Grenache Fest is coming to Waitsburg, Washington, bringing with it a focused, celebratory spotlight on one of the world’s most important and expressive grapes. Waitsburg’s proximity to the Walla Walla Valley makes it an obvious choice. Add to that the charm of an entire town block on the national historic registry and an enclave of artists and artisans, and the event feels right at home!
Grenache Fest was created to champion Grenache in all its forms, from elegant and savory to bold and powerful, while fostering authentic connections between winemakers, the trade, media, and passionate consumers. The festival has quickly earned a reputation for blending serious wine conversation with an approachable, convivial atmosphere that mirrors the spirit of the grape itself.
HERE’S THE LINEUP:
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm. Blind Tasting Seminar
Taste ten Grenache wines "blind" under the guidance of moderators MJ Towler, Michael Alberty, and local sommeliers. The range of flavor profiles will be vast, and there won't be any preconceived notions about quality.
Location: Waitsburg Town Hall
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm. "Come to the Light" with Michael Alberty
These wines show restraint and elegance, due to terroir or winemaking decisions. Your moderator, Michael Alberty of Wine Enthusiast, will lead you through this tasting, along with the winemakers themselves.
Location: Atelier Waitsburg
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm. "Stuck in the Middle With You" with Paul Gregutt
Not too restrained, not too bold! Your moderator, Paul Gregutt of Paul Gregutt’s Wine Guide, will lead you through this tasting, along with the winemakers themselves.
Location: The Morgan Building
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm. Bigger! Bolder! Blacker! with MJ Towler "Black Wine Guy"
These are the biggest, boldest Grenaches of the Fest. Your moderator, MJ Towler of The Black Wine Guy Podcast, will lead you through this tasting, along with the winemakers themselves.
Location: The Royal Block
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Grand Tasting
Featuring 30 international Grenache producers. Live DJ and Detroit-Style Pizza from Bar Bacetto. Some of the wineries pouring will include: Ambassador, Approachment, Brockmeyer, Cairdeas, Cimento, Clos Lointain, College Cellars, Echolands, Gard, Gjallerhorn, Grosgrain, K Vintners, L’Ecole No 41, Law Estate, Massalto, Nysa, REALI, Rujaya, SAMA Cellars, Saviah, Seaport Cellars, Strata Varia, Synchline, Tinte Cellars, Upsidedown Wine, Yalumba, Tenor/ Mercer. See more
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm. An Evening With M. Ward
M. Ward returns to Grenache Fest for a third time! Local PNW Low Plains Drifters will open the show.