Upcoming Event: 3rd Annual WSU Wine Symposium - Columbia Tower Club - Seattle, WA

Well if you know me at all, you know that two of my loves have to do with anything WSU related and anything wine related. And as we’ve learned in the past (read my write-up on the Grape Cup here), when the two are combined I get pretty excited about it! I’m so happy to once again be participating in putting on the 3rd Annual Washington State University Wine Symposium. This yearly event, organized by the Alumni Association and its trusty team of volunteers (that’s me!), is a showcase for Coug owned and affiliated wineries in Washington State. Cougs love supporting other Cougs and this is a great way to discover some fantastic wines that happen to be made by fellow alumni!

Upcoming Event: El Gaucho 3rd Annual ‘Pour On the Plaza’ - El Gaucho - Bellevue, WA

While I don't often find myself promoting Bellevue events (I am a die-hard Seattle girl afterall), this one was just too good to pass up. With such an amazing winery line-up for a Saturday afternoon affair, I figured I just had to share it with everyone! On Saturday, June 25, El Gaucho in Bellevue will host its 3rd annual 'Pour on the Plaza', where guests are invited to enjoy an array of delicious appetizers from El Gaucho Bellevue and Waterfront Seafood Grill while tasting wines from over 20 of the Northwest’s most distinguished wineries. This year the event will support the Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club of King County.

The event will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and will be held on El Gaucho Bellevue’s new outdoor patio located in the City Center Plaza. Cost is $85 per person (incl tax & gratuity) and reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at (425) 455-2715. Complimentary valet parking will be offered at El Gaucho’s front door.

In addition to sips and snacks, music will be provided by the upbeat Latin grooves of A Cedar Suede. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Season 1 Top Chef David Martin, who will be making a special appearance to autograph his latest cookbook for a minimum donation. All proceeds will benefit the Rainer Vista Boys & Girls Club.

Participating wineries include:

Andrew Will Winery
Bergstrom Winery
Caymus Vineyards
Corliss Estates
DeLille Cellars
Domaine Drouhin
Domaine Ste. Michelle
Domaine Serene
EFESTĒ Winery
Evening Land Vineyards
Gorman Winery
Grand Rêve Vintners Winery and Vineyard
Lachini Vineyards
Long Shadows Wineries and Vineyards
Mark Ryan Winery
Northstar Winery
Novelty Hill Winery
Pepper Bridge Winery
Sparkman Cellars
Spring Valley Vineyard
Va Piano Vineyards
Walla Faces Vineyard

As I mentioned, a very impressive winery line-up. Pair these wines with the delicious bites from the participating restaurants and you have one amazing Saturday afternoon! Let's hope for some amazing weather to enjoy 'Pour on the Plaza' 2011!

Do You Rock & Wine? Win 2 Tickets to Upcoming Wine Rocks 2011!

Hopefully by now you've heard about next week's Wine Rocks event, held at the Georgetown Ballroom. For more details, see my post on the event here. I have a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky reader, and it could be you! Here's the details:

-Post a comment here about your favorite wine/music combination. Is it Chenin Blanc and some country? A big Zin with some classic rock? What combo fits you best?

-Make sure you're available and in Seattle, WA on Thursday June 9th from 7-10:30pm.

-On Monday June 6th I will take all the comments and randomly draw a lucky winner for the pair of tickets! Make sure to include your twitter handle (if applicable) in your comment.

-Your name (and your guest) will be on a list at the door at Wine Rocks for entrance into the event!

Good luck and I hope to see everyone Thursday the 9th at Wine Rocks 2011!