Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1489591
18 WAC Magazine | wac.net taste taste washington Wineries on both sides of the Cascade Mountains oen pride themselves on demonstrating what makes Washington the second-largest wine producing state in the country. With more than 400 grape growers, 20 unique regions, and 60,000 acres of wine grapes, Washington has created a viticulture all its own. It's easy to understand why winemakers like Walla Walla's Echolands Winery dedicate themselves to producing varietals that do their roots justice. Founded in 2018, Echolands is one of a handful of our state's greats that will join us at our 15th annual Taste Wash- ington Winemaker Dinner. Other winer- ies slated to attend our epicurean evening include Delmas Wines, XOBC Cellars, Dunham Cellars, and e Walls. Each year, WAC Food & Beverage Vice Pres- ident Peter Christian selects attendees that showcase the strength and pedigree of the Evergreen State's wine industry. "With so many prolific wineries in the state, it's hard to choose which wineries to feature each year," Peter says. "is year's group puts a particular focus on the Walla Walla Valley." All five featured wineries either grow their own grapes or source heavily from the Walla Walla Valley American Viticul- tural Area, one of the five largest AVAs in Washington by acres planted in grapes. is year's Taste Washington Wine- maker Dinner is set for 6–9:30 pm on Friday, March 24, in the Crystal Ball- room. Tickets are $165 for members and $185 for nonmember guests. One of the wineries Peter is most excited about this year is Echolands. e winery was started just four years ago by Brad Bergman and Doug Frost, the latter of whom is one of just four people in the world to hold the titles of Master of Wine and Master Sommelier. Despite releasing its first wines just two years ago, Echolands has already earned a reputa- tion as one of Walla Walla's best. Along with up-and-coming wineries like Echolands, veteran wineries like Dunham Cellars will be in attendance to showcase what has made them a Walla Walla mainstay since 1995. Founded by late father-son duo, Mike and Eric Dunham, Dunham Cellars was born in a World War II airplane hangar in Walla Walla aer the pair of wine connoisseurs realized their shared vision to make wine while on a father-son fishing trip. Fast forward 27 years, and Dunham Cellars has become one of the region's most celebrated wineries. "It's a real treat to bring these wine- makers together for one night," Peter says. Representatives from each winery are slated to attend, along with guest chefs who will collaborate with WAC Ex- ecutive Chef Eric Floyd on a multicourse dinner, complete with pairings. Sip along and learn the stories and styles of these wineries at this year's Taste Washington Winemaker Dinner. is event sells out every year! Reserve your seats online at wac.net/taste-washington. A taste of Washington Our quintessential winemaker dinner returns to the Crystal Ballroom Taste Washington Winemaker Dinner • Friday, March 24 • 6–9:30 pm; Crystal Ballroom • $165 members, $185 nonmember guests wac.net/taste-washington J O H N B A N G