We bring the world to Washington Wine, and WA Wine to the world.
The Washington State Wine Commission hosts, curates, and participates in over 60 programs and events on an annual basis. In addition to our signature programs and events — Road Trip, Taste Washington, Target Markets, Wine Months, Auction of Washington Wines, and more — we also participate in some of the most renowned national events. You can see a list of some of those events below, and if you’re a winery or grape grower, and are interested in getting further details on any of them, please reach out to David Flaherty, Marketing Director at Washington Wine, at dflahery@washingtonwine.org.
TEXSOM
TEXSOM is the most prominent and influential beverage education and training conference in the United States, and draws over 1,200 attendees, of which 900 are sommeliers, retailers, and industry professionals. TEXSOM builds community through inclusiveness and camaraderie to affect change and move the beverage industry forward by mentoring and educating beverage professionals, discussing relevant topics, addressing opportunities and challenges, and fostering thought leaders. Visit texsom.com for more information.
IMW – The Institute of Masters of Wine
What started more than 65 years ago as an exam for the UK wine trade is now a globally recognized title collectively held by a worldwide family of Masters of Wine. Today, there are 416 MWs based in 31 countries. The IMW’s mission is to promote excellence, interaction, and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. Visit www.mastersofwine.org for more information.
SommCon
SommCon is a leading conference and exposition for sommelier-level education and training of wine professionals and serious enthusiasts. SommCon is built by sommeliers for trade professionals and serious enthusiasts who have a passion for wine and spirits and an unyielding quest for knowledge. Attendees learn and taste their way through keynote sessions and educational classes, complete with a trade-only tasting and expo. Visit www.sommconusa.com/overview.html for more information.
NY Wine Experience
Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience is a celebration of great wine. Over the course of three days, attendees taste an exciting variety of wines with the world’s best vintners, including top scoring bottling and rare older vintages. Proceeds from the Wine Experience support The Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation, which provides grants and scholarships to many different wine-related and culinary programs. Visit www.nywineexperience.com for more information.
Auction of Washington Wines
The Northwest Wine Benefit Foundation, dba Auction of Washington Wines, is committed to supporting the growth and awareness of the Washington state wine industry through a series of celebrated events benefiting our community. The Auction of Washington Wines has been around for 34 years, and is ranked in the Top 5 U.S. Charity Wine Auctions, having raised over $52 million since its inception in 1988. Visit auctionofwawines.org for more information.
GuildSomm
GuildSomm is a nonprofit international membership organization for wine professionals that promotes education and community. GuildSomm strives to uphold the values of hospitality, inclusivity, and integrity in their content, and actively works to create a platform that welcomes a variety of perspectives. Their partner organization SommFoundation helps GuildSomm members meet their educational goals through scholarships and enrichment trips. Visit www.guildsomm.com for more information.
Wine & Spirits Guild of America
Founded in 1948, the Wine and Spirits Guild of America (WSGA) is a national association of leading wine and liquor retailers from the United States and Canada. The Guild generates more than $2 billion in annual sales. An important facet of Guild membership is meeting to exchange innovative ideas and best practices. Speakers from all tiers of the industry as well as experts from other fields share insights, while gaining valuable feedback from members as well. The supplier trade show gives members the opportunity to interact with local and international suppliers. The Wine and Spirits Guild of America is proud of its reputation as the most influential association of responsible beverage alcohol retailers in the country. The annual conference will be held in April 2022 in Seattle and Walla Walla. Visit www.wineandspiritsguild.com for more information.
FLXCursion: International Riesling Expo
First held in 2019, this event happens yearly in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, and draws Riesling enthusiasts from all around the world, including producers, academics, Masters of Wine, writers, beverage professionals, and enthusiasts. The grand tasting consumer event, followed by two days of trade and media seminars, provides an excellent way to celebrate Washington State Riesling, and to connect with East Coast trade and media. See flxcursion.com/ for more info.