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Venue: Bell Harbor

Date: 9.18.11

Photography: Annie Brady

The world’s best wine, food and destinations come together for the second annual BLEND, the only event dedicated to showcasing Washington’s hottest selling wine-blends.

The festivities let guests learn how blended wines are created and gave them an opportunity to sip selections from more than 40 top wineries from Washington state, as well as savor gourmet culinary delights from the inns, hotels and conference centers of the Columbia Hospitality portfolio including Cave B Inn & Spa, Salish Lodge & Spa, Kenwood Inn and Spa, Inn at Langley and many others.

Guests enjoyed six barrel blending stations, featuring winemakers from Camaraderie Cellars, Cave B Estate Winery, Col Solare, Columbia Winery, Fidelitas and McCrea Cellars who poured samples that comprised one of their signature blends. Attendees also experienced tasting tables that featured international blends from France, Italy, Spain and Argentina, courtesy of Wine World. Another highlight to BLEND, was their “Bubble Lounge” featuring sparkling wine and Champagne, and oysters from Taylor Shellfish.

Everyone sipped, nibbled and mingled with Washington’s top producers while sampling their most popular wine blends. Net proceeds from BLEND benefited the Washington Wine Industry Foundation.