Auction of Washington Wines Smashes Records: $4.25 Million Raised for Children’s Healthcare and Viticulture Research

The 37th auction, held at Chateau Ste. Michelle, featured rare wines and celebrity star power

Washington’s wine industry boasts significant star presence, like actor and wine producer Kyle MacLachlan and renowned winemaker Christophe Baron. They contributed to fundraising efforts at the recent 37th annual Auction of Washington Wines (AWW). The event garnered $4.25 million, benefitting Seattle Children’s Hospital, Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology program, and Vital Wines, which supports vineyard workers with healthcare and other services.

This total surpassed the $4 million raised in both 2023 and 2022. (Wine Spectator was a premier sponsor of this year’s event.) Since its inception in 1988, the auction has raised over $67 million.

The three-day event began at Sparkman Cellars on Aug. 8 with the TOAST! Industry Awards, recognizing both longstanding and up-and-coming figures in the Washington wine scene, including Baron and Kiona, pioneers in the Red Mountain AVA and leaders in sustainability. The following day, the winemaker picnic and barrel auction attracted over 1,000 participants to Chateau Ste. Michelle, culminating in a live auction that raised $125,000 with cases of unreleased wines from 35 wineries.

On August 10, a gathering of over 500 wine enthusiasts took place at an exciting live auction and gala event where 27 lots were up for bid, 22 of which featured exclusive wines. The auction successfully raised more than $930,000. Additional fundraising activities included silent and online auctions, and an unprecedented live paddle raise which amassed over $2 million in support of Seattle Children’s.

“The aspect that brings me the greatest joy during our events is seeing the sense of camaraderie and solidarity among everyone involved in the Washington wine industry. It’s heartwarming to watch industry leaders and generous contributors come together, eager to celebrate and support a noble cause,” explained executive director Jamie Peha in an interview with Wine Spectator.

Similar to previous years, the live auction featured unique travel experiences paired with highly sought-after wines. The highlight of the auction was a seven-day journey for four to Antinori’s Tuscan vineyards, which fetched $108,000, alongside a seven-night stay for six in a luxury villa in Andalucía, Spain, which garnered $105,000. Antinori

Several other wine-centric lots also sparked significant interest. Notably, a collection of five magnums from Quilceda Creek, including the years 2014, 2013, 2007, 2003, and 2002, was auctioned for $45,000. Moreover, a 28-vintage vertical collection from DeLille, dating back to 1994, brought in $16,000. Additionally, an exclusive dining experience in Los Angeles with MacLachlan, referred to as the ‘La La Land Luxury Lunch,’ was sold for $30,000. Quilceda Creek DeLille

Peha observed that auction lots including travel opportunities and exceptional wines attracted significant interest. “It’s fulfilling to assemble lots that resonate with our supporters, especially when these involve a blend of travel and fine wines,” she mentioned.

Among the attendees were renowned figures from the Washington wine scene, such as Bob Betz, a veteran winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle and co-founder of Betz Family Vineyards. The event saw participation from more than 300 wineries including Cayuse, Col Solare, and Klipsun over the three-day period. At the gala and auction, winemakers hosted tables showcasing their wines paired with dishes crafted by local chefs.

The event also featured celebrities such as MacLachlan, scheduled to appear at the upcoming New York Wine Experience, and Sidney Rice, former NFL player and entrepreneur in wine business. The Saturday gala was enlivened by music from Rizo Love.

The fundraiser was for the benefit of three branches of Seattle Children’s, a leading pediatric hospital. The event’s proceeds aid clinics in the Tri-Cities and Wenatchee, strategic locations near important vineyards, besides supporting uncompensated care and initiatives to prevent homelessness.

The auction supports Washington State University’s Wine Science Center, a prominent research hub for viticulture and enology in the U.S. Another key beneficiary, Vital Wines, provides critical healthcare services to vineyard workers, offering programs like complimentary health exams and glasses for workers’ kids.

The upcoming gala and live auction is scheduled for August 16, 2025, in Woodinville.

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About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!