Taste Washington! returns March 27

Taste Washington!, one of the largest single-region wine events in the world, returns for its 13th year on March 27-28, with some changes including a reduced general admission ticket price.

The weekend kicks off on Saturday, March 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with The Seminars at Bell Harbor International Conference Center, featuring renowned wine experts from around the country leading in-depth explorations of Washington wine.

Speakers will include chefs such as Seattle culinary pioneer Tom Douglas and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, leading wine journalists like Bruce Schoenfeld of Travel + Leisure and Sara Schneider from Sunset, and celebrated Washington winemakers including Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery and Master Sommelier Greg Harrington of Gramercy Cellars.

Tickets for The Seminars go on sale soon. Go to tastewashington.org for the latest details, scheduled speakers, and ticket prices.

The Grand Tasting takes place on Sunday, March 28, at Qwest Field Event Center, where more than 200 Washington wineries will pour their favorite wines, and approximately 75 Northwest restaurants will serve specially-prepared bites.

Due to its popularity last year, The Vineyards section will be expanded to feature more growers pouring wines made from their grapes by wineries across the state. General admission tickets have been reduced to $75 this year, allowing patrons to attend the event from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The VIP tasting begins at 2 p.m. and allows wine enthusiasts early and exclusive access to winemakers and chefs. VIP tickets are $125, or $240 for a pair.

The Washington Wine Restaurant Awards, which recognize restaurants that exhibit strong support of Washington wines and high professional standards in wine service, will take place on Friday, March 26, from 1-5 p.m., in the Maritime Event Center at Bell Harbor International Conference Center. Fifty Washington wineries will pour at this trade-and-media only event, where awards will be given for Sommelier of the Year, Most Innovative Wine List, Most Improved Wine Program, and Restaurant of the Year, among others.

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