The 12th Annual Washington State Wine Awards yesterday honored the restaurants, retailers, hotels, tourism professionals and distributors whose work has played a vital role in shaping Washington State as both a favored home and destination for those who enjoy outstanding wines.
More than 100 nominations were received, and winners were selected for their impressive menus, innovative educational programs and marketing efforts, as well as their commitment to excellent service.
The Washington State Restaurant, Retailer and Tourism Champions of the Year are the most prestigious awards, recognizing industry leaders who show the strongest support for Washington State wine. Meanwhile, the Washington State Wine Grand Award commends individuals and organizations that designate menu and wine list
space for Washington State wines while providing ongoing promotion and education.
Other awards honor special categories, such as Sommelier of the Year and Best Wine Event featuring Washington Wine. Meanwhile, the Walter Clore Honorarium is given to an individual who has demonstrated dedication to the advancement of the Washington State wine industry.
“The Washington State Wine Awards are a way to say thank you to our champions,” said Steve Warner, president of Washington State Wine, which organizes the awards. “We can grow the best grapes and make the best wine here in Washington, but we cannot be truly successful without support from these outstanding individuals and organizations. They help us continue to build momentum for Washington State wine.”
The 15 businesses and individuals recognized as leaders by the Washington State Wine Awards will be featured in a full-page ad in March in 10 key publications: Food & Wine, Wine Spectator, Sunset Magazine, Seattle Met, Seattle Magazine, Sip Northwest, Elle Decor and Wine Press Northwest, as well as the 2014 Washington State Wine Tour Guide.
Winners received prizes ranging from certificates and wine carriers to etched magnums. Two recipients were awarded custom goblets designed by Julie Conway of Iluminata Art Glass Design in Seattle.
Master Sommelier Rob Bigelow emceed the event, during which attendees were able to taste wines from 70 Washington State vintners.
WINNERS
Restaurant of the Year
The Marc Restaurant (Walla Walla)
Independent Restaurant of the Year
Russell’s (Bothell)
Restaurant Group of the Year
Schwartz Brothers Restaurants (Western Washington)
Sommelier of the Year
Jeff Lindsey-Thorsen of RN74 (Seattle)
Best Event featuring Washington Wine
“Raise a Glass, Fund a Scholarship,” created by Anthony’s Restaurants (Washington and Oregon)
Retailer of the Year
Total Wine & More (nationwide)
Independent Retailer of the Year
Full Pull Wines (Seattle)
Retail Group of the Year
PCC Natural Markets (Seattle)
Retail Salesperson of the Year
Dan McCarthy of McCarthy & Schiering Wine (Seattle)
Hotel of the Year
The Westin Bellevue Hotel
Tourism Champion of the Year
Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau
Tourism Concierge of the Year
John Cooper of Yakima Valley Tourism
Distributor of the Year
Cru Selections (Washington)
Distributor Salesperson of the Year
Jason Harris of Young’s Market Company (Washington)
Walter Clore Honorarium
Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery (Woodinville)
Grand Awards:
- Anthony’s at Columbia Point (Richland)
- Anthony’s at Pier 66 (Seattle)
- AQUA by El Gaucho (Seattle)
- Barking Frog at Willows Lodge (Woodinville)
- Bistro San Martin (Arlington)
- Canlis Restaurant (Seattle)
- Compass Wines (Anacortes)
- Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar at The Westin Bellevue
- Daniel’s Broiler Prime Steaks and Chops of Bellevue
- El Gaucho Bellevue
- El Gaucho Seattle
- Hotel Vintage Park (Seattle)
- Impulse Wine (Seattle)
- Metropolitan Market (Western Washington)
- Port Ludlow Resort
- RN74 (Seattle)
- SkyCity at the Space Needle
- Sullivan’s Steakhouse (Seattle)
- Sun Mountain Lodge (Winthrop)
- Swing Wine Bar (Olympia)
- The Dining Room at Sun Mountain Lodge (Winthrop)
- The Fireside (Port Ludlow)
- The Herbfarm (Woodinville)
- The Metropolitan Grill (Seattle)
- Tulalip Bay Dining at the Tulalip Resort and Casino
- Valley Cafe (Ellensburg)
- Visconti’s of Leavenworth
- Visconti’s of Wenatchee
- Visit Seattle
- Washington Athletic Club (Seattle)
- Willows Lodge (Woodinville)
- Yakima Valley Tourism
Awards of Distinction:
- Acqua Via (Olympia)
- Adriatic Grill Italian Cuisine & Wine Bar (Tacoma)
- Assaggio Ristorante (Seattle)
- blueacre (Seattle)
- Breadline Cafe (Omak)
- Bridgewater Bistro (Astoria, Ore.)
- Café Veloce (Kirkland)
- Chandler’s Crabhouse (Seattle)
- Churchill’s Steakhouse (Spokane)
- Demetris Woodstone Taverna (Edmonds)
- FAR-EATS (Seattle)
- Inn at Ship Bay (Orcas Island)
- Ivar’s Acres of Clams (Seattle)
- Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing Restaurant
- Ivar’s Salmon House (Seattle)
- LOCAL 360 (Seattle)
- Masselow’s Restaurant (Airway Heights)
- Pike Brewing Company (Seattle)
- Purple Cafe and Wine Bar (four locations – Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville)
- Ray’s Boathouse (Seattle) Salty’s at Redondo Beach (Seattle)
- Salty’s on Alki (Seattle)
- Spazzo Italian Grill & Wine Bar (Redmond)
- Steelhead Diner (Seattle)
- The Barrel Thief (Seattle)
- The Lincoln Center (Spokane)
- The Rainier Club (Seattle)
- The Station Pizzeria (Woodinville)
- The Triple Door (Seattle)
- Wild Ginger (Seattle)
- Wild Ginger at the Bravern (Bellevue)