Upcoming Event: Grape Cup 2010 - 415 Westlake, Seattle, WA

I don't think I have ever been so excited for an event. This 2nd annual tasting event combines my two passions: wine and the WSU Cougars. This coming Thursday 9/16/2010 there will be over 20 (last I heard up to 24!) wineries and breweries going grape to grape (and hops to hops!) to battle it out for bragging rights. Just like the Apple Cup decides who is the best at football annually, the Grape Cup answers the question: Who makes better wines, Husky alums or Cougar alums? The Cougs won last year, with Robert Smasne of Smasne Cellars taking first place. This year's event will be held at a new venue, 415 Westlake, near South Lake Union. Even better than just knowing your Alma Mater makes the best juice, this event benefits the Washington State Farmworker Housing Trust. And what goes better with a rivalry than tailgate food? Reknowned Chef Tom Black and Mark Huston will be there to provide great food to accompany the wine and beer tasting. Click here for photos of the 2009 event by Nityia Przewlocki.

So who's coming? Ladies and gentlemen, here's the line-up:

Cougars:

Edmonds Winery
Goose Ridge Estate Winery
Kana Winery
Mercer Estates
Palouse Winery
Plaza Winery
St. Laurent Estate Winery
Skylite Cellars
Smasne Cellars
Tempest Sol Winery
Tulip Valley Orchard + Red Barn Cider + Burroloco Cider
William Church Winery
Willow Crest

Huskies:

Brian Carter Cellars
Georgetown Brewing Co
Gilbert Cellars
Pandora Cellars
Nicholas Cole Cellars
Nota Bene Cellars
Red Hook Ale Brewery
Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Co.
Wilridge Winery
WineGirl Wines
Two Mountain Winery
Madsen Family Cellars

In order to get some more excitement going about this awesome upcoming event, yesterday I came up with a Top 10 list for reasons why everyone needs to attend. I posted them all to twitter, but here they are again, the full list!

Reason #10 to attend #GrapeCup: Cool new venue this year, 415 Westlake

Reason #9 to attend #GrapeCup: It benefits the Washington State Farmworker Housing Trust

Reason #8 to attend #GrapeCup: Because there will be 20+ wineries and breweries there!

Reason #7 to attend #GrapeCup: Because football is just one game a year for #WSU and #UW. A wine is forever (or until you drink it).

Reason #6 to attend #GrapeCup: Two words. TAILGATE FOOD!

Reason #5 to attend #GrapeCup: For only $40 you get food, wine, AND beer

Reason #4 to attend #GrapeCup: Learn which fantastic wine & beer makers are #WSU and #UW alumni

Reason #3 to attend #GrapeCup: Because wine is crimson. And grapes are purple.

Reason #2 to attend #GrapeCup: Because you get to wear your favorite #WSU and #UW gear. From head to toe.

And reason #1 to attend #GrapeCup: Bragging rights! (aka smack talking) Get your tix and I'll see you there!

Get your tickets by clicking HERE! I'll see you there (I'll be in crimson.. ;) GO COUGS!