The 2009 Kirkland Concours d’Elegance’s “Best in Show” was this 1939 Mercedes Benz 540 Autobahn Kourier Coupe. Courtesy photo.
Vehicles from 12 historic classes of automobiles, sidecar motorcycles and vintage boats, are selected from across the U.S. and Canada to participate in this esteemed "contest of elegance."
They are judged by a team of national and international experts, with awards given in a range of different categories.
All profits from the event benefit uncompensated children’s care at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, with more than one million dollars already donated to these needy recipients.
This year, in addition to the main showcase event at Carillon Point, the Kirkland Concours d’Elegance has added a wine tasting and car viewing opportunity in Woodinville.
The "Vin d’Elegance" will offer a chance for the public to taste some of Washington state’s finest wines, while getting an eyeful of the Concours cars and other vintage automobiles in a different setting, amongst the wineries of Woodinville.
Participating wineries include Anton Ville Winery, Brian Carter Cellars, Challenger Ridge, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Winery, DiStefano Winery, Dusted Valley, Edmonds Winery, Elevation Cellars, Hestia Cellars, Hollywood Hill Vineyards, J. Bookwalter Tasting Studio, Matthews Estate, Novelty Hill/Januik, Otis Kenyon Wine, Silver Lake Winery, Tefft Cellars and William Church Winery.
Each of the wineries will donate 50 percent of the proceeds from each tasting fee, along with five percent of the day’s sales, to support the Kirkland Concours d’Elegance cause for Seattle Children’s Hospital and Evergreen Hospital.
A highlight of the Vin d’Elegance will be the culmination of the Concours’ Tour d’Elegance in downtown Woodinville. The Tour is a three-day road trip through the North Cascades, which involves approximately 20 rare, classic cars.
"The Woodinville Wine Country is the ideal partner for us," comments Ben Lindekugel, Concours’ event organizer. "We wanted to broaden our appeal beyond just car people. Part of our mission is to educate the community about the history and art of these automobiles and the cultures they reflect. And of course, the other part is to raise money for both Children’s and Evergreen."
He adds, "We think having the wineries involved will be a great complementary event. And it will benefit us both because we’re each looking to expand our markets – markets that I think share many commonalities." Cynthia Daste, executive director of Woodinville Wine Country, is of the same mindset as Lindekugel.
She says, "We wanted to partner with Concours because we believe it will give us a great new audience. There’s a nice crossover between us. It’s the lifestyle piece we’re after. People who appreciate world class cars are probably the same type of people who would appreciate world class wines."
The Vin d’Elegance will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 18 participating wineries in Woodinville.
The Kirkland Concours d’Elegance will take place on Sunday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Carillon Point.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.kirklandconcours.com. |
