Washington state’s premier wine fundraiser recognizes prolific wine writer
SEATTLE (June 6, 2016) – The Auction of Washington Wines is pleased to announce that Jeb Dunnuck will serve as the Honorary Chair for the 29th annual weekend of events, benefitting Seattle Children’s hospital and Washington State University’s Viticultural & Enology Program. Dunnuck joins Mike Januik, founder of Januik Winery and Honorary Vintner, and Todd Newhouse, Vineyard Manager of Upland Vineyards and Honorary Grower, in the lineup of this year’s honorees. The role of honorary chair is reserved for leaders in the field of wine who have demonstrated a sincere appreciation for Washington’s industry, as Dunnuck has done through his writing for The Wine Advocate and, previously, The Rhône Report.
“Each year, the Auction of Washington Wines seeks to honor those who have contributed to the ongoing success of the Washington state wine industry,” said Jean-Francois Pellet of Pepper Bridge Winery, 2016 Co-Chair of the events. “Jeb was one of the first to recognize Washington’s viticultural versatility, celebrating our incredible Rhône varietals while acknowledging our strength in Bordeaux styles. In this sense, he’s helped to pioneer the amazing diversity we see in vineyards and wineries across the state.”
Dunnuck will be honored and his contributions to the Washington state wine industry officially recognized at the Winemaker Gala on the evening of August 20. The “grand finale” of the weekend of events, the gala is a night of fabulous food, fine wine and philanthropy— a seated, five-course meal paired with wines hand-selected by their makers and featuring both live and silent auctions.
Jeb Dunnuck, 2016 Honorary Chair:
An aerospace engineer by training, Jeb Dunnuck discovered his passion for wine in 1996, while living abroad in Europe. After moving to upstate New York in 1999 to work for Lockheed Martin, Jeb traveled extensively through the wine regions of Europe and the United States. Through his travels, he realized his love for the wines of the Rhône valley and the burgeoning Rhone Ranger Movement in California and Washington state.
In 2008, Jeb launched “The Rhône Report,” a publication and website dedicated to the region’s varietals, and began releasing a quarterly newsletter reviewing Rhône variety wines from around the world, including those from France, Spain, Australia and the United States. The Rhône Report immediately gained popularity following its launch and, in only five years, was read in more than 24 countries and seen as one of the leading authorities on Rhône variety wines.
Recognizing his unique palette and passion, in 2013, Robert Parker approached Jeb to join the staff at The Wine Advocate and write about wine full-time. An early proponent of the Washington state wine industry, Jeb also covers the wines of the North and South Rhone Valley, Southern France and California.
About the Auction of Washington Wines
Since its inception in 1988, the Auction of Washington Wines has raised more than $34 million, with a majority benefitting uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital. This distinguished event gives wine lovers the chance to help the Washington wine industry bridge a critical funding gap for children across the region. The 2016 Auction of Washington Wines will take place August 18-20, 2016. Co-chairs are Frank and Charlene Blethen of The Seattle Times and Norm McKibben and Jean-François Pellet of Pepper Bridge winery. Major sponsors have included Chateau Ste. Michelle, Brighton Jones LLC, Holland America Line, John L. Scott Foundation, King 5 TV, Seattle Magazine, Tulalip Resort Casino, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card, and Wine Spectator. www.auctionofwashingtonwines.org.
