When the terms “cougar” and “wine” come together, for many
it sparks images of bleached hair and full-to-the-brim glasses of White
Zinfandel or Chardonnay (or terribly-named tv shows...). Here in Washington, when Cougars and wine come
together, the result is some of the finest wine in the state. On Thursday, July
19, Seattleites have the opportunity to taste what 122 years as the state’s
land-grant university have done for the local wine scene at the 4th Annual Washington State University Wine Symposium at the Palace Ballroom. While
clearly there’s some extra love given to Cougs at this event (Alumni
Association members save $5 per ticket!), you don’t need to be a Coug, love a
Coug, or even be friends with a Coug to enjoy this event; you just need to like
damn fine wine. And Beecher’s Cheese. Did I forget to mention the Beecher’s
Cheese?
As the state’s original land-grant university, WSU has long
had a strong focus on agriculture. Through their fast-growing Viticulture & Enology program, research through WSU Extension, and partnerships throughout
the Washington wine industry, WSU plays a critical role in growing and
maintaining the Washington wine industry and its nearly 700 wineries. Take a
look around your favorite winery, and you’re likely to find a Coug involved as
a winemaker, owner, business manager, tasting room manager, or key consultant
on everything from organic grape production to pest control. The Viticulture
& Enology program at WSU supports undergraduates in Integrated Plant
Sciences, turning out students who may helm their own wineries, or take on the
less-sexy but incredibly vital research and development aspects of wine. While
you sip your Syrah, your mind may not immediately jump to test tubes and lab
work, but for many winemakers the ability to embrace their inner chemistry nerd
is a key driver to their work. In addition to training the next generation of
winemakers, the program offers multi-disciplinary graduate studies and
professional certificate programs through WSU Extension.
Clearly, Cougs celebrate Washington wine, and the WSU Wine
Symposium celebrates and showcases Cougs in the industry, whether they’re
blending the wines or making sure your tasting room experience is
unforgettable. In the world of Washington wine, Cougs are behind some of the
heaviest hitters, and the Symposium has lined up 11 great wineries to pour
their wares:
For
its fourth year, the Symposium has added a few new features to up the ante –
guests will enjoy live music, and if you dig what you sip, bottles will be on
hand for purchase. Seattle food demigod Tom Douglas’s Tom Douglas Catering will
provide tasty treats, and the Coug-owned Beecher’s Cheese will be sampling
their cheese in both regular and “mac &” form. With Beecher’s there, don’t
be surprised if Oprah ends up picking up a last-minute ticket.
Speaking
of last-minute tickets…this event is pre-purchase only – no ticket sales at
the door, so be sure to visit the registration page and pick up your tickets. We
Cougs are nothing if not a hospitable bunch, and want to share Cougar pride – and
wine – with the world. So, Coug, Husky, Beaver, Duck, or Geoduck, make your way
to the Palace Ballroom this Thursday. With wine this good, you may even find
yourself throwing out a celebratory “Go Cougs.”
Tom Tuttle singing the fight song by willpwr1
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