The Fourth Annual Gig Harbor Wine and Food Festival

After a year absence from the wine tasting scene, the Gig Harbor Wine and Food Festival made its return this past weekend.  Some of the best local Washington wineries, breweries and restaurants were present to share in the return of this special annual event.

Vendors from both sides of the state were well represented and I was pleasantly surprised by the local representation of wineries right here in my own back yard.

As before, the complimentary shuttle service was and still is one of the best ways to get to the festival.  Timely shuttles pick up and drop off at several designated spots throughout Gig Harbor so you don’t have to fight for parking at the event site.  They pick you up and drop you off right in front of the event so not much walking is required.

I liked the new entry into the event this year.  I thought it was well planned out and organized.  In 2012 there seem to be a bottle neck getting into the event but this year it went seamless and in no time we were processed through and inside enjoying ourselves.

The tasting tents were more centralized this year.  It was easy to transition from one tasting tent to another and every tasting class seemed to be just a few steps away.

The food to wine ratio was a better balance then previously. The seafood was fantastic and I look forward to visiting some of the restaurants for dinner. (Maxwell’s and Heritage Restaurant)

I do have a few wineries that I want to give special mention to.  These seem to stand out for me and I hope you will give them a try next time you are picking out a Washington wine.

Long Road Winery in Belfair, Washington

Tranche – Walla Walla, Washington – must try the 2009 Slice of Pape

Rotie Cellars – Walla Walla, Washington

Elegante Cellars – Walla Walla, Washington

Russell Creek Winery – Walla Walla, Washington

Palencia Winery – Walla Walla, Washington

Swiftwater Cellars - Cle Elum, Washington.  I will be visiting them very soon. J

I know that I tend to lean toward the Walla Walla wineries but I just can’t seem to resist the bold lush wines this area produces.

I do recommend this festival to anyone who is new to wine tasting and wants to expand their knowledge of wine and how it pairs with food.  There are many wine tasting classes you can either sign up for online a head of the festival or wait till you get to the event and join as a walk in. (space can be limited based on the popularity of the class)

Four hours doesn’t seem like enough time to enjoy everything that this festival has to offer but I felt like I did get my money’s worth and I met a lot of wonderful people while sipping some of the best wine our state has to offer.  I hope you will mark your calendars for this event next year. (July 25, 2015)

Cheers!! LaDonna