New programming encourages supporters to enjoy Washington wine and food “to go” and “at home”
February 8th – SEATTLE – Taste Washington today unveiled its 2021 programming, a month-long celebration of Washington wine and food. In its 24th year, Taste Washington is adjusting to meet the needs of public safety by offering an entire month of creative new promotions encouraging people to directly support the Washington wineries and restaurants they love; and to discover new favorites.
“While we look forward to a big in-person reunion in 2022, this year has given us the opportunity to make Taste Washington more inclusive and expansive for audiences across the nation,” Senior Vice President & CMO of Visit Seattle Ali Daniels said. “Lowering the barrier to entry has also created a platform to allow wineries and restaurants of any size or geographic location within the state to take part – from small pop-ups and brand-new wineries to longstanding wine and dining institutions, there is a place for all of them.”
Taste Washington 2021 proudly introduces the brand new Taste Washington To Go, and Taste Washington At Home, along with unique winery and restaurant activations, hotel packages and more.
Taste Washington To Go presented by Alaska Airlines highlights some of Washington’s top produced wines, paired with playful themes:
- Cabernet Sauvignon & Casserole (March 1-7)
- Chardonnay & Catch of the Day (March 8-14)
- Syrah & Barbecue (March 15-21)
- Red Blends & Family Recipes (March 22-28)
- Riesling & Noodles & Dumplings (March 29-April 4)
Each week, famed chefs will create a special takeout pairing uniquely crafted for the specific theme. Wineries across the state will offer promotions highlighting the week’s featured variety, and local restaurants will offer their own spin on the theme. Taste Washington To Go includes restaurants like The Whale Wins, Salare, Aerlume, Musang, Mixtape Pasta, Gravy, Kamonegi, Canlis, Sawyer, Local Tide, Hitchcock, Stateside, Restaurant Homer, Three Sacks Full, Rupee Bar, Siembra, Goldfinch Tavern, Tom Douglas Restaurants, Brothers & Co, and Tyger Tyger. More restaurants will be announced in the coming weeks. Subscribe to the Taste Washington weekly e-newsletter to get the scoop as limited quantities will be available from each restaurant and are expected to sell out quickly.
Taste Washington At Home presented by Whole Foods Market invites everyone into the kitchen to take part in Taste Washington. Each week Whole Foods Market will share a different recipe and Washington wine pairing that follows the theme. This program was inspired by Taste Washington fans that are unable to travel this year or feel more comfortable preparing their own meals at home.
Make it a staycation. Dozens of hotels will offer wine packages with a mix of amenities including a bottle of wine upon check in, complimentary parking and other perks.
“In a year that has been hard for so many, we hope this year’s Taste Washington will allow people to enjoy the best of Washington’s food and wine while supporting an industry that has been hurt the hardest,” Daniels said. “Throughout the month of March, treat yourself by booking a night at a hotel, ordering delicious take out and trying a new bottle of Washington wine.”
Now is the best time to join a wine club or taste a new wine. Washington wineries will participate in Taste Washington with promotions all month long, including shipping specials, waived tasting fees, wine discounts, virtual tastings and more. Likewise, restaurants across the state will offer weekly specials and recipes highlighting the featured – and their favorite – Washington wine and food offerings.
“Washington wineries banded together throughout 2020, so we are primed to continue collaborating in new and engaging ways,” said Steve Warner, President of the Washington State Wine Commission. “Taste Washington 2021 will offer many local opportunities to support wineries and restaurants all across the state, giving people a chance to ‘Taste Washington’ all month long!”
All programming details and weekly announcements can be found on the Taste Washington website.
About Taste Washington:
The Washington State Wine Commission launched Taste Washington in 1998 and it is now produced by Visit Seattle. For more information, visit www.tastewashington.org, or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About Visit Seattle:
Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.
About the Washington State Wine Commission:
The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington State. Guided by an appointed board, WSWC provides a marketing platform to raise positive awareness of the Washington State wine industry and generate greater demand for its wines. Funded almost entirely by the industry through assessments based on grape and wine sales, WSWC is a state government agency, established by the legislature in 1987. To learn more, visit washingtonwine.org.
