Kirkland Uncorked for a Cause: A Guide to the Local Wine and Food Fest

By Jeanne Gustafson

Watch out Woodinville wineries, it's time again for Kirkland to get uncorked, taking center stage with the huge Eastside tasting festival that promises to please all palates.

From restaurant samples, to grilling classes, to the Friday Burger Brawl, Saturday Grill-Off, and Sunday Food Truck Feast, Kirkland Uncorked has literally something for everyone from July 19-21.  

"Throughout the year we follow the trends, the winemakers and chefs, spirit purveyors and brewmasters who are trail-blazing a path filled with innovation, creativity and soul, then bring them to Kirkland for an unforgettable festival,” says Andrea Kramer, Associate Festival Director, in a press release. “Our line-up this year is no exception and we are honored to host Washington’s best and brightest in Kirkland for foodies across the region to enjoy." 

RESTAURANT SAMPLING

The Kirkland Uncorked Tasting Garden offers a true bite, with scrumptious tastes from over 40 top restaurants, all included in the price of admission. Guests are encouraged to indulge their taste buds and try a variety of different foods, from restaurants including Anthony’s Homeport Kirkland, Brix Wine Café, Earls Kitchen and Bar, and Volterra. 

GRILLING CLASSES

Celebrated chefs will share their signature recipes and cooking secrets in the Tasting Garden’s Grilling Classes, all with Lake Washington as the stunning backdrop.

• Friday 6:00-7:00 p.m. Lauren Thompson
• Saturday 1:00-2:00 p.m. Ben Riggs, Fall City Roadhouse
• Saturday 3:00-4:00 p.m. Cynthia Nims, Mon Appetit LLC
• Sunday 4:00-5:00 p.m. Linda Miller Nicholson, Salty Seattle

DAILY FOOD HIGHLIGHTS

• Friday at 5:00pm, guests can participate in the Burger Brawl and sample an array of different burgers and sliders, determining which restaurant takes the title of best Eastside burger.
• Saturday at 5:00pm, three of the regions best chefs -- donned in red chef aprons in honor of festival beneficiary The Hope Heart Institute -- face-off in the highly anticipated Grill-Off. 
• Sunday (all-day) features a Food Truck Feast, with 20 famed Northwest food trucks to sample from.

WINE AND MORE

Guests can pair all this delicious food with over 80 wines from award-winning Washington wineries, or go beyond the grape with signature summer cocktails and a beer garden serving a variety of Pyramid brews on tap. It is a battle for the taste buds with two food festivals July 19-21, but all for a good cause, with both events benefiting The Hope Heart Institute.  

Tickets

Tickets and information about Washington’s signature food and wine festival are available online at kirklanduncorked.com. Tickets are available online, or stop by The Grape Choice in Kirkland area Fred Meyer stores for VIP tasting tickets.

Parking

Several roads and parking lots will be closed downtown for Kirkland Uncorked. Get the details here on Patch.