Experience a world tour of wine, beer, and all things culinary at the Seattle Food & Wine Experience on
Sunday, February 28, starting at 1 p.m., when more than 1,000 wines from around the world join with top chefs and restaurateurs to transform the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall into a global (global and local = “glocal”) gateway for the palate.

The diversity of the wines and culinary traditions represented at the second annual Seattle Food and Wine Experience mirrors our city’s cosmopolitan character and its growing international presence.

Participating in the Experience are 50 California and international wineries, 25 Washington wineries, 15 Oregon wineries, 20 chefs or restaurateur, and 20 culinary, wine, lifestyle, and travel exhibitors.

Tickets to the experience cost $49 per person and includes access to all areas of the event. A portion of proceeds from event ticket sales will benefit Beecher’s Flagship Foundation. Founded by Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in 2004, the Foundation has given more than $300,000 in support of non-profit organizations providing education about the benefits of pure, all-natural food.

Here are more details on what you can “experience” at the Experience:

• The Tulalip Resort Casino Culinary Exhibition Stage features all the chefs from the resort cooking up their latest Taste of Tulalip creations.

• Starbucks Coffee and Music Lounge features a World of Coffee tasting plus live music by Seattle Times wine columnist Paul Gregutt.

• The Artisan Beer Garden features international and regional breweries plus cider companies.

• Kathy Casey and Columbia Winery are teamed up (the first 300 guests receive her signed cookbook).

• Ruth Chris Steakhouse and Menage a Trios wines pair up to showcase American lamb cooked three ways.

• Chateau Ste. Michelle Culinary Director John Sarich is pairing WA wine with American lamb.

• Maximus Minimus is coming out of hibernation for the day and selling $2 mini-pork sandwiches.

• Frost Doughnuts may end up being the most popular booth based on their recent popularity!

• Beecher’s Cheese will be there sampling cheese and educating attendees about Beecher’s Flagship Foundation (Known as Pure Food Kids) and the beneficiary of event proceeds.

•Seattle’s food/restaurant scene will be preparing gourmet tastes throughout the experience, including Campagne, Ray’s Boathouse, Earth & Ocean, Andaluca, Ponti Seafood Grill, John Sarich of Chateau Ste. Michelle, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Hunt Club, Pearl Bar & Dining, Cicchetti Kitchen and Bar, Artisanal Brasserie and The Artisanal Table, Salty’s on Alki, Copperleaf Restaurant, Blackfish, Pike Place Brewing Company, TASTE Restaurant, Maximus-Minimus, Frost Doughnuts, Beecher’s Cheese, and more.