Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1499272
With over 600 bottles from 89 growing regions spanning six continents, it's no wonder the WAC's wine program has grabbed the attention of the private club world. In early 2023, the WAC's celebrated wine program received its fourth Award of Distinction from the Club Manage- ment Association of America Interna- tional Wine Society. "It's truly satisfy- ing," Vice President of Food & Beverage Peter Christian says. Hundreds of clubs worldwide submit their wine lists for review by the CMAA International Wine Society, but only a handful earn the Award of Distinction. "Being challenged to build a list that is worthy of the award keeps us focused on what is happening with the indus- try," says Peter, who is also an accredit- ed sommelier. "We are always learning and growing." e WAC last received the award in 2020 but did not enter the competition in 2021 or 2022 as the wine program ramped back up post-pandemic. Peter points out that the WAC's wine list is arguably Seattle's best. "We also offer bottles at tremendous value when compared with restaurants around the city," he says. Peter loves sharing wine with mem- bers and guests and is thrilled when someone waves him down to chat about a specific vintage or region. "Many of our members are still finding out the global reach our list offers," he says. "We also have a fantastic selection from around the Pacific Northwest. Some of the country's best wine regions are right in our backyard. We want to feature that while also offering access to terroir from around the world." Wine at the WAC In addition to enjoying wine by the bottle or glass in our restaurants, WAC members can enjoy upcoming wine-focused events, including: Thirsty Thursday: June 1 Complimentary wine tasting in the lobby. Summer Sips: Thursday, June 15 Wine tasting and sale in the lobby. Virtual Cellar Sale: Friday, June 16 wac.net/wine-sale Members may also join our Food & Beverage interest group on the WAC app for special announcements about wine and other events. Tap Menu > Stay Connected > Interest Groups > Food & Beverage. Choose your next bottle from the WAC wine list in Torchy's or Hagerty's. For restaurant hours, view the WAC app. Tap Menu > Food & Wine > Hours & Contacts 20 WAC Magazine | wac.net taste wac wine WAC wine program earns top honors Sharpen your inner sommelier with our World of Wine series of classes in the Meisnest Room. On May 17, join us for our "Wonderful World of Grapes" class, where we'll dive deep into the differences of fruit and wine varietals. On June 21, learn about the art of wine and food pairing. Classes led by certified sommeliers and wine educators. Sign up online or on the WAC app. wac.net/world-of-wine WORLD OF WINE CLASSES u Vice President Food & Beverage Peter Christian spearheads the award-winning WAC wine program. E M I L I O H U E R TA S