Seattle Wine and Food Experience

February 23, 2014

VIP noon-5 p.m., $65

General admission 1-5 p.m.: $55

Seattle Center Exhibition Hall

Since 2008, the Seattle Wine and Food Experience has brought food and wine together and become a must-do event for many. The event allows guests to learn about and taste a wide offering of products through 'experiences' and event features.

"What makes Seattle Wine and Food Experience unique in the marketplace are the 'experiences' that guests encounter," says Jamie Peha, president of Peha Promotions, TableTalk Northwest and producer of SWFE. "Guests have the opportunity to educate themselves about beverage and culinary products from the Northwest and beyond, talk to producers and taste samples from a variety of regions and growing industries."

Woodinville Wine Country is the featured wine region this year with more than 30 wineries and all of Washington's AVAs represented. Some of the wineries that will be present are Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Winery, Lauren Ashton Cellars and Patterson Cellars. Guests may also taste other Washington wines as well as wines from Idaho, Oregon, California and international wines including those from Italy, France, Argentina, Spain and Portugal.

SIP Northwest Distillery Row features many of our region's craft spirits along with some global brands. Along with tasting, guests can learn how grains and botanicals become whiskey, vodka and gin.

The special event feature will be Stella Artois. Stella Artois has more than 600 years of Belgium brewing experience and will be on hand with their special chalice as well as their other brands including Cidre, Hoegaarden, Leffe Brun and Leffe Blond.

Northwest Travel Magazine will have contributor Cole Danehower hosting a test for your palate: a blind comparative tasting of the same varietal form different AVAs.

Now for food fun:

The QFC Advantage Lounge will have leather sofas so you can sit, relax, and enjoy bites from Murray's Cheese, Boar's Head Meats, and Simple Truth Crackers along with sips of luxury wine brands including Chateau Ste. Michelle Single Vineyard Designates, Spring Valley Vineyard, Col Solare, and Northstar Winery.

Tim's Cascade Snacks Beer and Cider Exhibit will be sharing salty ships and popcorn that pair so
well with regional ciders and brews. Guests will learn about the new developments in the world of these craft beverages.

Washington Beef Butcher Block will present beef prepared by Andaluca, bin on the lake, BOKA
Restaurant + Bar, and The Georgian.

Top Pot Doughnut and Coffee Bar will be the place to stop and refresh between bites and sips
with a cup of Top Pot coffee and maybe just one (or two) hand-forged doughnuts.

More than 25 of Seattle's most accomplished chefs will be on hand with a world of tastes. Some of the featured restaurants are: Andaluca, Anthony's Pier 66 & Bell Street Diner, bin on the lake, BOKA Restaurant + Bar, The Capital Grille, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Dirty Oscar's Annex, Far-Eats, The Georgian, Gracie's/Hotel Deluxe, The Hollywood Tavern, The Hunt Club, La Bodega, Miyabi 45^th, Purple Café & Wine Bar, Racha Thai & Asian Kitchen, Ray's Boathouse Café & Catering, Tai Foong USA, Tilikum Place Café, Trellis Restaurant, and Volterra.

John Sarich, Culinary Director for Chateau Ste. Michelle, will be on hand with a selection of Washington's best wines from 14 Hands, Anew, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, Michelle, and O Wines and creative bites.

Taste beverages, food and specialty products from Les Dames d'Escoffier members including Chinoise Sushi Bar & Asian Grill, Gelatiamo, Gnocchi Bar, Kaspars Special Events & Catering, Macrina Bakery, McCrea Cellars, and Serafina Osteria & Enoteca. Les Dames d'Escoffier is this year's beneficiary; they raise funds for scholarships for women in the culinary, beverage, and hospitality industries; and support community outreach programs and sustainable-agriculture projects based in Washington state.

Stop by the various commission and media booths (we'll be there!) to thank them for supporting the event and see what they have to share--you never know what you'll learn.

Tickets are on sale now at www.seattlewineandfoodexperience.com. $55 for general admission from 1-5 p.m. New this year is the $65 VIP ticket that includes on hour early entry (noon), custom tote bag, wine glass and tasting plate, plus an opportunity to win prizes like a wine trip weekend for two to Woodinville Wine Country and tickets to July's Wine Rocks event. This is a 21 and over event; ID is required.

Seattle Wine & Food Experience
Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
swfeinfo@gmail.com

Photos courtesy of Peha Promotions

January 2014