WOODINVILLE, Wash. — The Auction of Washington Wines, one of the top five charitable wine auctions in the U.S., has named viticulturist Eduardo Enriquez of Corliss Estates in Walla Walla as the recipient of the Vine to Wine Award for 2024.
This year marks the 37th annual Auction of Washington Wines, and the presentation to Enriquez will be part of the third annual TOAST! Honoree Celebration on Thursday, Aug. 8 at Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville.
The festive Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction — with the auction component sponsored by Seattle author/wine merchant Paul Zitarelli and his Full Pull Wines — is Friday, Aug. 9 on the campus of Château Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, followed by the auction’s signature Gala on Saturday, Aug. 10. The Gala Online Auction begins Tuesday, Aug. 6 and runs through Aug. 10. Money raised helps support Seattle Children’s, the Washington State University viticulture and enology program and grant partner Vital Wines in the Walla Walla Valley.
The Auction of Washington Wines began its TOAST! program in 2022, and the 2023 recipients are listed here.
For the second consecutive year, the nine TOAST! recipients will be revealed this week via GreatNorthwestWine.com.
Monday — TOAST! Vine to Wine Award: Eduardo Enriquez, Corliss Estates
Monday — TOAST! Healthy Land, Healthy Communities Award: Kiona Vineyards and Winery
Monday — TOAST! Award of Distinction: Markus Keller, Washington State University
Tuesday — TOAST! Emerging Leader: Jordan Small, Woodward Canyon Winery
Tuesday — TOAST! Emerging Leader: Matías Kúsulas, Gård Vintners/Desert Wind Winery/Massalto/Valo
Tuesday — TOAST! Emerging Leader: Stacy Buchanan, Blood of Gods
Wednesday — TOAST! Wine Industry Champion: Chris Stone, Washington State Wine Commission
Wednesday — Auction of Washington Wines Star Award: Richard Duval, WinePix
Wednesday — TOAST! Lifetime Achievement Award: Rick Small and Darcey Fugman-Small, Woodward Canyon Winery
Previously announced honorees for the 2024 Auction of Washington Wines include Leslie Sbrocco (Honorary Chair), Christophe Baron of Bionic Wines (Honorary Vintner) and Robert Rivera of Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard (Honorary Grower). Co-chairs are Laura and Ian MacNeil & John and Deanna Oppenheimer.
“We are delighted to recognize these outstanding individuals for their substantial contributions to the Washington wine industry,” says Jamie Peha, executive director of the Auction of Washington Wines since 2019. “Their dedication, innovation and passion have been instrumental in shaping the success and reputation of the region as a whole.”
Sponsors include Republic National Distributing Co., Saxco, Woodinville Wine Country, Washington State Wine Commission, Château Ste. Michelle and Trysk Print Solutions.
The Vine to Wine Award spotlights an individual who is hands-on in the vineyard, including leading or collaborating with peers. Enriquez began his career in viticulture as the Corliss family’s assistant manager at Blue Mountain Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley for the 2004 vintage, cutting back vines by hand following a hard freeze. He’s been known from the beginning for working side-by-side with his crew — earning their respect — and giving each vine his full attention.
Since those first 60 acres under his management in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Enriquez now oversees more than 400 acres of vineyards stretching from the Walla Walla Valley to Red Mountain and the Yakima Valley. They include The Canyons and Blackrock.
As director of operations, he continues to elevate the farming practices and fruit quality each vintage for the Corliss family of wineries and their customers, earning a reputation for going to extreme lengths to execute the vision of winemakers. Dr. Bernadette Gagnier, a Washington State University researcher and rising star in the wine industry, views Enriquez as an inspirational figure.
Winegrowing has become a part of his family’s history. His brothers also have cultivated successful careers in the vineyards and cellars for other acclaimed Washington winegrowers and wineries. When he’s not at the vineyard, Eduardo enjoys time with his wife Veronica and their three children.
And as he enters his third decade in the industry, Enriquez stands shoulder-to-shoulder with some of Washington’s most esteemed winemakers and winegrowers. Recognition as the recipient of the 2024 Toast! Vine to Wine Award will help more consumers learn of his efforts that go into each bottle he contributes to.
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