Hot Nights of Wine and Rock ‘n’ Roll Raise More Than $850,000 for Washington Wines Festival’s Wine Weekend

SEATTLE, WA–(Marketwire – July 16, 2010) –  On a beautiful, sunny weekend at Camp Korey at Carnation Farm, hundreds of wine lovers attended “Wine Weekend” to raise more than $850,000 for Camp Korey, a free of charge, medically supervised camp for seriously ill children and the Washington Wine Education Foundation. Unconventional and hip winemaker Charles Smith, of K Vintners, was honored throughout the weekend and unveiled a special version of his popular ‘Motor City Kitty’ Syrah as the ‘Magical Camp Korey’ Syrah. As is the tradition for “Wine Weekend,” winemaker dinners with locally renowned chefs on Friday night didn’t disappoint. From the coveted fish pond dinner with Flying Fish chef/owner Christine Keff, to dinners by chefs from Blueacre Seafood, Brix 25, The Capital Grille, Ethan Stowell Restaurants, Pearl Bar & Dining, Salish Lodge, Toulouse Petit, Waterfront Seafood Grill, Wild Ginger and the WSU Culinary team, guests were treated to culinary perfection paired with stellar wines.

“This year marks our third year of bringing together wine lovers for two great causes, children and wine education. We’re so grateful that Washington State’s best wineries have chosen to participate in this unique event again,” said Jim Rose, event chair. “Charles Smith was a perfect choice as our honoree this year with the combination of his wild and fun persona and top-rated wines. His unveiling of the Magical Camp Korey Syrah was very special and truly made him a superhero for the children that attend Camp Korey.”

More than 50 wineries brought out their featured wines to delight guests at the winemakers’ luncheon where Anthony’s Homeport Kirkland and Vehrs, Inc. catered the fabulous spread. Following the luncheon was the live auction, emceed for the third year in a row by KOMO TV anchors Kathi Goertzen and Dan Lewis. Auctioneer John Curley entertained the audience with his high energy and quick wit, accompanied by celebrity reader Bob Flick. Top-selling auction lots included a world-class salmon fishing trip to Alaska for four with vintner Tom Hedges from Hedges Family Estate and Joe Bundrant of Trident Seafoods. Also selling twice was a fly fishing trip for six to Ruby Springs Lodge in Montana with special guest chef Kevin Davis from Blueacre Seafood and Steelhead Diner as well as two 12^th Man Seahawks Tailgate parties for four.

Following the live auction, guests were treated to a delicious dinner of BBQ steak and a traditional salmon bake over an open fire, provided by El Gaucho Restaurants and Tulalip Resort Casino. Up and coming artist Vince Mira, who has been called the reincarnation of Johnny Cash, warmed up the crowd at dinner before the White Sox All-Star Band took to the stage to get everyone dancing and singing to tunes by the White Sox band members’ former bands — Queen, Yes and Journey, among others.

The evening continued as Vince Mira performed at the fire pit down in the field and members of the White Sox All-Star Band played acoustically far into the night as guests roasted marshmallows over the fire for s’mores.

About Washington Wines Festival

Washington Wines Festival was founded in 1990 by a group of wine lovers who wanted to promote local Washington wineries while giving back to the community. Over the last 18 years, Washington Wines Festival has raised and donated more than $4 million to organizations such as Farestart, Washington Wine Education Foundation and Yakima Farm Workers Clinic. Camp Korey has been the beneficiary since Wine Weekend’s inaugural event in 2008. Washington Wines Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

About Camp Korey

Camp Korey is a medically supervised residential camp for children suffering from serious and life threatening illnesses at no cost to them. Camp Korey was founded by Tim Rose, father of the late Korey Rose who passed away in 2004 at the age of 18 after battling bone cancer. Camp Korey is currently working with the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, founded by Paul Newman, to meet the necessary requirements to become a member of the family of camps.

About Washington Wine Education Foundation

Washington Wine Education Foundation exists to provide funding for world class enology viticulture research, education and training programs specific to Washington State.

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