Taste Washington Spokane Tickets on Sale Now; Popular Wine & Food Festival Returns in 2006 with Hundreds of Washington Wines and 30 Premier Restaurants.

SEATTLE -- Tickets are on sale now for Taste Washington Spokane, Eastern Washington's premier food and wine festival, featuring wines from all over the state while showcasing Washington's epicurean bounty. Held Sunday, June 11 at the Davenport Hotel, the fifth annual Taste Washington Spokane event will feature fine wines from 100 Washington wineries and culinary creations from 30 regional restaurants. At just $75 tickets sell out fast, so enthusiasts are encouraged to purchase tickets now at www.tastewashington.org. Spokane area ticket locations include: Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, Latah Creek Wine Cellars, Peters & Sons, William's Seafood Market and Wine Vino!

Produced by the Washington Wine Commission, Taste Washington gives wine enthusiasts the opportunity to sample some of the best food and wine in Washington state. Back by popular demand, the Fresh Seafood Bar and Washington White Out, a tasting bar featuring white wines that pair well with seafood and shellfish, returns to Taste Washington Spokane.

"Now in its fifth year, Taste Washington Spokane has grown to be one of the largest, most popular wine tasting events in Eastern Washington," said Robin Pollard, executive director of the Washington Wine Commission. "Taste Washington provides the public with an opportunity to try new Washington wines, meet winemakers and chefs, and celebrate our state's booming wine industry."

Presented by Sterling Savings Bank, the annual event is expected to draw hundreds of wine aficionados from the region for a unique opportunity to experience Washington wines. A portion of event proceeds benefit Washington State University Viticulture and Enology Program and the School of Hospitality Business Management Program. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Davenport District Arts Board. To learn more about the event and purchase tickets online, visit: www.tastewashington.org.

About the Washington Wine Commission

The Washington Wine Commission is responsible for the promotion and development of the Washington wine industry, representing the state's more than 400 wineries, 350 wine grape growers and 30,000 vineyard acres. For more information about Washington wines, touring, and tasting opportunities, visit www.washingtonwine.org.