Award-Winning Actor and Winery Owner Kyle MacLachlan Selected as Auction of Washington Wines’ 2025 Honorary Chair
Tickets Now on Sale for May Wine Country Celebrations Vintner Dinners and August Events: TOAST!, Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction, and Gala
March 5, 2025 (Seattle, WA) — Auction of Washington Wines, one of the top five wine auctions in the country, returns for its 38th year of fundraising in May and August 2025. The full calendar of wine events and auctions benefit the community, with contributions to their three philanthropic partners: Seattle Children’s, Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology Department, and Auction of Washington Wines’ Industry Grant Partner, Vital Wines. Since its inception in 1988, the organization has raised $68 million. The series of auction events in 2024 raised $4.25 million.
Auction of Washington Wines 38th Annual Fundraising Calendar
- August 16: Gala at The Somm. Hotel & Spa (tickets here)
- May 2: Wine Country Celebrations Vintner Dinner at Mark Ryan Winery in Woodinville (tickets here)
- May 15: Wine Country Celebrations Vintner Dinner at Novelty-Hill Januik Winery in Woodinville (tickets here)
- May 16: Wine Country Celebrations Vintner Dinner at Hedges Family Estate on Red Mountain (tickets here)
- August 12-16: Gala Online Auction
- August 14: TOAST! Industry Awards Dinner at Sparkman Cellars (tickets here)
- August 15: Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction at Chateau Ste. Michelle (tickets here)
The season kicks off in May with three Vintner Dinners in wine country locations in Woodinville and Benton City. Proceeds from the Vintner Dinners benefit WSU’s Viticulture and Enology department and Seattle Children’s patients and families in Central and Eastern Washington.
On May 2, Mark Ryan Winery in Woodinville hosts the first Vintner Dinner with accompanied by Damsel Cellars and Latta Wines. A welcome reception will feature Barrage Cellars, Darby Winery, Guardian Cellars, JM Cellars, Long Shadows Vintners, Rush Lattin Cellars, and Two Vintners, followed by dinner prepared by Chef Aaron Tekulve of Surrell. The second Vintner Dinner is on May 15 at Novelty Hill-Januik Winery in Woodinville, cohosted by winemakers from Baer Winery and Kinhaven Winery. Novelty Hill-Januik’s chef Jason Northern will prepare the wine paired dinner. Winemakers from Brian Carter Cellars, DeLille Cellars, Callan Cellars, Gård Vintners, EFESTĒ, Bayernmoor Cellars, and Quiddity Wines are featured during the welcome reception. The third dinner will be hosted by Hedges Family Estate on Red Mountain on May 16. Cohosted by Col Solare Winery and Avennia Winery, the reception will feature Anelare Winery, Fidélitas Wines, Muret-Gaston Winery, Terra Blanca Winery, Tinte Cellars, and Upchurch Vineyard.
In August, the Auction of Washington Wines returns with the Gala Online Auction, TOAST!, Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction, and their marquee event, Gala, hosted this year at the brand new luxury hotel The Somm Hotel & Spa. The Gala Online Auction is held from August 12 to 16, offering bidders the opportunity to support the Auction’s mission without attending the in-person events. Auction lots include unique wine packages, wine-themed excursions, and incredible tasting experiences up for bid.
On August 14, the Auction of Washington Wines recognizes emerging and diverse wine industry leaders at the TOAST! Industry Awards, held at Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville. The awards honor individuals who have worked for the success of Washington wine and those who are paving the way as industry leaders. Last year’s award winners included Darcy Fugman-Small and Rick Small for a Lifetime Achievement Award, writer Stacy Buchanan of Blood of Gods (Emerging Leader), and photographer Richard Duval (Auction of Washington Wines Star award), among others.
The Winemaker Picnic & Barrel Auction is the largest celebration of Washington wine in the Auction calendar, held on August 15 on the beautiful grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle. Roam and pour winemakers greet guests with wine. Two Vintner Stations featuring wines from more than 30 of Washington’s top vintners and a Sparkling and Rosé tasting bar offer pairing options with the lineup of gourmet food from top local chefs. The live Barrel Auction is the exciting focal point of the event, featuring 35 wineries pouring samples of yet-to-be-released wines available for bid.
The Gala on August 16 is the Auction’s marquee fundraising event, which will be held for the first time at the newly built The Somm. Hotel & Spa in Woodinville, set to open this summer. The Auction of Washington Wines will be the first premier event to be held in this brand-new luxury property, a first after hosting the Gala at Chateau Ste Michelle for 37 years. This spectacular evening will be held in the beautiful grand ballroom at The Somm. with a two hour reception featuring twenty premier wineries. The walkaround reception features a luxury wine bottle auction and elevated bites from local restaurants. Guests will then enjoy a five-course dinner created by top local chefs at more than 40 winemaker-hosted tables. The Gala offers exclusive wine and travel packages in a live auction, and continues under the stars at Gala After Dark hosted at The Somm.’s new rooftop bar, The Shed.
“We are proud to continue the tradition of world class events with this season of Auction of Washington Wines fundraising events,” said Executive Director Jamie Peha. “Supporting the meaningful work of our three philanthropic partners has never been more important. This year we are expanding our footprint in Woodinville with events at three Woodinville locations and look forward to welcoming new and longtime champions of Washington wines.”
The Auction of Washington Wines is thrilled to announce Kyle MacLachlan as the honorary chair for 2025, as he shared in this welcome video. An award-winning actor, famous for his parts in Twin Peaks, Dune, Blue Velvet, and more recently Fallout, MacLachlan grew up in Yakima and studied acting at the University of Washington School of Drama. His love for Washington never waned, and in 2005 MacLachlan founded Pursued by Bear, a winery based in Walla Walla. Acclaimed vintner Daniel Wampfler has made the wines since 2008. MacLachlan has been a champion of Washington vineyards and wineries for 20 years.
“I started my winemaking journey in Washington State to stay connected to my family. Along the way, I’ve built lasting friendships and developed a deep appreciation for our growers’ and winemakers’ dedication to quality. I’ve enjoyed participating in the Auction of Washington Wines for years—it’s a fantastic event that showcases the best of Washington’s wine industry. It’s truly an honor to serve as honorary chair this season,” MacLachlan said. “I look forward to seeing everyone in August.”
Auction of Washington Wines’ Hospitality co-chairs for the second year are John and Deanna Oppenheimer. John is the founder of Columbia Hospitality, and Deanna founded the advisory firm CameoWorks and BoardReady, a nonprofit organization that helps corporate clients diversify their boardrooms. The new Auction of Washington Wines’ Community co-chairs for 2025 are Alissa Leinonen, founder and CEO of Gourmondo Co, and Tom Barden, retired director of operations at Accenture and current president and COO of the Seattle Seawolves rugby team.
ABOUT AUCTION OF WASHINGTON WINES
The Auction of Washington Wines supports the growth and raises awareness of the Washington wine industry while benefiting the greater community through fundraising events. The auction has raised more than $68 million since its inception in 1988. Washington’s premier wine auction uplifts the state’s wine industry and raises funds for Seattle Children’s, Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology Department, and Vital Wines, a nonprofit winery that provides access to much needed medical care for vineyard workers. Key supporters for 2025 include Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the Seattle Times, PNC Bank, Ackley Brands, and the John L. Scott Foundation. For more information visit auctionofwawines.org. Follow the Auction of Washington Wines on social media @auctionwawines on Instagram and Facebook @AuctionofWAWines.
