The Seattle Wine and Food Experience

February 22-24, 2018

Established in 2009, The Seattle Wine and Food Experience (or SWFE- swiffey--as we like to call it) has been a great way to familiarize yourself with what's happening in the food and beverage world. You'd think that maybe after 10 years, it might lose its allure. You would be very wrong.

First, who ever gets tired of trying amazing bites and sipping gorgeous wines, learning about spirits, and finding new craft beer? Second, it has evolved over the years, keeping the same sense of fun and education, but offering more and different experiences.

This year, the three separate events are back, Thursday to Saturday, making for one grand weekend. Or you can choose to go to two or just one event. Bonus: you'll have Sunday to recover.

Starting it all off on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. is Comfort, an event that features comfort foods and "crafty brews." Munch on mac and cheese, fried chicken, bites from gastropubs and taverns. Don't pass up the burger bar or desserts! Sip on specialty cocktails, beer, cider, milk and cookies (yes!), and don't forget the Bloody Mary bar. Comfort is at a new location this year: Sodo Park by Herban Feast, at 3200 1^st Avenue S.

On Friday from 6-9 p.m., Pop! Bubbles and Seafood returns at McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer Street at Seattle Center. This is all about Pacific Northwest seafood: clams, oysters, salmon and so much more from 20 of Seattle's best chefs. Oyster bars will feature Taylor Shellfish, Hama Hama; be sure to visit the Ruffino Sparkling bubbles and oyster bar. There will also be 30+ sparkling wines from around the world, reserve red wine, specialty cocktails, and cider. DJ Dubreezy Tunes will be on hand.

On Saturday, the Grand Tasting takes place. Stroll through Bell Harbor International Conference Center (a new location for the GT this year), from 1-5 p.m. for VIP tickets, and 2-5 p.m. for general admission. Bell Harbor is located at 2211 Alaskan Way at Pier 66. You'll be tasting amazing bites from top chefs, many wines, local and regional beer, cider, and spirits. Beyond tasting, there are artisan food purveyors, educational elements (hey, if you really love food and wine, you'll want to learn), and features like the Tulalip Resort Casino VIP Experience, Charles Smith Wine Pairing Lounge, San Pellegrino Cocktail Bar, Yakima Valley wine regions, and more. And we'll be there, so come visit the Seattle DINING! booth. Way too fun.

Remember that this is a 21 and over event; you can't even carry your baby around. Parking, either street or garage, is available at all three locations, but why not consider a taxi, Uber, Lyft, car service or bus? Just in case the tasting gets away from you (there are dump buckets).

Tickets are on sale now. Go to on.spingo.com/e/swfe_2018 to nail down your spot. Tickets to these events are great holiday gifts, and there is limited availability, so the sooner, the better.

For more information, go to the event website seattlewineandfoodexperience.com and start planning your February fun.

Connie Adams/December 2017