Vigneron Christophe Baron and Grower Robert Rivera Honored Tickets Now on Sale for TOAST! Industry Recognition Event on August 8
Seattle, Wash. (May 13, 2024) — Auction of Washington Wines announces the 2024 honorary vintner and honorary grower for its 37th year of fundraising events. Tickets are now available for the TOAST! industry recognition night on August 8 at Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville, Washington, where the industry will celebrate these two and other individuals who have worked for the continued advancement of Washington wine.
The Auction of Washington Wines congratulates 2024 honorary vintner Christophe Baron of Cayuse Vineyards, a winery Baron founded in 1997. Baron was planning to plant a vineyard in the Willamette Valley, but fell in love with Walla Walla, and particularly the “Stones,” which later became the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater AVA. He was the first vintner to plant in the region and blazed a trail for other winemakers to follow suit. Baron now leads five wine projects under his overarching Bionic Wines label: Cayuse, No Girls Wines, Horsepower Vineyards, Hors Catégorie Vineyards, and Champagne Christophe Baron. From the beginning of his career in Washington, Baron has always championed organic farming as he believes that the foundation of the terroir is something you have to protect. In 2002, he was the first in the Walla Walla Valley to implement biodynamic farming practices—a philosophy that focuses on the interrelationship of earth, plants, and animals as a closed, self-nurturing ecosystem—and has been using biodynamic techniques ever since. His meticulous craftsmanship of his wines have elevated the reputation of the Walla Walla Valley, earning worldwide acclaim, and he has been an outspoken advocate for the region. Baron has been a steadfast supporter of the Auction of Washington Wines for decades.
This year’s honorary grower is Robert Rivera from Goose Ridge Estate Winery. Rivera manages 2,000 acres of vineyards and has overseen the planting of almost 1,000 acres during his time as vineyard manager. He started working in agriculture when he was 16 and was hired in 1993 by the Monson family (owners of Goose Ridge) to plant an apple orchard in Burbank, Washington.
This marked the beginning of his management career, and his work ethic and passion have led to 31 years working for the Monson family. Rivera’s skills and interest quickly led him to become their vineyard manager as well as orchard manager, overseeing the entire farm. Rivera sees the property not just as land, but as a vast classroom where he can learn, experiment, and share his understanding with other vineyard stewards, and he has mentored many over his long career. In addition to his role as vineyard and orchard manager, Rivera has dedicated a decade of service to Rotary International. Rivera was recognized by the Washington Winegrowers Association as Grower of the Year in 2014, and was noted for his lifelong passion for viticulture, meticulous and dedicated farming, and his ability to fine tune crop quality through canopy management and irrigation.
“The auction has been recognizing individuals who have made a difference in the wine industry through their contributions and leadership since its inception in 1988,” said Jamie Peha, Executive Director of the Auction of Washington Wines. “This year’s honorees have each dedicated more than 25 years to their respective crafts in Washington wine and we are delighted to honor them.”
These honorees and more than a dozen other industry leaders to be announced in June will be celebrated at this year’s TOAST! Awards on August 8 at Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville. The event is open to wine trade and the public alike, and tickets are available here ($200 per person).
“TOAST! is an opportunity to look back, and to look forward,” said Bob Betz, MW, winner of the TOAST! Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 and who is on the cusp of his 50th vintage in Washington state. “This special evening takes a closer look at the evolution of Washington wine and our accomplishments as an industry.”
The Auction of Washington Wines Hospitality co-chairs for the 2024 season 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 Auction of Washington Wines Community co-chairs are Laura and Ian MacNeil, who have supported the Washington wine industry since 1996.
TOAST! Award categories include:
- The Lifetime Achievement award, recognizing an individual whose extraordinary dedication, inspiration, and advocacy for the Washington wine community spans 25+ years in the industry
- Vine to Wine award, for an individual who is hands-on in the vineyard, including leading or collaborating with peers
- Healthy Land, Healthy Communities award, for commitment to addressing today’s environmental challenges and developing equitable, viable, and responsible solutions
- Washington Wine Hero Award, for individuals in government and policy who advocate for the Washington wine community
- Wine Industry Champion, for a non-industry supporter of the Washington wine community (eg. media, retailer, distributor, restaurateur, educator, etc.)
- Award of Distinction, for a winery, grower representative, or industry professional whose achievements have advanced the caliber of the Washington wine industry. Examples: AVA development, research, investment, education, etc.
- Auction of Washington Wines Star Award, for a donor, organization, or individual whose commitment significantly advanced Auction of Washington Wine’s’ mission of uplifting the Washington wine industry and supporting the community.
The Auction of Washington Wines promotes awareness and growth of the Washington wine industry while benefiting the community, with ongoing contributions to three beneficiaries: Seattle Children’s, Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology Department, and the AWW Industry Grant Partner, Vital Wines. The auction raised $4 million last year with a full slate of in-person events. Since its inception in 1988, the organization has raised more than $63 million.
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 $63 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 much needed medical care to vineyard workers. Key supporters for 2024 include Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the Seattle Times, PNC Bank and iHeartRadio. For more information visit auctionofwawines.org. Follow the Auction of Washington Wines on social media @auctionwawines on Instagram and Facebook @AuctionofWAWines.
