A Weekend in Wine Country

The Auction of Washington Wines Raises $4 Million and Reminds Us Why We Gather

There's a particular magic that descends on Washington wine country in August. The light turns golden-amber, and somewhere between the first pour and the last course, generosity becomes palpable.

Each year, Washington’s wine community gathers for the state’s longest-running charity wine auction: the Auction of Washington Wines.  Now in its 38th year, this event has become a summer tradition. Part gala, part picnic, part reunion of chefs, winemakers, and supporters who come together to raise millions for causes that touch every corner of our community. This year, the event raised an astonishing $4,003,257.

For Gourmondo, being part of this year’s Auction was an honor and a joy. We had the chance to showcase our food, celebrate Washington’s world-class wine industry, and – most importantly – help fuel the work of organizations that provide care, opportunity, and wellness across the state.

A New Terroir for Tradition

The Auction found its new home this year at Somm. Hotel & Spa, a newly opened property in Woodinville Wine Country. The venues’ vineyard views gave a stunning backdrop to the weekend gatherings. Guests wandered the leafy courtyards, tasting pours from 20 of Washington’s standout wineries.

At every turn, there were opportunities to connect, whether with a winemaker sharing the story behind a rare vintage, or with chefs (including our own) offering seasonal plates.

By Sunday evening, the Auction had raised over $4 million for three beneficiaries: Seattle Children's Hospital, Washington State University's Viticulture & Enology Program, and VITAL Wines.

Gourmondo’s Involvement

Our team was proud to play multiple roles over the course of the weekend. At the Winemaker Picnic, we served casual bites that paired easily with the drinks being served. For the VIP tent, we catered for 400 guests.

On gala night, a Gourmondo chef joined the lineup of Washington’s culinary leaders in the kitchen, preparing dishes that highlighted local ingredients and complemented the wines poured at each table.

Beyond the meals, we also contributed to the fundraising itself, donating two experiences to the auction:

• A private catered dinner for 50, hosted in partnership with Long Shadows Winery.

• An intimate cooking class for 12, where guests could cook side by side with our chefs.

The Gala

The gala has always been the crown jewel of the Auction, and this year lived up to that reputation. Guests gathered under the lights at Somm., surrounded by vineyards, with the warm August evening as their backdrop. The tables showcased the extraordinary wines, each paired to a dish prepared by one of Washington’s celebrated chefs.

The live auction brought energy to the room. Paddles flew as guests bid on rare vintages, dream travel experiences, and collaborative packages. Our donated dinner with Long Shadows and cooking class struck a chord with the foodies in the audience.

When the tally was revealed, north of $4 million, the number represented more than a metric. It meant:

• Families receiving care at Seattle Children’s Hospital regardless of ability to pay.

• Students of WSU’s Viticulture & Enology Program driving research and training that sustain Washington’s wine industry.

• Vineyard workers and families who make events like these possible seeing a doctor without financial fear, thanks to VITAL Wines.

For us, this alignment feels natural. Food and wine are central to what we do, but their real power lies in their ability to gather people, create joy, and strengthen community.

The Philosophy Behind the Plate

Gourmondo's commitment to philanthropy isn't a marketing position; it's foundational. As a Seattle business, we understand that we exist in relationship to our city and our community, the people who sustained us through uncertain times.

That’s why giving is part of our daily operations. We've built partnerships with nonprofits addressing food insecurity, supporting at-risk youth, protecting immigrant communities, confronting chronic homelessness. Our contributions take varied forms: meals to food banks, proceeds from our Giving Boxes directed to organizations, and internships that create professional pathways. We also provide our team with paid volunteer hours, a recognition that time, not just money, builds community.

This year marked our sixth Corporate Citizenship Award from the Puget Sound Business Journal, validating what we've long believed: that businesses thrive when communities thrive, and that excellence and equity aren't opposing forces.

What Lingers

As we look back on the weekend, what stands out is the sense of connection. Watching guests fill the courtyards with conversation. Seeing donors raise paddles with enthusiasm. Sharing our own dishes with people who love food as much as we do.

We’re also deeply grateful for the leadership of our founder, Alissa Lienonen, who co-chaired the gala with her husband, Tom Barden, alongside John and Diana Oppenheimer of Columbia Hospitality. Their vision and effort helped make this record-breaking year possible.

We left Somm. that weekend inspired by what’s possible when people come together with generosity at the center. The Auction of Washington Wines reminded us that the best meals happen when we gather with purpose larger than ourselves. When the food and drink is delicious and the reason for coming together transcends the table, that's when $4 million gets raised. That's when we remember why we cook.