Taste Washington Event Expands To 2 Days

It's no secret that Washington state is known for its booming wine business: the $3 billion wine industry ranks second behind only California, and touts nearly 700 wineries in the state, says the Associated Press. So it's no suprise that the popular Seattle event, Taste Washington, is expanding to two days to become the ultimate Washington destination weekend.

With 200 wineries and 50 restaurants participating, the list keeps growing and growing. Wine ranges from $10 (from 14 Hands Hot to Trot red and white blends to Willow Crest Winery's pinot gris) to $100 (a 2007 reserve cabernet sauvignon from Boudreaux Cellars).

This year's seminars vary, from blind tastings to food and wine pairing tips to up-close-and-personal looks at two celebrated wineries. For those interested in an in-depth look at specific wineries, the "Vineyard Exploration" series features Red Willow Vineyard and Ciel du Cheval Vineyard and their contributions to Washington's growth in wine. And for the true foodie/wine connoisseurs: local chefs like Tom Douglas, Wayne Johnson, and Mark Bodinet will be making dishes onstage for an audience, who can learn and ask questions after their performances.

Tickets range between $75 to $125, check out the web site for more details (and the Bellingham Herald's tips for making the most out of the event).