Auction of Washington Wines sets record

Press Release

18th Annual Auction of Washington Wines Raises Record-Setting $1.9 Million

SEATTLE Aug. 16, 2005 - Expanding this year to a three-day, three-ringed extravaganza, the Auction of Washington Wines raised a record-setting $1.9 million for uncompensated care at Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center and the Washington Wine Education Foundation, signifying a 20 percent increase over last year. Held on the grounds at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville, Wash., the wine industry's annual gift to its community debuted several changes this year including a revamped PICNIC event, new winemaker dinners and a spectacular circus-themed black tie Gala Auction. A record breaking 1,600 auction patrons from around the country enjoyed the new event format, sampling Washington wines and culinary delicacies from celebrity chefs while bidding generously to support the charities.

"The evolution of the Auction of Washington Wines into a three day destination event raised awareness of Washington wine and set new records," said Carol Munro, executive director. "'Raise the Paddle for Children's Hospital' garnered $600,000, exceeding the previous year's total by $200,000. A bidding frenzy for the most sought after lot, Dinner with Robert Parker, Jr., finished at $70,000; more than double the previous year's top lot."

The 2005 Auction of Washington Wines kicked off on Thursday, Aug. 11 at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville, Wash., with PICNIC, a fun and casual evening, with silent auction, live music from Shelley and the Curves and gourmet fare prepared by executive chefs of Barking Frog, Waters, Hunt Club and Tendrils. Guests lounged and mingled on the picnic grounds as Washington winemakers circulated through the crowd pouring their award-winning wine selections.

The festivities continued on Friday, Aug. 12 when Washington's esteemed winemakers and celebrated chefs wined and dined patrons at local wineries and private homes in the greater Seattle-area. Each intimate dinner featured guest winemakers and chefs including Alex Golitzen of Quilceda Creek, Gary Figgins of Leonetti Cellar, Marty Clubb of L'Ecole No 41, Chef William Belickis of Mistral and Chef Steve Cain of Waterfront Seafood Grill.

On Saturday, Aug. 13, Todd Johnson, master of ceremonies and meteorologist for Seattle's KOMO 4 News, lead the Gala Auction's evening festivities as the elegantly attired guests gathered under the big top at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Patrons listened to the sounds of the Brian Nova Orchestra, marveled at the dazzling aerial artists from UMO Ensemble and enjoyed gourmet cuisine prepared by Walter Pisano of Tulio, Maria Hines of Earth & Ocean, Charles Ramseyer of Ray's Boathouse, John Sarich of Chateau Ste. Michelle and Bobby Moore of Barking Frog. Auctioneers Dick and Sharon Friel took center stage for the Live Auction.

The Auction proudly honored two industry leaders for their contributions to the Washington wine industry. Honorary Grower Patricia Gelles, owner of Klipsun Vineyard, represented the state's more than 350 wine grape growers and 30,000 vineyard acres. Honorary Winemaker Gary Figgins, owner of Leonetti Cellar, represented Washington's more than 350 wineries.

"Raise the Paddle for Children's Hospital" generated an unprecedented $600,000, topping last year's total by $200,000. Top auction items included oversized bottles of Washington wine, wine verticals, special wine dinners and wine destinations. Highlights included:

* Dream Dinner for Eight with Robert Parker, Jr. -- $70,000
* Aspen Food & Wine Classic for Four with Covey Run & Bombardier -- $30,000
* Collection of Leonetti Cellar Honoring Winemaker Gary Figgins -- $22,000
* A "Sweet Suite" for 10 with Mariners Great Edgar Martinez & Children's Hospital Patient Max Hanson and Family -- $20,000
* Chairman's Dinner for 40 at Waterfront Seafood Grill -- $20,000
* San Juan Islands Experience & Quilceda Creek Winemaker Dinner for Eight -- $17,000
* Betz Family Winery Inaugural Winery Tour for Eight -- $16,000
* Col Solare Grand Opening on Red Mountain -- $10,000

Sponsors of the 2005 Auction of Washington Wines included Chateau Ste. Michelle, John L. Scott Foundation, Viking/Gateway Appliance Distributing, American Express and Seattle Homes & Lifestyles.

About Auction of Washington Wines

The Auction of Washington Wines is a 501 (c)(3) not-for profit organization facilitating the Washington state wine industry's philanthropic support. Hailed as one of the top five charity auctions in the country by Wine Spectator, the Auction of Washington Wines has raised more than $15 million for Children's Hospital since 1988. For more information about the AWW check out the website at www.auctionofwashingtonwines.org or call 206-667-9463 ext. 204 or 256.

About Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center (Uncompensated Care)

For nearly 100 years Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center has carried out its mission of providing excellent pediatric patient care, education, research and child advocacy regardless of a patient's ability to pay. Consistently ranked as one of the best children's hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report and Child magazines, Children's serves as the pediatric referral center for Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. In 2004, more than 58,000 children received financial assistance.

About The Washington Wine Education Foundation

The Washington Wine Education Foundation supports 2-year and 4-year collegiate programs in Washington viticulture and enology. A portion of funds raised at the Auction of Washington Wines goes directly to the state's educational partners, including Washington State University, Yakima Valley Community College and Walla Walla Community College. These academic institutions began a collaborative effort in 2001 to create quality enological education programs that graduate students with the skills necessary to further Washington's growing wine industry.
Contact:

Washington Wine Commission
Regan O'Leary, 206-667-9463, ext. 217
roleary@washingtonwine.org


Source: Washington Wine Commission