June 24-26: Wine and Jazz Weekend benefits research

By Kaury Balcom, Wine Science Center

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University and the Auction of Washington Wines will host the Tri-Cities Wine and Jazz Weekend June 24-26.

Several ticket packages are available for individual events and a weekend package for two that includes hotel accommodations.

Proceeds will benefit WSU viticulture and enology research, which focuses on ensuring the Northwest stays competitive in the national and global wine market while providing sustainable growth in the industry. Research funded through Auction of Washington Wines also provides hands-on training for students, creating a workforce to meet the growing needs of the grape and wine industry.

The Vineyard Dinner Series will kick off the weekend at 6 p.m. Friday, June 24, with a gourmet meal and wine pairing hosted by Red Mountain wineries Col Solare, Fidelitas and Hedges Family Estate.

The second annual Wine and Jazz Festival starts at 6 p.m. at WSU Tri-Cities in Richland with jazz saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa as headliner. Opening acts, wine tasting provided by 25 Washington wineries and food are sponsored by Toyota of Tri-Cities, Brightstar Entertainment, RBC Wealth Management, Russ Dean RV and SmoothJazz 102.3.

Brunch and Bubbles will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, June 26, at Bookwalter Winery with live music and WSU Blended Learning student-made sparkling wines.

“The research conducted by WSU’s viticulture and enology program is vital to the growth and success of our industry and will help propel us further onto the world stage,” said Sherri Swingle, executive director of Auction of Washington Wines. “We are excited to partner with WSU to bring this signature event to the Tri-Cities and anticipate the Wine and Jazz Weekend will grow into a regional celebration of Washington wine.”

Auction of Washington Wines is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Washington wine while producing and hosting one of the most celebrated wine auctions in the country. It provides financial support for Seattle Children’s Hospital and invests in viticulture and enology research and education through WSU. It has raised more than $34.5 million since its inception in 1988.

Contact:
Kaury Balcom, WSU viticulture and enology, 509-372-7223, kaury.balcom@wsu.edu