Classic Wines Auction

Classic Wines Auction (CWA) not only taps some of the region’s best chefs and winemakers, but more importantly, it raises funds to help more than 42,000 children and adults struggling with challenges from drug addiction and homelessness to mental illness and job loss.

Throughout the nearly three decades of service to Portland and Southwest Washington communities, CWA has raised a total of almost $24 million and changed the lives of thousands.

On Feb. 28, CWA kicks off their 2011 series with Taste Walla Walla at Venue Pearl (323 N.W. 13th Ave., Portland) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets pre-sell for $50 per person or $90 per couple. Guests to this event will enjoy samples from Walla Walla wineries and mingle with principals and winemakers.

Next on the CWA agenda is the ever-popular Spring Winemaker Dinners, March 1–3. Participants will enjoy multi-course dinners attended by featured winemakers at 28 restaurants in the Portland Metro area. Tickets are $150 per person.

On March 4, the Ambassadors Dinner, an exclusive event for CWA’s top sponsors, will take place at the Portland Art Museum. This year’s four honorary wine ambassadors include: Dennis Cakebread, Cakebread Cellars (California); Bill Hatcher, Rex Hill (Oregon); Marc Perrin, Château de Beaucastel and Perrin & Fils (France); and Christophe Hedges, Hedges Family Estate (Washington). Guest chefs include Portland’s Chris Israel, owner/executive chef of Grüner, and Kevin Gibson, executive chef of Evoe.

Finally, March 5, the CWA concludes with the much-anticipated Gala Auction at the Oregon Convention Center. The multi-course dinner will be prepared by Cory Schreiber, James Beard Award-winning chef, cookbook author and culinary instructor; and Adam Sappington, owner/executive chef of The Country Cat Dinner House & Bar in Southeast Portland.

For tickets to these events, please visit www.classicwinesauction.com or call the office at 503-972-0194.