and cooking class with Betz Family Winery and Chef Joel Gamoran. A portion of each featured wine sold will be donated to a good cause.

Check out Seatown Market and Fishfry for a special deal on their delectable pairing of Alaskan King Crab legs with a Washington wine.

Treat yourself to a delicious menu at El Gaucho pairing Canvasback Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon with Caesar Salad, Chateaubriand, and Key Lime Pie. Available at locations in Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma.

Dine-in or take-out at Pioneer Square D&E as they offer a new pairing each week.

5. Inclusivity

You can sit with anyone/everyone. We love that the festival is all about community, diversity, and representation and Includes lots of LGBTQ, BIPOC, and women-owned wineries. Here are some offerings to try:

• Week 4 (Week of March 22) – Salare (BIPOC) and Marination/SuperSix (Women-owned) in Columbia City.
• Week 5 (week of March 29) – Musang/Chef Melisa Miranda (Women-owned) and Kamonegi/Chef Soma (Women-owned)
• Kit Singh, Lauren Ashton Cellars (BIPOC), Women-owned: Ali Boyle, Alexandria Nicole Cellars, Ashley Trout, Brook & Bull Cellars, Mary Derby, DAMA Wine | Walla Walla based, Jody Elsom, Elsom Cellars | Seattle based and Lacey Lybecker, Cairdeas Winery | Lake Chelan based and doing very cool TW activations.