2011 Iron Vintner Challenge (June 8, June 15, June 22, and June 29)
The second annual 2011 Iron Vintner Challenge, hosted by Willows Lodge in Woodinville, Washington, is a month-long culinary competition where local winemakers battle for the title of Iron Vintner. The cooking competitions will take place on three consecutive Wednesdays in June at Willows Lodge and then conclude with a Championship Winemaker Dinner at Barking Frog to benefit Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. Participating local Woodinville winemakers include: John Bigelow of JM Cellars, Chris Gorman of Gorman Winery, Chris Sparkman of Sparkman Cellars, and Chris Upchurch of DeLille Cellars.

Each winemaker and their partner will be given a box of products selected by Barking Frog’s Executive Chef Bobby Moore from which to create an appetizer and an entrée in 60 minutes. A panel of celebrity foodie judges will sample the competitors’ dishes and select a winner each week based on presentation, flavor, and creativity.

The 2011 Iron Vintner Challenge schedule:

• June 8, 5:30–7pm; Preliminary Round 1: Chris Sparkman vs. Chris Gorman, $35 per person
• June 15, 5:30–7pm; Preliminary Round 2: Chris Upchurch vs. John Bigelow, $35 per person
• June 22, 5:30–7pm; Championship: Winner of Round 1 vs. Winner of Round 2, $35 per person
• June 29, 7pm; Championship Dinner at Barking Frog: All participating winemakers attend, $135 per person

For additional information or to make a reservation, visit the Willows Lodge website. I will be in the “Twitter pit” for the Preliminary Round on June 15th. If you are unable to attend, be sure to follow my tweets @winepeeps.

Vintage Walla Walla (June 16-17)
Vintage Walla Walla is an annual event in Walla Walla, Washington, featuring winemaker dinners, a Vintage Pour, and a Summer BBQ. In addition, attendees will also be able to watch five local winemakers compete in the VIKING Master of the Grill competition and enjoy the music of the Dusty 45s, Seattle’s rockabilly, swing, and jump blues band. A portion of the proceeds benefits Seattle Children’s Uncompensated Care Fund in collaboration with the Auction of Washington Wines.

Vintage Walla Walla schedule:

• June 16, 6-10pm; Private Winemaker Dinners, various locations, $100 per person
• June 17, 5-6pm; Vintage Tasting at Waters Winery, $65 per person for tasting and BBQ
• June 17, 6-10pm; Summer BBQ at Waters Winery, $50 per person for BBQ only

For additional information, visit the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance website.

Entwine Grand Auction (October 15)
The Entwine Grand Auction brings together the best of the Walla Walla Valley’s wine, food, and art at the Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla, Washington. The evening kicks off with a silent auction and small bites, followed by a multi-course dinner featuring ingredients from local growers and producers. Some of the featured items in the auction will be unique barrel art. Seven Northwest artists were commissioned to create interpreted works of art from vintage wine barrels.

Recently, the barrel art was on display in Woodinville, and I had the pleasure to attend a media event to get a sneak peek. The barrel art is now on display at wineries in Walla Walla where it will remain until the Entwine Grand Auction in October. Be sure to check it out!

There are many great bottles of wine and wine experiences on the list of auction items as well as a few other non-wine auction lots that sound intriguing like NASCAR Racing Experience for 2, Fighter Pilot for a Day, and a 10-day Holland America Cruise.

For additional information, visit the Entwine Auction website.

I hope you are able to attend one (or all) of these upcoming events. They offer great opportunities to enjoy good wine, food, and entertainment.

Cheers!

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