Looking to learn about the history of the Washington vineyard growing and wine making? Or maybe just taste some of its great wine? Then plan to join us for the March 12 program. This special program will be presented by the members of Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA). Paul Gregutt, renown wine critic, will also be on hand with his new book, "Washington Wines & Wineries – The Essential Guide". The vineyard growers and winemakers will explain how the terroir, weather and location make the Horse Heaven Hills AVA a spectacular area for grape growing.

This windswept "Big Sky" plateau of 570,000 acres with over 6,000 acres planted to wine-grapes has a history of farming, ranching and production of world class wines. Horse Heaven Hills became an officially recognized AVA in 2005. But long before the region was recognized officially, it was home to world class vineyards and wine; including the highest rated Washington white wine from Wine Spectator, a 1999 Chateau Ste. Michelle Dr Loosen Single Berry Select, which received a 97 and the first two Washington wines to receive the coveted 100 point rating from The Wine Advocate, the 2002 and 2003 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignons. Not only is Horse Heaven Hills AVA one of the largest viticultural regions in Washington, but it also has some of the oldest vineyard blocks including Champoux Vineyards (formerly known as Mercer Ranch Vineyards). The entire area is known for its perfect terroir and the dedicated farmers who work the land. Wineries such as Quilceda Creek, Andrew Will, Robert Karl, Columbia Crest, Woodward Canyon, Barnard-Griffin, and others are proud to work with these farmers with the end result being some of the best wine in the state, nation and world.

As a special addition to this event, SWS is proud to feature Paul Gregutt, who will have copies of his new book, "Washington Wines & Wineries – The Essential Guide" available for signing. The book has gotten outstanding reviews from the Wine Spectator, New York Times, Sunset and Wine & Spirits, as well as many regional newspapers and magazines. Check our website for pre-event book sales. The book is the culmination of 20 years of his wine touring, tasting and writing throughout Washington state; and his effort to encapsulate, synthesize and evangelize for Washington as a globally important wine region. Paul also writes a monthly feature for Pacific Northwest magazine in the Sunday Seattle Times and is a Contributing Editor and the Northwest wine reviewer for Wine Enthusiast magazine. He writes the Northwest section for Tom Stevenson’s annual ‘Wine Report’ books.

Join us for an evening of meeting vineyard growers and winemakers, tasting great wines and getting your own copy of Washington’s wine guide. See you on the 12th!

Door prizes at the event include bottles of wine as well as tickets to the July 19 "Horse Heaven Hills Trail Ride", celebrating the 1st Anniversary of the Horse Heaven HIlls appellation!

$25 Members
$35 Non-Members

Tickets with Paypal deadline is Tuesday, March 11, at 10 p.m. For questions about ticketing, you can contact Joanne at (425) 775-7901.

For advance reservations by mail, send a check, payable to Seattle Wine Society, to:

Joanne Thorssell,
21212 Fourth Ave. W.
Bothell, WA 98021 Postmarked by Saturday, March 8.

Members-only Book Offer: order Paul Gregutt's "Washington Wines and Wineries: the Essential Guide" through this website, at the 25% discounted price of $28.59!

Non-Member Package Deal: a one-year membership to the Society, plus one ticket to the event, plus one copy of Paul Gregutt's "Washington Wines and Wineries: the Essential Guide" through this website, at the fabulous price of $78.59!

St. Demetrios Cultural Center
2100 Boyer Ave. East, Seattle

Ticket sales begin: 6:30
Doors open at 7:00
There will be at least 30 tickets available at the door.

Beat the crowds - Get your tickets at the door starting at 6:30pm

Want the member price? For $25 you get a whole year of great event discounts. Click Here to join!