Seattle Wine Awards

Each year since 2006, a number of Washington's prominent wine professionals convene at the Rainier Club to taste and evaluate white, red, sweet, sparkling, and rosé wines produced from Washington grapes. They are respected wine directors, buyers, distributors, educators, and Seattle's top sommeliers who understand Washington wine. The purpose? To, by consensus, recognize the Washington wines that are truly outstanding. And to share that information with consumers and professionals to help expand their knowledge and appreciation for Washington wines.

2012 Tasting Panel

Front Row (L-R): Mark Takagi-Metropolitan Markets; Dawn Smith-Café Juanita; Rina Bussell-Canlis, Amy Mumma-CWU Wine Program; Lisa Rongren-John Howie Steak; David LeClaire-World Wine & Spirits. Back Row (L-R): Tim O'Brien-Salty's Seafood Grills; Andy Perdue-WinePress Northwest; Luke Wohlers-RN 74; Christopher Chan- Seattle Wine Awards; Joel Butler-Master of Wine; Jeff Fournier-Esquin Wine Merchants; Phillip Dunn-Canlis; Sean Sullivan-WA Wine Report; Fred Dame-Master Sommelier; Ole Thompson-Treasury Wine Estates.

The panel uses a modified 20-point system, tasting wine single-blind (they know the varietal, but not the price or producer) to score each wine. Flights are created reflecting the same price and varietal and the panel uses certain criteria: aroma and bouquet, flavor and palate, structure and balance, typicity and complexity, and overall impression. Nearly 1,000 wines were entered this year. The tasting took place with 15 panel members on April 21 and 22. But that is not the important date for you to remember.

For the public, the date to know is Sunday, July 22, 2012. That is when the Grand Awards Tasting takes place at the Rainier Club. You have the chance to sip, sample and celebrate the award-winning wines, along with artisan breads, house-cured salumi and deli meats, imported and domestic cheeses, savory pastas, and olive tapenades and spreads. For VIP admissions, there is also New York strip and potatoes au gratin in the Fireplace. It's a very fun afternoon of tasting and talking with winemakers and other wine-interested/related people. It's also a great chance to visit the historic Rainier Club, which is a members-only facility.

Seattle Wine Awards Executive Director Christopher Chan created the event in 2006 and is the Director of Wine and Spirits at the Rainier Club. He is also involved at his family's wine grape production at Chan Family Vineyards in Walla Walla, one of the first quality dry farm vineyards in the area. "We have a new highlight video from 2012 Seattle Wine Awards. It tells the story of what the Seattle Wine Awards is all about. If people share it with friends in wine, associates, and enthusiasts, it will be our best year ever!"

Don't miss the chance to try some of the finest wines Washington has to offer, spend time with Washington winemakers, and enjoy the food and atmosphere of the Rainier Club!

Click here for video and ticket information

Seattle Wine Awards
Christopher Chan
206-853-4677
www.seattlewineawards.com

Rainer Club
820 Fourth Ave
Seattle, WA 98104
www.therainierclub.com

Connie Adams/June 2012