SEATTLE — Tickets are on sale for Taste Washington 2014, billed as the largest single-region wine and food event in the United States, which will be March 29-30 in Seattle and will return to the CenturyLink Field Event Center.
Those who purchase tickets with the idea of presenting them as a holiday gift can get them at a discount via Ticketmaster.
As of Friday, 58 wineries and 40 restaurants had registered to participate at Taste Washington, a joint production of the Washington State Wine Commission and Visit Seattle. More than 200 wineries are expected to participate.
Five ticket levels are available, starting with the Saturday seminars ($51.95), which begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the Saturday Grand Tasting ($80), the Sunday seminars (price ranges for $51.95 to $94.80) and the Sunday Grand Tasting ($80). A two-day general admission pass to both days is $145, and hotel packages are available.
If purchased before Jan. 1, general admission tickets receive $10 off when using the following codes at checkout.
- General Admission One Day Ticket Code: Holiday
- General Admission Two Day Ticket Code: Holid2
No discounts are available at the VIP level, either for the single day ($157) or the Two-Day VIP ($185). A VIP ticket allows for a 1 p.m. entry — an hour prior to general admission.
Saturday seminars
Northstar Blending Experience. Join Seattle master sommelier Rob Bigelow for a true hands-on wine blending event. Bigelow and winemaker Dave ‘Merf’ Merfeld from Northstar Winery will guide you through this unique opportunity, providing a glimpse into the art of blending world-class wines. Armed with beakers, graduated cylinders and your senses, you’ll create your own custom masterpiece. Moderators: Merfeld and Bigelow.
Playing Matchmaker Pairing Food & Wine to Your Palate. Food and wine is a match made in heaven. Learn the formula for creating your own perfect pairings. Using everyday dishes you can prepare at home, find out which pairings work best for you and why. Moderator: Jamie Peha, Table Talk Radio and Peha Promotions
An Old Vine’s Tale. Washington winemakers seek out ‘old vine’ fruit, believing it makes a difference in the glass. Does vine age matter? Sample a selection of wines made from vines at least 30 years old and find out as we celebrate the 30th anniversaries of the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley appellations. Moderator: Sean Sullivan, Washington Wine Report.
The Allure of the Exotic. Be one of the first to hear what’s next for Washington’s varietal scene. Washington produces more than 40 grape varieties, and growers and winemakers continue to explore and push the boundaries each year. Here you’ll taste a selection from some of the state’s less common varieties and see what has winemakers excited about branching into new territory. Moderator: Alder Yarrow.
Sunday seminars
A Winemaker, a Brewer and a Distiller. Belly up to the bar as experts talk about what beer, wine and spirits can bring to the table. Learn different ways to cook with these libations and also how each can be a charming companion to your meal. Moderator: Michael Kelley, MBAA beer steward, certified cicerone and beer sommelier
Chef vs. Somm Smackdown. In the history of epic battles there was David vs. Goliath, Alien vs. Predator and now, we bring you: Chef vs. Somm. When it comes to food and wine pairings these epicurean professionals don’t always agree. Here sommeliers will pit their wine pairing skills against those of the country’s top chefs. You be the judge of who comes out on top. Moderator: Jamie Peha, Table Talk Radio and Peha Promotions
The Rise of the Rhôness. Find out why so many winemakers believe that Rhône varieties have found a new home in Washington State. In this seminar, you’ll sample the ways grapes which trace their origins to France’s Rhône Valley express themselves here. See how this expression varies across the state as we explore Washington’s growing Rhône trend. Moderator: Sean Sullivan, Washington Wine Report
* Washington vs. The World 2014. Washington continues its emergence as a world-class wine region. Enjoy a blind tasting of some of the state’s finest wines against some of the world’s best. How do Washington wines stack up? You’ll have a front row seat at this exciting debate and decide for yourself. (Special price for this is $94.80).
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