Taste of Washington 2019
Hello from the Taste of Washington! The ToW was kind enough to provide me, and my friend Ishea over at Six Twenty Seven, with VIP access to the Grand Tasting yesterday. Holy chard! … What a treat!
Here are the facts, friends. They gave us access to over 235 wineries under one roof, 65 restaurants sharing their specialities, a dessert bar, a VIP lounge area with charging station and two swag bags. Was I in heaven? Abso-wineo-lutely.
I can’t believe I don’t know more people that attend this event every year because it started in 1998. It’s expanded and changed hands. In fact, it’s now put on annually by Visit Seattle, who do an amazing job making this event fun. It now includes almost all of Washington’s finest vineyards (a few from Oregon) and our most talented PNW chefs.
As you guys know, I love wine just as much as the next person but I’m a style blogger first. You might tell by my outfit that I’m not dressed to the nines for this event and I’ll talk more about that below, along with my top favorite wines and food options.
Here are a few simple fashion tips to make the most of your experience at the Taste of Washington:
- Dark Clothes – There’s a lot of red wine at this event, friends. Please don’t get your new white dress spilled on by you or another guest!
- Stretchy Clothes – We ate like Queens and so will you. An expandable waste line is key loose fitted jeans.
- FLATS – My dears, today is not the day to be a hero! Wedges, Louboutins, heels… 6 hours is a long time to be standing. Your feet will thank you.
- Accessorize – Since you’re sticking to your basics, this is the perfect time to add your favorite accessories. I, of course, added my amethyst crystal for extra energy. Did you know it’s also supposed to prevent drunkenness and overindulgence? I was super good at pacing myself!
- Be Yourself – Adding this one because your BEST sense of style is yourself. Trust yourself, be yourself and own your mood. I met tons of people and needed a charger before going for round two. Listen to and take care of YOU and you’ll be just fine.
Favorite Wines:
- Seven Hills Winery Dry Rosé – Absolutely amazing. Perfect for a nice sunset in the summer time.
- Upsidedown 2016 Artist Series Syrah – Great red to pair with dessert. Lightly smokey and full of flavor. (Love this venue, almost all of their wines give back to a cause.)
- Baer Winery‘s 2017 Shard – Fantastic chilled. All stainless steel Chardonnay that’s crisp and juicy! I loved this wine. Not a oak in sight!
- Upchurch Vineyard‘s 2016 Southwest Facing – Beautiful. Light, mildly sweet and fresh. Perfect for patio weather surrounded by flowers and good friends! (Also loved their 2016 LTL Cab Sauv!)
Favorite Foods:
- Blended Burger Project – If you follow me on IG, you already know that these guys got my vote. Not only was this one of the best burgers I’ve ever had but it was a blended burger of beef and 30% fresh mushroom, making it a sustainable burger. Check out the facts here.
- Aerlume – Salmon Gravalax. These guys were kind enough to indulge Ishea and also make me one without the cremé. The salmon was incredible, fresh and raw on a tasty crostini.
- Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi – Listen to this: Char Siu Kurobuta pork belly with arugula agnolotti, truffled tonkotsu broth, roasted beets and soy poached quail egg…. I had one and had to stop what I was doing to die. It was divine!
Hope you all enjoyed the low down on this event. Dying to know if anyone attended Sunday and if you have a favorite wine that had their own booth. Please share below!