What is Road Trip all about?
Watch the video below, which gives you a glimpse into the experience of Road Trip, which is now in its thirteenth year.
The Heartbeat of this Program
The best way to experience Washington wine is in the vineyard with your hands in the dirt or in the winery working directly with the fruit. Whether it’s performing punchdowns, tasting clonal selections, or even steam-cleaning barrels by hand, Road Trip is equal to none.
“I’ve traveled on 5 continents on wine trips and this is one of the best executed I’ve attended.”—Ronald Randall, Il Ritorno St. Petersburg, FL
Five days of immersive learning, listening, and living. You get to meet our ground breakers—those who helped put Washington on the world-wide map—but you also get to meet those who are breaking new ground: people who are experimenting in ways never before seen. If there’s one thing people know about Washington, it’s that there is nothing we can’t do. Through hands-on vineyard and winery exercises, focused seminars led by influential wine personalities, regional tastings with all of the players and makers of today, and unforgettable dinner parties, Road Trip is sure to make a lasting impression.
How does one go on this trip?
Road Trip was designed for, and with, high-level trade and wine professionals in mind. To participate in Road Trip, one must go through a nomination process (see link below), and then later be selected to attend. Road Trippers come from all over, but they share one thing in common: they are professionally passionate about wine. These individuals are decision makers and purchasers for their companies, or taste-makers in their communities. The program is intensive, so it should be noted that some tasks and activities can be physically demanding, from walking long distances in the vineyard to lifting/maneuvering in tight spaces, but we accommodate every single need. You can be on-premise or off-premise, work for a chain or single unit, or be a wine educator. To see the full guidelines for eligibility, please visit the nomination link below.
Please note that this program is not open to consumers or media.
Testimonials
The relationships forged on this five-day trip between attendees, staff, and winemakers are life-long. We always love hearing about our Road Trippers’ experiences, first and lasting impressions, and reflections. You can see a few below from some of our alums.
“I can honestly say, this is one of the best trips that I’ve been on in my entire career.” — Jill Zimorski, Alinea Restaurant Chicago, IL
“This was a fantastic experience in all ways: from the people (both staff and fellow attendees), to the networking opportunities with winemakers and vineyard properties, and others on the trip, to the the dozens of Washington wines represented and tasted, as well as the seminars and educational resources provided. And not least, this trip was wildly fun as well!” — Amber Rill, CORKBUZZ, New York, NY
“The Road Trip was a truly amazing experience. One I will never forget. I met so many wonderful people that I will grow great relationships with. I feel so passionate about Washington, it’s land, it’s wine, and the people working hard to showcase its greatness!” — Claire Perry, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House Chicago, IL
“The quality is second-to-none. This was a trip of a lifetime; every detail was done with proud care and gave a 360-degree view of the industry. We had fun, we learned, we laughed, but a true craftsmanship of a journey. Road trip is one of the best events in the wine business anywhere.” — Chris McFall, Lazy Bear San Francisco, CA
“Just when I think I have a handle on the types of wines coming out of this state, I try something new that blows me away. They are only getting better!” — Emily Edeen, Canlis Restaurant Seattle, WA
Now you can build out your own custom Washington Wine road trip with our app: Map My WA Wine. See below to learn more about it and get it on your iOS or Android device. We can’t wait to see where you go and what you discover.
