Rio Jean Photography - Seattle, WA {Taste Washington 2014}

This is me before....
Red wine stained my shirt.  Red wine stained my teeth.  I gained at least 5 pounds.  Why!?  All because I attended Taste Washington, but it was SO worth it!


What is Taste of Washington?  Did you miss it? Taste of Washington was EPIC and a wineaux's dream come true, well at least it was mine.

The 17th annual Taste Washington happened on March 29-30 and is considered the state's premier culinary and oenophile weekend.  The nation's largest single-region wine and food event brought together more than 200 Washington state wineries and 65 restaurants.  Between vineyard owners and winemakers, Washington's 13 AVA's  were represented  throughout educational seminars and the grand tasting.  Winemakers poured 800 wines and the state's top restaurants offered thousands of savory, sweet and spicy bites.

I had the opportunity of receiving a press pass to this event and I feel so fortunate that I did as I had the opportunity to not only photograph the event, but also meet a lot of people!

Lets get to it!

 Hoodsport Winery is a small award winning winery located on the rural Olympic Peninsula.  (http://www.hoodsport.com/index.html)  If you are a fan of the berry wines - check these guys out!

 I love the displays on the tables, so beautiful!

 Hogue Cellars (http://www.hoguecellars.com/)  is one of my favorite wineries! I have been a fan of them ever since I started drinking wine!  I visited their winery several years ago while I was at the Catch the Crush but haven't been since I started the wineaux diaries, will have to make another stop!  Hogue Wines are YUMMY and are very affordable!  I like their screw tops too!

 Hedges...what can I say about this winery?  I have been visiting this winery for at least 10 years. They have gorgeous grounds and a beautiful tasting room. I have several of their wines in my wine cellar, if you haven't tried these wines yet I recommend starting off with the CMS. 

 

So you read earlier that I gained at least five pounds, well here's why! I had so much good food and I can't wait to go to these restaurants and eat more!

These jars of aged balsamic vinegar are to die for! LOVE them! Gustoblende is based out of Maple Valley (carolinevanstaden@comcast.net)

Red Wine poached Fig Roquefort Cheese on a crustiny - I could have ten of these little things! (Brasserie Margaux)

Who doesn't love Clam Chowder in a bread bowl!?

 Gluten free..I believe this was also vegan brownies, not bad! www.nuflours.com

Ahi Poke on a Tarro Chip- this was delicious! Another food I could have eaten all of.

 This was good but I didn't realize it was lamb until I stuffed my face with it....  (Swiftwater Cellars)

Ok, these little morsels..just melt in your mouth! It's a super sized puff pastry and it is so good! (Washington State Convention Center)

 cool little sporks

  mmmm..polenta. This was really good with a crispy outside

 

 This looked amazing!  Unfortunately I am allergic to scallops so I could only drool from a far! But you can enjoy these at Anthony's !

 Rhubarb and Apple Crisp! O.M.G. This was AMAZING! I am looking up the recipe so I can make this at home! Yummy just doesn't describe it.  You can find this recipe and many others in the the Fresh From Seattle free eCookbook (2daysinseattle.com/ebook)

the Smoked trout and whatever else was in there made for on interesting combo . . .


 I had to stop eating at this point as I met my 10 pound weight gain limit for the year...but the rest of these treats were so tempting!  I wish I could have a to go bag!

 

www.carterschocolates.com

And now moving on from the food!

I thought these bottles were amazing and beautiful! The company that does custom etchings/designs www.FreshNWDesign.com

I did not do anymore wine tasting  for the day, but you can definitely check out these wines!

 

 

Taste Washington was a delicious culmination and display of Washington wines and restaurants. I met so many amazing people, sipped on an array of wines, and nibbled on numerous tasty treats! 

Are you ready for next year? I know I am ! I hope you will be able to try some of the wines and foods featured on this blog!

Cheers!
Melanie