On a mission to make an impact

The Auction of Washington Wines is a nonprofit wine event that has been around for 31 years. This year’s Auction events raised over 4 million that benefits the WSU Wine Sciences Center for research and Seattle Children’s. Their focus is on elevating the awareness of Washington State wines through a series of events over a weekend every August.

Dave and Sandi were invited to attend the Private Barrel Auction held at Novelty Hill-Januik Winery and taste wines from 31 premier wineries. The barrels were auctioned off in a battle between collectors, restauranteurs and retailers vying to be the exclusive purveyor of what will be, one-of-a-kind bottles.

Your hosts then participated in the public Winemaker Picnic and Barrel Auction at Chateau Ste Michelle. A plethora of small bites and more wine than you can shake a stick was the perfect accompaniment to the auction excitement. Picnic attendees could meet winemakers, bid in the silent auction lots and a frenzied barrel auction.

Learn about Auction of Washington Wines

Novelty Hill-Januil Winery hosted the Private Barrel Auction

Trade representatives, media and guests mingling with Washington’s top winemakers

Juan Munoz Oca, winemaker for Intrinsic Wine Co. | 2017 Concrete Cabernet Sauvignon

Jay Soloff, one of the founders of DeLille Cellars | “Old Block” Ciel du Cheval Cabernet Sauvignon

Darel Allwine, winemaker for Col Solare | 2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Louis Skinner, winemaker for Betz Family Winery | The Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Chris Figgins, winemaker for Leonetti Cellar

Marty Clubb (and Mike Sharon, not shown) winemakers for, L’Ecole No. 41 | 2017 Estate Red Blend

Chris Peterson, winemaker for Avennia | 2017 Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon

Peaceful water features and landscaping grace Novelty Hill-Januil Winery

Novelty Hill-Januil Winery outdoor event space

Auctioneer Ursula Hermacinski working her magic at the Private Barrel Auction

Our friend, Lisa, makes her intention known as she bids on the JM Cellars Small Batch Syrah barrel

Amazing to be a part of the frenzy of bids in the final minutes at the public barrel auction benefitting Seattle Children’s

Jessica Munnell, winemaker for Wautoma Springs

Kevin Correll, winemaker for Barrage Cellars served his wine out of a mini barrel

Michael Savage, winemaker for Savage Grace Wines

Mark Fiore, new winemaker for Efeste. Look out for his vintages in 2019!