Auction of Washington Wine Raises $4 Million for Health and Education Initiatives

The Auction of Washington Wine, one of the most significant and long-standing charity wine events in the United States, concluded its 2025 edition in Woodinville by raising $4 million. The funds will benefit the Seattle Children’s Hospital, Washington State University’s Viticulture and Enology program, and Vital Wines, an organization that provides healthcare and other support to vineyard and winery workers. The event, which began in 1988, has now raised a total of $72 million over its history, according to Wine Spectator, a principal sponsor of the auction.

This year’s top lot was offered by actor Kyle MacLachlan, who is also a winemaker with his label Pursued By Bear. The package included a five-night stay in Bordeaux with MacLachlan himself and private tours of renowned estates such as Château Margaux, Château Lynch Bages, Château Haut-Bailly, and Château d’Yquem. The lot sold for $140,000.

Another highlight came from Marchesi Antinori, the Italian wine producer that owns Col Solare winery in Washington State. Their lot fetched $90,000 and featured a guided visit to Col Solare on Red Mountain as well as Antinori Napa Valley in California. The experience will be led by Renzo Cotarella, CEO of Marchesi Antinori, alongside Bob Betz, a respected veteran winemaker in Washington.

The Auction of Washington Wine brings together winemakers, collectors, and philanthropists each year to support health care and education initiatives connected to the state’s wine industry. The event includes live and silent auctions featuring rare wines, exclusive travel experiences, and opportunities to meet leading figures in the world of wine. Organizers say the funds raised have had a lasting impact on medical research, patient care for children, and the training of future winemakers in Washington.

The 2025 edition drew participants from across the country to Woodinville, a hub for Washington’s wine industry located just outside Seattle. Attendees bid on dozens of lots donated by wineries and private collectors. Many lots included unique experiences or access to limited-production wines not available to the public.

Vital Wines, one of this year’s beneficiaries, focuses on providing health services to vineyard workers who often face barriers to care. The support from the auction helps fund clinics and outreach programs in winegrowing regions throughout Washington.

The Auction of Washington Wine has become a model for similar charity events nationwide. Its continued success reflects both the growth of Washington’s wine industry and the commitment of its community to giving back. Organizers are already planning next year’s event with hopes of surpassing this year’s fundraising total.