Spending a warm July night on the shores of Lake Washington, enjoying some of the finest wines the state of Washington has to offer, seems like a relaxing way to spend the day. But imagine for a moment, drinking wine for a good cause. That’s Kirkland Uncorked in a nutshell.
Started in 2006 as a benefit for Homeward Pet Adoption Center in neighboring Woodinville, Kirkland Uncorked has grown into an annual 40,000-person event celebrating the ripe history of Washington state wineries. This year’s edition will feature over 70 different wines made in the Evergreen State.
But the festivities will not be limited to just wine. Visitors at Kirkland Uncorked will also have an opportunity to sample some of the most delicious food Puget Sound has to offer including the Burger Brawl on Friday and a grilling competition between some of the area’s most well respected chefs!
Kirkland Uncorked will also feature a market where visitors to the event will be able to purchase local art, jewelry, and even homemade clothing. No doubt you’ll be able to find the right piece of artwork to buy and bring home to remind you about of sampling wine along Marine Park. Tickets for Kirkland Uncorked are currently on sale for $25 general admission tickets and $15 for designated drivers.
Recently, we had a chance to chat with the Marketing Director of Bold Hat Productions, John Thorburn. John told us what makes Kirkland Uncorked such a unique event in the Pacific Northwest.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event…
JT: This is the 10th annual Kirkland Uncorked. We draw about 40,000 guests each year to attend the Craft Market and Tasting Garden. The Tasting Garden is for adults 21 and older, but the Craft Market is free and open to all ages. We see a lot of couples, and women visiting with their friends as a sort of “Girls Day Out” at Kirkland Uncorked.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
JT: Washington state is rich with so many fantastic wineries, and Kirkland Uncorked showcases more than 70 Washington wines in an absolutely fabulous setting on the Kirkland waterfront. The venue is spectacular as guests are able to sip wine right along the shore of Lake Washington, with remarkable sunsets in the evening hours.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event...what can I expect as an attendee?
JT: There is something different each day of Kirkland Uncorked. On Friday, we feature the Burger Brawl where 6 local restaurants compete to be named the Eastside’s Top Burger. Guests can enjoy sliders from each restaurant where they vote for their favorite and the winner is announced that evening. On Saturday, three chefs compete in a beachside grilling competition with local food experts judging the best dish. And on Sunday, some of the area’s top Food Trucks visit for our annual Food Truck Feast.
Kirkland Uncorked has been known to draw local celebrities each year, including former and current professional athletes so you never know quite what to expect there. There are few places in the region more beautiful than Kirkland’s Marina Park on a July afternoon. Kirkland Uncorked stretches across the entire shoreline of the park, allowing guests to shop the craft market right up to the water’s edge or dip their toes in Lake Washington while they sip local wine.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging? Our travelers are a segment of the market that seek out unique, mom & pop accommodations...is this what they will find when they come to your event?
JT: Kirkland is home to several high quality and resort-style hotels. Our “Stay in Kirkland” page on our website features the hotels offered nearby but the Heathman Hotel and the Woodmark Hotel are typically the most popular spots for guests staying overnight. Lodging around the area will usually hit maximum capacity so if you’re thinking about making the trip for Kirkland Uncorked, you should book your rooms sooner rather than later.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
JT: Kirkland Uncorked is one of Kirkland’s largest community events with 40,000 visiting the festival, and an estimated 2,000 room nights booked at local hotels from guests traveling from outside the area to shop and visit.
The event also benefits special causes within the community like Homeward Pet Adoption Center, a leading non-profit, no-kill animal shelter located in Woodinville, Washington (neighboring community to Kirkland).
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JT: Kirkland Uncorked is one of the premier events in the Pacific Northwest, offering wine tasting from 70 Washington wines, food sampling from local signature restaurants, shopping of handmade goods and crafts - all in one of the most picturesque settings on the shores of Lake Washington. Whether it’s a fun weekend getaway for a couple, or an afternoon out with friends, this is truly a can’t-miss event for wine lovers or those wishing to expand their knowledge and palette for Washington wines. And staying overnight in Kirkland, across Lake Washington from the bustling traffic and energy of Seattle, feels like you’re in a high-class, walkable beachside town, while still providing quick entry with the Emerald City a short 20-minute drive.
For more information about Kirkland Uncorked, check out their website!