Industry Leaders honored at 2013 Washington State Wine Awards

SEATTLE – Monday’s Washington State Wine Awards were held at McCaw Hall this year and showcased retailers, tourism professionals distributors and restaurants. With over 100 nominations, winners chosen for their impressive menus, innovative educational programs and marketing efforts, and commitment to excellent service.

“These exemplary businesses and individuals help us spread the word that Washington State has a reputation for premium wines with superior quality across a range of varietals and distinctive character exhibiting a unique balance of the Old World and New World,” said Commission President Steve Warner.

All award-winners were selected for making a difference in promoting Washington State wine.

Fourteen businesses and individuals were highlighted as leaders within their industries. They will be featured in a full-page ad in 10 key publications: Food & Wine, Wine Spectator, Town and Country, Elle Décor, Real Simple, Seattle Magazine, Seattle Met, Sunset, SIP Northwest and Wine Press Northwest, as well as the 2013 Washington State Wine Tour Guide.

Over 60 Washington State vintners were on hand where, Master Sommelier Shayn Bjornholm emceed the event. Prizes ranged from certificates and wine carriers to etched magnums. Three winners received custom goblets designed by Seattle Glassblowing Studio. during which attendees were able to taste wines from 60 Washington State vintners.

Last Evening's Winners

Walter Clore Honorarium: Doug Charles (Anacortes)
The Walter Clore Honorarium recognizes an individual who has demonstrated dedication to the advancement of the Washington wine industry. Charles is the owner of Compass Wines store, where he dedicates more than 75 percent of his inventory to Washington State wines. His label ded.reckoning is made by some of the top producers in the state.

Restaurant of the Year: Visconti’s of Wenatchee

Sommelier of the Year: Thomas Price of Metropolitan Grill (Seattle)

Best Event Featuring Washington Wine: Urbane (Seattle)

Independent Restaurant of the Year: Copperleaf Restaurant at the Cedarbrook Lodge (SeaTac)

Best Restaurant Group: Mackay Restaurant Group, operator of El Gaucho restaurants (Western Washington)

Tourism Champion of the Year: Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau

Tourism Concierge of the Year: Anne Peavey, of Seattle’s Convention and Bureau Visitor

Hotel of the Year: Hotel Vintage Park (Seattle)

Retailer of the Year: Metropolitan Market (Seattle, Kirkland)

Retailer Group of the Year: Yoke’s Fresh Markets (Eastern Washington)

Independent Retailer of the Year: Wine World and Spirits (Seattle)

Retail Steward of the Year: Doug King of Metropolitan Market

Distributor of the Year: Young’s Market Company (Western United States)

Distributor Salesperson of the Year: Kris Patten of Young’s Market Company (Seattle)

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)
Cypress Lounge & Wine Bar at The Westin Bellevue
Daniel's Broiler Prime Steaks and Chops of Bellevue
El Gaucho Bellevue
El Gaucho Seattle
RN74 (Seattle)
SkyCity at the Space Needle
Sun Mountain Lodge (Winthrop)
Swing Wine Bar (Olympia)
The Marc at the Marcus Whitman (Walla Walla)
The Metropolitan Grill (Seattle)
The Triple Door (Seattle)
Tulalip Bay at the Tulalip Resort and Casino
Valley Cafe (Ellensburg)
Visconti's of Leavenworth
Washington Athletic Club (Seattle)
Waterstreet Cafe and Bar (Olympia)
Wild Ginger (Seattle location)
Compass Wines (Anacortes)
Full Pull Wines (Seattle)
Willows Lodge (Woodinville)
Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center (Walla Walla)
Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau (Kennewick)
Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau

Awards of Distinction:

Acqua Via (Olympia)
Adriatic Grill Italian Cuisine & Wine Bar (Tacoma)
Assaggio Ristorante (Seattle)
Blackfish Wild Salmon Grill & Bar at Tulalip Casino
Blueacre Seafood (Seattle)
Breadline Cafe (Omak)
Cafe Flora (Seattle)
Chandler's Crabhouse (Seattle)
Churchill's Steakhouse (Spokane)
FAR-EATS (Seattle)
Ivar's Acres of Clams (Seattle)
Ivar's Mukilteo Landing Restaurant
LOCAL 360 (Seattle)
Masselow's Restaurant at Northern Quest Resort and Casino (Spokane)
Matt's in the Market (Seattle)
Monsoon Seattle
Palisade Waterfront Restaurant (Seattle)
Pike Brewing Company (Seattle)
Purple Cafe and Wine Bar (four locations – Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville)
Ristorante Italianissimo (Woodinville)
Rover's Restaurant (Seattle)
Salty's at Redondo Beach (Seattle)
Salty’s on Alki Beach (Seattle)
Spazzo Italian Grill & Wine Bar (Redmond)
Steelhead Diner (Seattle)
The Fireside Restaurant at the Resort at Port Ludlow
The Lincoln Center (Spokane)
The Station Pizzeria (Woodinville)
Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge (Seattle)
Tuscany Downtown (Prosser)
Volterra (Seattle location)
Washington State Convention Center (Seattle)
Wild Ginger at the Bravern (Bellevue)
Sullivan's Steakhouse (Seattle)
Urbane (Seattle)