A Toast! To Washington wine | Sean P. Sullivan

Public sale govt director Jamie Peha wrote “This night we acknowledge people and organizations who’ve given the very best of themselves to make sure the on-going success of the trade. From those that have put Washington state on the world stage to get us to the place we’re at the moment, to the subsequent era who will construct on these successes and lead us into the long run.” Recipients have been nominated and ultimate picks have been made by a judging committee of trade friends.

Congratulations to the different people who have been acknowledged: Bob Betz (Lifetime Achievement Award); Dick Boushey (Award of Distinction); Kevin Corliss (Honorary Grower); John Bookwalter (Honorary Vintner); Chateau Ste Michelle (Public sale of Washington Wines Star Award); Washington Winegrowers (Wholesome Land, Wholesome Communities); Senator Kurtis King and Consultant Larry Springer (Martin Clubb Washington Wine Hero Award); Patrick Rawn (Vine to Wine); Lacey Lybecker, Sadie Drury, Andrew Januik, and Shae Frichette (Rising Leaders); and honorary chairs Marchese Piero Antinori (Marchesi Antinori SpA), Renzo Cotarella (Marchesi Antinori SpA), and Marvin Shanken (Wine Spectator).

Beneath are the remarks that I ready in accepting the award. To these within the trade who weren’t on the occasion, these phrases are for you. What I stated on the time assorted barely, however each got here from the guts.

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It’s a very long time in the past now, however within the yr 2000 I moved to Seattle from Boston, forsaking a profession in drugs and analysis. I can truthfully say I had no thought what I used to be going to do subsequent.

Should you had informed me then that fairly quickly I’d be spending all my time writing about Washington wine, I’d by no means have believed it. I didn’t even know Washington made wine and didn’t know something about wine aside from I favored to drink it often. Should you informed me that at the moment I’d be standing right here in entrance of you all receiving an award for that work, I wouldn’t have believed that both.

However virtually instantly after transferring to the Northwest I started a love affair with Washington wine. I used to be captivated by the youth of the area and by the sense of risk.

I used to be captivated by the standard of the wines I used to be tasting, sure. However most of all I used to be captivated by the individuals, their tales, and their ardour for what they have been doing.

So in 2004 I began writing about and reviewing wines below the title Washington Wine Report. As we speak, 18 years later, I proceed to be pushed by individuals rising, making, and advertising and marketing wine on this state. By the individuals who have made Washington’s trade what it’s at the moment and what it will likely be tomorrow.

And that’s all of you. The reality is, I’d not be up right here at the moment if it weren’t for every of you.

You impressed me once I first moved out right here 22 years in the past in search of a brand new path in my life. You proceed to encourage me at the moment. Not simply the wines you make however the individuals that you’re.

You might be actually those deserving recognition. I’ve merely been the messenger telling your tales. However telling these tales has been the best privilege of my life.

Thanks all for letting me into your cellars, for strolling with me in your vineyards, and for sharing your tales and your ardour.

Thanks for listening to me speak endlessly about cork taint, wine temperature, and smoke impression. Thanks for letting me journey together with you on the journey of Washington wine.

I need to thank my spouse Annie for her love and assist. I additionally need to thank my good friend Patrick Skillings who unknowingly launched my wine writing profession by sharing my critiques with some associates. Thanks to the individuals who nominated me for this award. I’m actually grateful.

Please, maintain making the wines and I promise to maintain telling your tales and maintain championing Washington wine. Thanks a lot!

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Pictured right here from left to proper: Curtis King (Senator, Washington), Shane Collins (Washington Winegrowers), David Dearie (Chateau Ste Michelle), Kevin Corliss (Ste Michelle Wine Estates), Lacey Lybecker (Cairdeas Vineyard), Andrew Januik (Januik, Andrew Januik), Larry Springer (Consultant (Washington), Patrick Rawn (Two Mountain Vineyard), Bob Betz, MW, Dick Boushey (Boushey Vineyards), Shae Frichette (Frichette), Renzo Cotarella (Marchesi Antinor SpA), Vicky Scharlau (Washington Winegrowers), Sean Sullivan (Washington Wine Report), and John Bookwalter (J. Bookwalter). Image by Annie Sullivan.