With wine so exceptional that we require not one but two wine months to celebrate it, we are marching headfirst (pun intended!) into Taste Washington Wine Month—a perfect opportunity to delve into Washington wines, considering our state’s swift rise as a global wine powerhouse. Taste Washington takes place from March 14 – 24, 2024, featuring days brimming with epic wines and delectable flavors. The event boasts 200 wineries, 75 top-notch West Coast restaurants, and 11 exciting events, including the Grand Tasting on March 16 and 17.

So, what distinguishes the WA wine industry? Beyond the incredible wine, it’s the people behind it—the community—a collective of genuinely passionate and generously spirited individuals. The wine scene here is unpretentious, inclusive, and continually evolving. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of wine, this community welcomes you with open arms. So engage, ask questions, and be part of the wine conversation.

To maximize this vinous adventure, here’s a game plan:

Embrace Your Inner Wine Explorer: Open mind, open palate—prepare to dive into Washington’s wine wonderland. From robust Red Mountain Cabernets to crisp Yakima Valley Chardonnays and everything in between, it’s a treat for the taste buds.

Pace Yourself: With over 200 wineries pouring at the grand tasting, the only way to do this is to pace yourself. Wine, food, wine, water—you’ve got this. Don’t forget to hydrate between those delightful sips. Sip and spit when in doubt—it’s a veteran move.

Get a Wine Glass Holder Lanyard: Two hands, a world of options. This little accessory is a game-changer, especially at The Grand Tasting. Enjoy without juggling—plus, better pictures for the memories.

Explore Uncharted Territory: This is an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone – try new wines and unique bites – it’s all fair game. I attribute it’s the no-pressure approach and the fact that you don’t have to order an entire meal to find out that you don’t like it. Many moons ago, after being skeptical for years, Hama Hama oysters were a revelation to me at a Taste WA event. I regret all those years missed not slurping oysters but am fully making up for them now. 

Discover New Favorites: Wineries and restaurants from all corners in ONE PLACE! Try those spots you’ve always dreamt of but couldn’t reach. Always wanted to try that winery in Eastern WA but you live in Seattle? You can do that! Look up the list of spots ahead of time and find places you have always wanted to try but aren’t usually in proximity to. Document everything—take pictures and make notes. Capture those new wine labels and restaurant gems that you wouldn’t have tried otherwise. You’ll thank yourself when you’re ordering favorites later.

Like this, try that: Think of it like a Netflix algorithm for wine. Use your favorites to unlock discoveries. Chat with sommeliers, try wines with an open mind, and who knows, you might stumble upon your next obsession.

Get VIP Access: More time with all that wine. Get in an hour early at The Grand Tasting, plus exclusive bites from Chef Brandon Muehl of Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi. VIP = Very Important Palate, obviously.

Fun Facts about this year’s events:

Check out Pier 62 at Waterfront Park: Taste Washington is making history as the first ticketed event at Pier 62. Coming to The New Vintage and/or Pacific Standard will give you an early bird’s sneak peek of the much-anticipated venue before it opens in 2025.

There’s a Cheese Sculpture: Yes, you heard it right. This year, there’s a cheese sculpture by the amazing Sarah Kauffman at The Grand Tasting!

There’s a Star Chef Lineup: This year’s culinary lineup goes beyond Washington, featuring star chefs like Alexander Hong from Michelin Starred Restaurant, Sorrel, in San Francisco.

Buy tickets here.