William Pollard Jr | aka: Wild 4 Washington Wine

Congratulations to this years Washington State Wine Awards Winners! Last week I was in Seattle for the 2015 Washington State Wine Awards. My first time attending this event was two years ago  at McCaw Hall. The Washington State Wine Awards (formerly known as Washington Wine Restaurant Awards) was established in 2002 to recognize leaders throughout the wine industry that exhibit strong support of Washington wines and high professional standards in wine service. Monday, January 26th on a beautiful, warm, sunny afternoon I headed out to the awards ceremony. When I attend wine events in Seattle, I often stay with a friend in Belltown. It's a good location and I enjoy the view of the Space Needle out the window. Most wine venues I attend are within walking distance. Remembering where the 2013 awards ceremony was held, I confidently headed out to the Seattle Center and McCaw Hall, thoughts of wine tasting and wine conversation on my mind. This event is a wine industry o...

Originally known as the Washington Wine Restaurant Awards, since 2003, this award program, is now known as the Washington State Wine Awards. My previous post , I listed the award winners along with personal thoughts and photos. All of the award winners were acknowledged for how well they promote Washington Wine.       Photos: McCaw Hall at Seattle Center. This years event was held on Monday, January 14th at Seattle Centers, picturesque McCaw Hall , home of the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Seattle Opera.     Kyle Johnson, Purple Star (left) and Javier Alfonso, Pomum Cellars (right) I was pleased at how well Washington wine was represented at this ceremony. I am continually impressed by the people who have the passion for making wine in Washington. It's not only the wonderful, delicious juice in the bottle that maintains my excitement for Washington wine, it's the people pouring that lovely juice and the stories t...

This week I attended the Washington State Wine Awards in Seattle, Washington. On Monday, January 14th,  McCaw Hall  in Seattle, Washington, fourteen Washington state businesses and individuals were recognized within their industries.  Once again, Washington wine was in the well deserved spotlight, but from a different angle. The Washington State Wine Awards honors industries and individuals who raise the profile of Washington wine. I look forward to sharing the stories of some of these people. note: If you are a Sommelier, please contact me, I would appreciate the opportunity to interview you for future posts (email william@wild4washingtonwine.com thank you). A large crowd was in attendance. Tension was palpable. This was my first time attending this award event. All of the award winners were acknowledged for making a difference in promoting Washington wine. Bravo, that is something I can stand behind and encourage more to emulate. Bonus, I now ha...

The Washington State Wine Awards (formerly known as Washington Wine Restaurant Awards), established in 2002, recognizes industry leaders that exhibit strong support of Washington wines and high professional standards in wine service. After 10 years of honoring restaurants, this year’s ceremony will shine a spotlight on nominees and winners from the retail, tourism, distributor and wholesaler sectors, as well. An estimated 500 attendees will include wine buyers, sommeliers and influential tourism players, among others. In addition to the short awards ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with several dozen Washington State wineries and taste their wines. The Washington State Restaurant , Retailer and Tourism Champions of the Year are the most prestigious awards, while the Washington State Wine Grand Award seeks to commend those individuals and organizations that designate menu and wine list space for Washington win...