Taste Washington 2026 Grand Tasting Recap: Best Bites, Favorite Wines, and Insider Tips
Last year I cancelled a ski trip for Taste Washington and called it the best decision of my life. So this year, I came back, this time with a game plan, a better understanding of the floor, and the same excitement as year one. And somehow, Taste Washington 2026 still managed to surprise me. Here is everything you need to know: my top bites, favorite pours, and the tips I wish I had had from the start.
A Quick Look at the 2026 Grand Tasting
Taste Washington is the largest food and wine festival in the Pacific Northwest, and this year was no different. The 2026 Grand Tasting brought together 200 wineries and about 75 restaurants for a weekend of tasting, connecting, and eating very well. If this is your first time hearing about the event, check out my Taste Washington 2025 recap for a first-timer's perspective. Coming back a second time knowing the layout and the overall experience made it that much better.
Insider Tips to Make the Most of Taste Washington
Having attended last year and had a behind-the-scenes look at the event this time around, here is what I would tell anyone heading to the Grand Tasting.
1. Get a VIP ticket (or arrive early)
The VIP entry window gives you early access before the general admission crowd arrives. That means shorter lines, first pick of the freshest bites, more face time with winemakers, and room to breathe while you take your pictures and figure out what to prioritize. The goodie bags are a nice bonus too.
2. Use the brochure like a game plan
At the entrance you will receive a Taste Washington brochure with a full list of wineries and restaurants. Do not tuck it in your bag and forget about it. Flip through it before you start walking and circle the booths you want to try. With 200 wineries on the floor, having a loose plan saves time and helps you avoid the regret of missing something you really wanted to try.
3. Hydrate throughout
This one sounds obvious but it makes a real difference. The wine tastes better and you last longer when you are drinking water between pours. Most booths will have water available so there is no excuse not to.
4. Use the spittoons religiously
It is a marathon, not a sprint. There are a lot of options and you will get tipsy quickly if you are not intentional about it. Don’t feel awkward disposing of wine you don’t like, or no longer want to drink. The spittons are your best friends. Use them!
5. Rinse your glass between pours
Every booth has water for you to rinse your glass. Make it a habit between tastings so you are getting a clean read on each wine rather than a blend of all the different wines you’ve tried so far.
My 3 Favorite Bites
With so many restaurants present, not everything can make the list. However, there are two booths I make a beeline for every single time: The Capital Grille and La Mar. Their wagyu sliders and ceviche are non-negotiable for me, and yes, I always go back for thirds. This year, a few new names also made their way onto my shortlist.
Gold Coast Kitchen: Coconut Rice with Chicken Stew
The chicken stew was paired nicely with the pickled onions and a fragrant coconut rice. A full, comforting bite in the middle of what can feel like a very stimulating afternoon.
Theary Cambodian Foods: Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry.
This booth caught my attention as I was grabbing my last bite of the day. They had a spicy sauce they paired with chicken. So Yummy! I did not expect this bite to be this good, but I’m glad I stopped.
Foster's Pickled Products: Pickled Asparagus, Carrot, and Onions.
I love everything pickled so this is a natural pick for my top three. Their pickled veggies were delicious and refreshing. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
My 3 Favorite Pours
Over 200 wineries means a lot of sipping. Between the spittoons and the rinse water, I made it through quite a few tables. These three pours made it to the top of my list:
1. Sage Rat: 2025 Ratto Bianco and Carbonic Nebbiolo
The Ratto Bianco is a blend of Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Orange Muscat that comes together with a lot of complexity. I enjoyed the floral and crispness that came from it. I can’t wait to grab a few bottles this month.
2. Tattoo Girl: Sauvignon Blanc
This was a fruit-forward Sauvignon Blanc that apparently has picked up a few international awards, and you can taste why. It leaned toward tropical and stone fruit rather than the grassy, herbaceous style you often see with the varietal. Clean, approachable, and easy to love. A brand worth keeping on your radar.
3. Portlandia: Sparkling Rose and Sauvignon Blanc
The sparkling rose was a fun twist. It had the celebration feel of a traditional sparkling wine with a little more fruit character than expected. I also tried their Sauvignon Blanc. Portlandia is a brand I am genuinely excited to follow as I’ve seen some of their campaigns on social media. It’ll be fun to see how they evolve.
Honorable Mentions
Beyond my top picks, I had some great conversations with winemakers at booths I had not encountered before. If you get a chance, I'd recommend checking out: Sama, Figgins, and Julian Margot. Each one of them was doing something interesting and I am looking forward to exploring their wines further.
Final Thoughts: Would I Come Back? Oui, Obviously.
Overall, Taste Washington 2026 felt just as organized as last year. I loved seeing the mix of established wineries alongside names I had never heard of before. Some of my favorite discoveries this year came from booths I almost walked right past.
That said, one thing I would love to see improved is a quicker way to scan what varietals each winery is pouring before committing to the line. Having to walk up, wait, and then read the table options before deciding whether to stay is a small friction that adds up over the course of the afternoon. A simple sign or a QR code linking to the pour list would go a long way. Just my 2 cents!
As for the VIP ticket, I said I'd get one this year and then did not. That is not happening again. For Taste Washington 2027, VIP passes for both days are going on my priority list.
Until next time, Taste Washington.
Cheers! 🍷
Have a Washington winery or restaurant I should be watching? Let's connect on Instagramand TikTok@bonjouritsbev.