2008 Seattle Wine Awards, Grand Public Tasting, Sunday June 22

The public is invited to sip, savor and celebrate the 2008 Seattle Wine Awards winning wines at the Grand Awards Tasting on Sunday, June 22 from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. The most prestigious and comprehensive Washington state wine recognition program announces the winning wines at this inaugural event. Tickets are available on-line at: http://www.seattlewineawards.com Must be 21 years or older. Valid ID required.

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) May 30, 2008

Wine consumers and connoisseurs are invited to sip, sample and celebrate the 2008 Seattle Wine Award winners at the Grand Awards Tasting on Sunday, June 22 from 3:00pm - 7:00pm. The Seattle Wine Awards is the single largest review of Washington wines in the world and provides an unbiased opportunity for new and established wineries to earn the highest level of critical acclaim. The Grand Award Tasting is a personal opportunity to discover and taste Washington's most prestigious award winning wines. Tickets are available on-line at http://www.seattlewineawards.com.

The Seattle Wine Awards was founded in 2006 by Executive Director Christopher Chan, who also serves as The Rainier Club's Director of Wine & Spirits. On April 26th & 27th, a panel of 15 of the region's most prominent wine professionals evaluated 613 Washington wines to determine by consensus the winners of the Grand Awards of Excellence and Outstanding Wine Honors. Unlike magazine and state fair wine competitions, the Seattle Wine Awards is the only independent review of Washington wines by our local wine professionals. This year's notable panel includes:

Amy Mumma ~ Central Washington University World Wine Program
Dan McCarthy ~ McCarthy & Schiering Wine Merchants
Cyril Frechier ~ Café Campagne and Restaurant, Director of Wine
Tim O'Brien ~ Salty's Restaurant, Director of Wine
Lisa Rongren ~ The Herbfarm Restaurant, Sommelier
Mark Takagi ~ Metropolitan Markets, Director of Fine Wine
Jake Kosseff ~ Wine Consultant and Founder of Extraordinary Dining Society
Arnie Millan ~ Esquin Wine Merchants, Sommelier
Lars Ryssdal ~ ACME Wine Company
Bob Bane ~ NW Wine Specialist, ODOM Distributing
David LeClaire ~ Wine Events & Promotions, Sommelier
Thomas Price ~ Metropolitan Grill, Advanced Sommelier
Ryan Allison ~ Cellar 46, Owner
Gerry Warren ~ Seattle Wine Society, Board of Directors
Chris Tanghe ~ Crush Restaurant, Sommelier
Jeff Lindsay-Thorsen ~ Cascadia Restaurant, Director of Wine

"The members of our tasting panel are the most recognized wine professionals in our community. It is a privileged to have such a wealth of experience and reputation that consumers know and trust," said Chan.

The goal of the Seattle Wine Awards is to recognize, celebrate and promote excellence in Washington wine by honoring the best red and white wines in varietal/price categories with Gold, Silver and Bronze - Grand Awards of Excellence. In addition, the Seattle Wine Awards also recognizes by consensus, the highest quality Washington wines with the honor of Vintner's Award - Outstanding Washington Wine.

"Our state has more than 500 Wineries and those that earn a Seattle Wine Award recognize they have crafted a world-class Washington wine. It is truly a prestigious honor," Chan said.

This is the inaugural year for the Grand Awards Tasting, to be held at The Rainier Club on Sunday, June 22, from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Cost is $125.00 and includes a souvenir Riedel Overture Logo Tasting Glass. The event offers an exclusive opportunity to taste the award winning wines, meet the winemakers who have earned this distinction and enjoy an array of gourmet cuisine.

For tickets and further information please visit us on-line at: http://www.seattlewineawards.com or contact Christopher Chan, (206) 853-4677.

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