Second Annual Northwest Wine Encounter at Semiahmoo Resort

Second Annual Northwest Wine Encounter at Semiahmoo Resort

Semiahmoo Resort.

Semiahmoo Resort, Golf & Spa, an iconic seaside golf resort on the pristine shores of Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor located just 90 minutes north of Seattle, is proud to announce the second annual Northwest Wine Encounter, Friday, April 28th, through Sunday, April 30th, 2017.

“This is a young event in a beautiful setting with a lineup of some of the Pacific Northwest’s most famous winemakers,” said host Andy Perdue, wine writer for The Seattle Times. “The venue lends itself to a relaxing weekend, and our guests will socialize with these talented winemakers and learn about their wines during three delicious days at Semiahmoo.”

Every vintage has a story, and some of the region’s finest winemakers are extending an invitation to uncork their passion for the weekend. Guests can delve deeper into understanding wine and cuisine while building relationships and learning from a lineup of luminaries from the Pacific Northwest’s wine industry.

“We’re onto something here in Washington, Oregon, and Canada,” said Chris Upchurch, of Woodinville’s DeLille Cellars. “Our unique topography and climate, coupled with our combined sense of passion and curiosity, enable us all to make wines that are unique, expressive and delicious.”

The second annual Northwest Wine Encounter opens with the Winemaker’s Reception, where guests can familiarize themselves with participating wineries during a casual open tasting. Once the sun begins to set, guests are invited to follow the glow of the bonfire to indulge in gourmet s’mores, soaking in the seaside environs from the immaculate beaches of Semiahmoo Resort.

Saturday’s three educational seminars begin with The Siren Song of Pinot Noir hosted by three regional winemakers. Join Tony Rynders of Willamette Valley’s Panther Creek Cellars, Chris Figgins of Toil Oregon and Leonetti Cellar and Walter Gehringer of Gehringer Brothers Estate Winery as they not only present their wines but share what drives them to craft some of the most distinctive wines in the country.

Famed for its terroir, Walla Walla has quickly become one of the most well-known wine destinations in North America. Industry veterans David Merfeld of Walla Walla’s Merlot-focused Northstar Winery, Chris Upchurch and Tony Rynders will explore what it is about this small eastern Washington town’s viticulture that produces such sought-after fruit.

Tasters will have the unique opportunity to taste wines one-on-one with participating winemakers at Saturday’s Wine Speed Dating. Take the opportunity to sip wines with the trained palates of Chris Figgins, Andy Perdue, and Chris Upchurch.

Friday’s vintners will join viticulturist Mike Sauer of historic Yakima Valley’s Red Willow Vineyard on the panel for educational seminars designed to expand tasters’ knowledge of Pacific Northwest wine country and the nuances of their exceptional wines. Acclaimed retailer and collector Doug Charles of Compass Wines will serve as the keynote speaker, and Andy Perdue, wine writer for The Seattle Times, will moderate the panels.

Saturday culminates with an intimate Vintner’s Dinner Gala expertly crafted by Bruno Feldeisen, executive chef at Semiahmoo Resort’s Pierside Kitchen, and celebrity chef Roy Breiman of Coastal Hotels. During this carefully curated five-course meal, guests can enjoy conversation with the wine luminary seated at each table while savoring perfectly-paired wines from all wineries in attendance.

“Some of the best product I’ve seen from all over the world is right here under our hands,” said Bruno Feldeisen, Executive Chef of Pierside Kitchen. “In our beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest, we’re surrounded by hardworking farmers and fishermen whose bounty we’re honored to showcase this weekend alongside the finest wines of our region.”

The final seminar on Sunday, Importance of Place, asks the question: How important is a single vineyard or single location within that vineyard? DeLille’s answer may be the key to their national success. Chris Upchurch and Mike Sauer will explore these questions together as a pair of Washington’s premier growers.

Registration is available for $475 per person, including two nights stay and resort fees, Friday night’s wine tasting, and beach bonfire, vintner-hosted tasting seminars. Guests can also enjoy 15% off spa treatments and golf rounds during their stay.

Northwest Wine Encounter is made possible by its participating sponsors; Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card and Mileage Plan, Seattle Magazine, Talking Rain, Beecher’s and jcoco. For more information regarding Semiahmoo Resort and the second annual Northwest Wine Encounter, please visit www.semiahmoo.com

About Semiahmoo Resort

Washington State’s iconic Semiahmoo Resort, Golf, & Spa is located on the pristine shores of Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor, where tide pools and estuaries provide a sanctuary for Pacific Northwest wildlife. Just 45 minutes south of Vancouver, B.C. and 90 minutes north of Seattle, Semiahmoo has recently completed a multi-million-dollar restoration inspired by its seaside location. Within Semiahmoo are two dining options: Pierside Kitchen with fresh, seasonally inspired cuisine emphasizing local and regional purveyors and Packers Oyster Bar, where guests can enjoy familiar fare with impressive water views.

Semiahmoo’s two golf courses (Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club, designed by Arnold Palmer, and Loomis Trail Golf Club, designed by Graham Cooke) were ranked among the top courses in Washington in 2014 by Golfweek. Semiahmoo Resort is located on the beautiful Semiahmoo Spit at 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway in Blaine, Wash. For reservations call 855-917-3767 or visit www.semiahmoo.com