Grenache Fest is coming to Waitsburg, Washington, bringing with it a focused, celebratory spotlight on one of the world’s most important and expressive grapes.
Waitsburg’s proximity to the Walla Walla Valley makes it an obvious choice as a location. Add to that the charm of an entire town block on the national historic registry and an enclave of artists and artisans, and the event feels right at home!
Grenache Fest was created to champion Grenache in all its forms, from elegant and savory to bold and powerful, while fostering authentic connections between winemakers, the trade, media, and passionate consumers. The festival has quickly earned a reputation for blending serious wine conversation with an approachable, convivial atmosphere that mirrors the spirit of the grape itself.
The 2026 Waitsbfurg edition will be smaller in size that previous years, to not overwhelm this beautiful small town.
This year, we will start with a blind tasting seminar hosted by MJ Towler, Chauncey Arkfeld and Michael Alberty, followed by smaller breakout sessions across town.
The Grand Tasting will feature 20+ producers of all Grenache wines, along with a DJ and food from Bar Bacetto.
See the ticket page for the event schedule and package deals.
ALL WINES ARE SMALL-PRODUCTION
+ chosen based on their quality and the super great people behind them.
GRAND TASTING WINERIES
BLIND TASTING SEMINAR
1:00 PM T0 2:30 PM
WAITSBURG TOWN HALL
This year, our grand seminar will be hosted, moderated, and experienced BLIND.
What does that mean? That means that you will have a lineup of 10 wines organized from the leanest to the boldest
– and no one, not even the moderators, will know who made them or where they are from.
That is, not until the end.
The Blind Tasting Seminar will be followed by your choice of three breakout seminars, hosted by a single moderator, sommelier, and winemakers.
BREAKOUT SEMINARS ARE AT THREE LOCATIONS FROM 3:00 to 4:30 PM
BREAKOUT SEMINAR ONE
"GRenache - come to the light" with michael alberty
These wines show restraint and elegance, due to terroir or winemaking decisions. Your moderator, Michael Alberty of Wine Enthusiast, will lead you through this tasting, along with winemakers from Grosgrain, Approachment, Cairdeas, and more.
Location: Atelier Waitsburg
BREAKOUT SEminar two
"stuck in the middle with you" with paul gregutt
Not too restrained, not too bold, a real balancing act!
Your moderator, Paul Gregutt of Paul G on Wine, will lead you through this tasting,
along with winemakers from Massalto, Gard, Rujaya, L’Ecole No. 41, and more.
Location: Wolfling Coffee
Breakout SEMINAR three
"BIGGER! BOLDER! BLACKER" with MJ TOWLER
These are the biggest, boldest Grenache of the Fest. Your moderator, MJ Towler of The Black Wine Guy Podcast, will lead you through this tasting, along with the winemakers from UpsideDown Wines, Gjallerhorn, K Vintners, and Cimento Wines.
Location: The Royal Block
Grenache Fest is a 501(c)(3) Private Foundation.