Taste Washington, Seattle’s premier wine and food experience, returns for a 19^th year, March 31 – April 3. With an event lineup that goes beyond the much-anticipated Grand Tasting, this year’s festival gives attendees access to unique, curated experiences only available during Taste Washington’s four days.

And what better start than the Red & White Party – an intimate, VIP evening where guests and select winemakers mingle at the elegant AQUA by El Gaucho. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, Taste Washington on the Farm, where attendees will enjoy a farm-to-table lunch prepared by none other than James Beard award-winning chefs Maria Hines and Tamara Murphy.

These are only a few of the reasons to explore Taste Washington’s four day event lineup – here’s your guide to this year’s can’t-miss moments.

Rare wine pours at the Red & White Party

This event gathers the top tier of Washington wineries for a super-exclusive evening at AQUA by El Gaucho. The draw? Rarely-seen wineries, whose wines sell out almost as quickly as they’re crafted, will be pouring nothing but their best. We’re talking vintage library wines, one-of-a-kind barrel samples and reserve wines you won’t see at the Grand Tasting.

Intimate farm lunches prepared by your favorite chefs and winemakers

Imagine touring a beautiful Pacific Northwest farm alongside the farmer and only 20 other people. Now add a delectable farm-fresh meal prepared by the region’s best chefs and paired with Washington wines by their makers…and you have Taste Washington on the Farm. Back for a second year, you can head out on an urban farm excursion with Chefs Maria Hines and Tamara Murphy, explore a Woodinville farm with head winemakers from Chateau Ste. Michelle, or go to cheese heaven at a chèvre-producing farm with Fidelitas winemaker Charlie Hoppes.

Tips and tricks from stellar chefs at the Alaska Airlines Chef’s Stage

Last year, in the midst of over 225 wineries, 70 restaurants and 40 exhibitors, Chef John Tesar cut up, cooked and served a whole octopus. This is the Alaska Airlines Chef’s Stage, where every hour over the course of the Grand Tasting, celebrity chefs hold cooking demonstrations for anyone quick enough to grab a seat. This year, Sarah Scott, one of the country's only female steakhouse chefs from El Gaucho Bellevue will be sharing her skills with food-lovers in the audience.

With big names participating and an event lineup that surpasses years past, tickets to this year’s Taste Washington are poised to sell fast.

For information about the entire four-day experience and to buy your tickets, visit tastewashington.org.