SEATTLE (PRWEB) – Four years ago, the Auction of Washington Wines (AWW) introduced the trade-exclusive Private Barrel Auction that featured just eight wineries; this year the Private Barrel Auction is expanding to feature more than thirty of the most noted winemakers across Washington state. Unlike other auctions in the U.S. that highlight specific wine regions, the Private Barrel Auction shines a light on the entire state of Washington to raise awareness and generate innovation for the future of the state’s wine industry.
The Private Barrel Auction is committed to innovation, investing 100 percent of last year’s proceeds – $137,500 – in Washington State University’s (WSU) Viticulture and Enology Research Program. WSU’s program fosters education and cutting-edge research that is paving the way for the Washington wine industry and its leadership on a global scale. AWW is the largest private donor to WSU’s Viticulture and Enology Research Program, contributing nearly one quarter of all the research money for WSU in 2017. Research on this level will ensure the future success of the entire industry.
At the Private Barrel Auction, attendees are invited to sample and live-bid on exclusively crafted wines made one time only and not available elsewhere. This opportunity allows the discerning trade community to differentiate themselves with unique, distinct Washington wine selections and the exclusivity of ownership with the 60-bottle allotment they purchase. Of the thirty-plus wineries participating this year, Betz Family Winery has been involved since the beginning.
“Washington’s wine community has experienced unprecedented growth, now ranking as the second largest premium wine producer in the U.S. Each year the Private Barrel Auction has grown as well, offering serious national trade members the opportunity to acquire the finest, most unique examples of the state’s wines. And it’s fun! A time of year when the best of the best come together to celebrate our industry and the future of Washington wines,” said Bob Betz, founder and consulting winemaker at Betz Family Winery.
This year’s Private Barrel Auction is set for August 16, 2018. To learn more and register, visit http://www.AuctionofWashingtonWines.org/trade. For more information around all 2018 Auction of Washington Wine events, visit http://www.AuctionofWaWines.org.
About the Auction of Washington Wines
Since its inception in 1988, AWW has raised more than $41 million, benefitting Seattle Children’s Hospital and Washington State University Wine Science Research. Events hosted by AWW give wine lovers the chance to support the Washington wine industry and families in our communities around the region. The 2018 Auction of Washington Wines will take place August 16-18, 2018. Major sponsors have included Chateau Ste. Michelle, Ferrari of Seattle, The John L. Scott Foundation, The Seattle Times, King 5 TV and Wine Spectator Magazine.
About Washington State University’s Viticulture & Enology Program
The WSU Viticulture & Enology Program is a comprehensive education and research program that prepares students for successful careers in the wine industry and supports the needs of the region’s winemakers and grape growers. Enhanced by world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, the V&E Program takes a hands-on, multidisciplinary approach, offering students technical, scientific, and practical experience. V&E’s cutting-edge research and education helps growers and winemakers cultivate healthy plants and craft wines that express the unique characteristics of Washington’s wine growing regions. In close partnership with an engaged industry, the WSU V&E Program propels Washington wine forward.
