Celebrate the Washington Wine Industry During Spring Promotion; Washington Wine Events Scheduled At Restaurants and Retailers Statewide.

Business Editors, Food/Wine Writers & Columnists

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 19, 2002

The Washington wine industry announces its statewide spring campaign slated to kick-off in March.

Area retailers and restaurateurs will feature Washington wines throughout a variety of special wine-focused promotions, which will culminate with the industry's annual Taste Washington 2002 event on April 21 to be held at the Stadium Exhibition Center.

Leading up to Taste Washington 2002, consumers may participate in a variety of events highlighting the state's booming wine industry. More than 40 restaurants throughout western Washington have special wine promotions in place for the spring campaign.

Washington wine features at area restaurants and retailers include:

-- Washington Wine Month Sampler -- Consumers may order a flight of Washington
wines to taste and learn more about the diversity and quality of the state's
wine industry.

-- Washington wines by the glass -- Several restaurants will feature only
Washington wines on by-the-glass wine menus.

-- Washington winemaker dinners -- Restaurants will bring the state's
winemakers to consumers through a variety of multi-course dinners paired with
Washington wines.

-- Washington wine tasting -- Wine retailers and restaurants will host several
Washington wine tasting events featuring the state's winemakers.

-- Washington wine and food pairings -- Local chefs will use locally produced
foods to create special menu items paired with Washington wines.

-- Wine Country Weekend -- Consumers can enter the Washington Wine Country
sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for two to Washington's wine country
when they purchase Washington wines from area grocery store chains.

"This spring promotion is part of the industry's goal to ensure Washington wines are featured at every restaurant and retail shop throughout the state," said Jamie Peha, Washington Wine Commission marketing director and Taste Washington event director. "The timing is right to reach out to the home market as Washington was recently honored as "Wine Region of the Year", by Wine Enthusiast Magazine."

Restaurants and wine shop retailers involved in the Washington wine industry spring promotion include:

Seattle area restaurants -- Andaluca, Anthony's Pier 66, Assagio, Avenue One, Barking Frog, Bluwater Bistro, Brasserie Margaux, Cafe Juanita, Cascadia Restaurant, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Christina's, Coho Cafe, Copper Sky Woodfire Grill & Bar, Dahlia Lounge, Earth & Ocean, El Gaucho, Etta's Seafood, FareStart, Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar,Garage, The Georgian, Icon Grill, Il Fornaio, Kaspar's, La Medusa, Les Tamales/Deux Tamales Lowell-Hunt Catering, Market Street Urban Grill, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Palace Kitchen, Ponti Seafood Grill, Ray's Boathouse, Rosario Resort & Spa, Rovers, Salish Lodge & Spa, Salty's on Alki, Tulio Ristorante, Turntable Restaurant at EMP, Washington Athletic Club, Yakima Grill, Yarrow Bay Grill, and Winners American Grill.

Seattle area wine shop retailers-- Albertsons, Arista Wine Cellars, Esquin Wine Merchants, Fine Wines, Ltd, Fred Meyer, Haggen Stores, Larry's Markets, McCarthy & Schiering Wine Merchants, Pike & Western Wine Shop, QFC, Safeway, Seattle Cellars Limited, Thriftway, Top Foods, West Seattle Cellars, and Whole Foods.

The Washington Wine Commission is a nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Wash., working to build awareness for Washington state wines among wine and non-wine media, trade, and consumers. For more information about Washington wines, touring, and tasting opportunities call [phone] or visit www.washingtonwine.org.