A Tour of Bordeaux with Founding Winemaker Chris Upchurch Raises $250,000 at the Auction of Washington Wines Gala
WOODINVILLE, Wash. (August 23, 2022) – An auction lot from DeLille Cellars featuring a trip to Bordeaux with Founding Winemaker Chris Upchurch received the highest bid at the annual Auction of Washington Wines Gala on Saturday, August 13th. The lot sold for $200,000 and received a matching bid of $50,000 from the Ellison Foundation, helping the Auction raise $4 million dollars in support of Seattle Children’s Hospital, Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology Program, and Vital Wines.
This year’s event imbued a particularly celebratory note, as it was the Auction’s 35th anniversary and DeLille Cellars’ 30th, prompting a revisit of DeLille’s record-breaking trip from five years ago. Four guests will partake in a once-in-a-lifetime experience, including access to some of France’s Grand Cru wineries in Bordeaux. The winning bidders will also enjoy five nights at a 17th century chateau in the vineyards of Saint-Émilion with Chris and Thea Upchurch and custom dining experiences curated by local chefs.
“The Auction means so much to DeLille Cellars and the Washington State wine community. It’s a true honor and pleasure to support the event, and we are humbled that our lot raised $250,000 for the Seattle Children’s Hospital Uncompensated Care Fund and will help make an impact in the lives of so many children and their families,” said Tom Dugan, CEO of DeLille Cellars. “We couldn’t have done this without the generosity of our Chateau and Cooperage partners in France, as well as our owners, including Sam Bronfman and Chris Upchurch. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the winners.”
DeLille also contributed to the Private Barrel Auction which kicked off the Auction of Washington Wines festivities on August 8th, achieving the second highest lot and garnering $10,000 for its Harrison Hill Cabernet Franc. The winery also participated in the Picnic Barrel Auction and contributed to a lot benefitting its Woodinville Wine Country Diversity Scholarship, which supports underrepresented students in Viticulture and Enology at Washington State University.
About DeLille Cellars: Bordeaux Inspired – Distinctly Washington – Uniquely DeLille
DeLille Cellars is the third oldest operating winery in Woodinville, WA, founded in 1992. Known for pioneering Bordeaux-style blends from Washington State, the winery has maintained a tradition of quality and excellence with over 700 individual 90+ ratings from leading publications. DeLille Cellars focuses on the Red Mountain AVA and sources grapes from Washington’s most acclaimed vineyards. To learn more about DeLille Cellars, visit www.delillecellars.com.
