Grenache Fest in Waitsburg

WAITSBURG - I recently returned from a business trip and was hit with how much I love Waitsburg and the Touchet Valley. Being greeted by the rolling hills of fall colors and gentle traffic reminded me of how lucky I am to have landed here.

More than anything, I love my neighbors. Waitsburg is home to farm families, entrepreneurs, educators, and characters. Some have roots dating back to the 1800s, and the rest of us are newcomers. However, this town of fewer than 1,200 people has been nothing but welcoming to me and my family.

This weekend, one of Main Street's newest neighbors is hosting the Grenache Fest in Waitsburg. Carrie Alexander, co-owner of Atelier Waitsburg and founder of the festival, is hosting the two-day event featuring one of the industry's most approachable wines. This is the third Grenache Fest, and the first time in Waitsburg. Starting in 2023 in Walla Walla, the event has brought wine producers and enthusiasts together to enjoy the wide variety of Grenache wines produced internationally.

Alexander has her roots in the wine world, first working in the restaurant industry in the California Bay Area in the 90s. Since then, she has worked with winemakers in California, Washington, and France, including her husband, Todd Alexander.

"One of the first wines that wowed us was Grenache. It was a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, twenty years ago, and we have been in love with it ever since. I find a lot of people we meet feel the same way. It is approachable, especially to those new to wine," said Alexander.

The festival kicksoff on Friday, November 6, with a dinner at Atelier Waitsburg with Chef David Nichols and Winemaker Todd Alexander. The pair will offer a four-course dinner designed to complement a range of Alexander's favorite Grenache wines.

Saturday's events include seminars, wine tastings, food trucks, and live music.

New to Grenache? Perhaps start with the Blind Tasting at the Waitsburg Town Hall at 1 p.m. Taste a wide range of flavors from just ten wines under the guidance of guest moderators and local sommeliers.

Learn more about the Grenache that caught your attention from critically acclaimed wine writers and podcasters who will moderate breakout seminars on Grenache varieties from light to bold. It is not just talk; seminars will also include tastings.

Waitsburg resident and wine writer Paul Gregutt will host "Stuck in the Middle with You" at the Morgan Building, 132 Main St. With his quick wit and epic palate, he'll explore wines that aren't too restrained, but not too bold.

Alexander has worked with Main Street businesses to bring the festival to Waitsburg. It will be smaller in scale than the Walla Walla events to best highlight what Waitsburg offers.

grenachefest.com

"We brought the festival to Waitsburg because of all of the people here doing their own thing, creating, and really building community. We hope this will be a long-term event for Waitsburg that draws more people to see this amazing place and what it is all about," said Alexander.

Owners of historic Main Street buildings have opened their spaces for the event. Seminars will be at The Morgan Building, Atelier Waitsburg, Royal Block, The Plaza Theater, Waitsburg Town Hall, and food trucks will be on The Slab.

A Grand Tasting will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday at Waitsburg Town Hall, featuring wines from all 30 participating international Grenache producers. Attendees will enjoy music from a live DJ and food trucks on The Slab.

grenachefest.com

Live music at The Plaza Theater in Waitsburg with M. Ward, and Low Plain Drifters opening.

Beginning at 8 p.m., the Plaza Theater will host live music by M. Ward, an American singer-songwriter who focuses on folk, blues, and Americana analog recordings. Ward was part of the indie-pop duo She & Him with Zooey Deschanel, folk-rock band Monsters of Folk, and has produced 12 solo albums.

The Low Plains Drifters will be the opening act with their Waitsburg brand of cowboy blues. The band is led by Bar Bacetto Chef Mike Easton, with Frog Hollow's Brian Richards on drums, and Wolfling Coffee's award-winning barista/owner Trevor Corbin on slide.

There is still time to get tickets, and Alexander is offering a special discount code for her Waitsburg neighbors. Go to grenachefest.com for information and to purchase tickets.

Grenache Fest 2026

Waitsburg, Washington

Friday, November 6

7 p.m. Dinner at Atelier Waitsburg with Chef David Nichols and Wine maker Todd Alexander

Sold out!

Saturday, November 7

1 p.m. Blind Tasting

Waitsburg Town Hall

3 p.m. Break-out Seminars (Choose one)

“Come to the Light” with Michael Alberty at Atelier Waitsburg

or

“Stuck in the Middle With You with Paul Gregutt at The Morgan Building

Sold out!

or

“Bigger! Bolder! Blacker!” with MJ Towler “Black Wine Guy” at The Royal Block

5 p.m. Grand Tasting

Waitsburg Town Hall

With DJ Twin Mercury

Food Trucks for all at the Slab

8 p.m. Concert with M. Ward and the Low Plains Drifters at The Plaza Theater