Award Recipients Honored at TOAST! Celebration on August 8 at Sparkman Cellars
Seattle, Wash. (June 13, 2024) — The Auction of Washington Wines is excited to announce the honorees for the third annual TOAST! Awards. These Washington wine industry leaders will be honored at the TOAST! Celebration event on Thursday, August 8 at Sparkman Cellars in Woodinville, Washington.
The Auction of Washington Wines’ TOAST! awards were created in 2022 to honor influential members of the Washington wine industry, including established industry luminaries and emerging leaders who are paving the way for the industry to continue to grow. The TOAST! honoree celebration will include award presentations and toasts, along with a four-course dinner from chef John Howie as well as plenty of Washington wine. Tickets and information are available at https://auctionofwawines.org/
The honorees recognized this year were chosen through an inclusive nomination process, with an industry peer committee reviewing submissions and making final determinations.
“The Auction of Washington Wines is pleased to recognize these distinguished individuals for their significant contributions to the Washington wine industry,” said Executive Director Jamie Peha. “Their dedication, innovative spirit, and passion have played a pivotal role in enhancing the success and reputation of Washington wines.”
The full list of recipients includes:
- Lifetime Achievement award: Darcey Fugman-Small and Rick Small, Woodward Canyon Winery. This award recognizes an individual whose extraordinary dedication, inspiration, and advocacy for the Washington wine community spans 25+ years in the industry:
- Award of Distinction: Dr. Markus Keller, Washington State University. This award recognizes a winery, grower representative, or industry professional whose achievements have advanced the caliber of the Washington wine industry:
- Healthy Land, Healthy Communities award: Kiona Vineyards and Winery. For commitment to addressing today’s environmental challenges and developing equitable, viable, and responsible solutions
- Emerging Leader award, for individuals whose contribution, service, or involvement are creating the pathway and/or vision for the future:
- Jordan Small, Woodward Canyon Winery
- Matías Kúsulas, Head winemaker for Gård Vintners and Desert Wind Winery, Head Viticulturist for Lawrence Vineyards and MLMG, Founder and Winemaker of Valo and Massalto Wines
- Stacy Buchanan, Blood of Gods Zine
- Vine to Wine award: Eduardo Enriquez, Corliss Estates. Recognizes an individual who is hands-on in the vineyard, including leading or collaborating with peers:
- Wine Industry Champion award: Chris Stone, Washington State Wine Commission. This award is for industry related professionals whose cooperative support has positively influenced the success of the Washington wine industry
- Auction of Washington Wines Star award: Richard Duval, Photographer. This award recognizes a donor, organization, or individual whose commitment significantly advanced the Auction of Washington Wines’ mission of uplifting the Washington wine industry and supporting the community.
Limited seats are available to attend TOAST!. Learn more and secure your seats today at https://auctionofwawines.org/
TOAST! is made possible by the generous support of Chateau Ste. Michelle, Trysk Print Solutions, the Washington Wine Commission, Republic National Distributing Company, Saxco International, Ackley Brands, Ardagh Group, and Woodinville Wine Country.
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 access to much needed medical care for vineyard workers. Key supporters for 2024 include Chateau Ste. Michelle, the Seattle Times, PNC Bank and the John L. Scott Foundation. For more information visit auctionofwawines.org. Follow the Auction of Washington Wines on social media @auctionwawines on Instagram and Facebook @AuctionofWAWines.
