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News Release

Elevating Washington Wine & Hospitality: WSU Tri-Cities' Cougar Tracks Hosts Food & Wine Pairing Workshop (Photo) - 10/17/25

RICHLAND, Wash. — Cougar Tracks, Washington State University Tri-Cities’ continuing education program, will host The Art of Pairing: Elevating Food & Wine from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser.

 

Timed for the holiday season, this immersive workshop is designed to elevate food and wine service in wineries, restaurants, and homes while supporting Washington’s wine, hospitality and tourism sectors. Participants will gain practical skills to turn tastings into unforgettable guest experiences during the busiest time of year.

 

The workshop will be led by two of Washington’s most respected wine consultants:

  • April Reddout, Reddout Wine Consulting — a hospitality strategist with more than 15 years of experience in tasting room service, wine club growth and guest engagement.
  • Reggie Daigneault, Reggie Wine LLC — a wine educator specializing in sensory evaluation, wine sales and customer experience training.

Together, they will guide attendees through curated Washington wine and food pairings, hands-on sensory evaluation and storytelling strategies that build confidence and enhance hospitality experiences.

“Cougar Tracks is proud to unite professionals across wineries, restaurants and hospitality in one room,” said Michelle Hrycauk Nassif, director of Cougar Tracks at WSU Tri-Cities. “This workshop is about more than pairings; it’s about strengthening service culture, building networks and positioning Washington as a premier food and wine destination.”

 

The workshop provides wineries an opportunity to enhance tasting room service, wine club engagement and brand storytelling. Hospitality professionals can learn how to make confident wine recommendations, elevating restaurant, banquet and event service. Wine and food enthusiasts will gain insider knowledge and practice pairings to impress guests during the holidays.

 

The event is presented by Cougar Tracks Continuing Education with venue sponsorship provided in-kind by the Port of Benton, underscoring regional investment in workforce development, hospitality innovation and tourism.

Located in the heart of Washington wine country, the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center is Benton County’s premier event and educational space. It celebrates the state’s rich wine heritage while serving as a hub for community learning, industry innovation and guest experiences.

 

The cost for the workshop, including wine, food and sensory materials, is $149. Visit the Cougar Tracks registration website to sign up.

This workshop is for 21 and older participants. A valid government-issued ID will be required at check-in.

Attached Media Files: April Reddout, Reddout Wine, Reggie Daigneault, Reggie Wine LLC,

Elevating Washington Wine & Hospitality: WSU Tri-Cities' Cougar Tracks Hosts Food & Wine Pairing Workshop (Photo) - 10/17/25

RICHLAND, Wash. — Cougar Tracks, Washington State University Tri-Cities’ continuing education program, will host The Art of Pairing: Elevating Food & Wine from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser.

 

Timed for the holiday season, this immersive workshop is designed to elevate food and wine service in wineries, restaurants, and homes while supporting Washington’s wine, hospitality and tourism sectors. Participants will gain practical skills to turn tastings into unforgettable guest experiences during the busiest time of year.

 

The workshop will be led by two of Washington’s most respected wine consultants:

  • April Reddout, Reddout Wine Consulting — a hospitality strategist with more than 15 years of experience in tasting room service, wine club growth and guest engagement.
  • Reggie Daigneault, Reggie Wine LLC — a wine educator specializing in sensory evaluation, wine sales and customer experience training.

Together, they will guide attendees through curated Washington wine and food pairings, hands-on sensory evaluation and storytelling strategies that build confidence and enhance hospitality experiences.

“Cougar Tracks is proud to unite professionals across wineries, restaurants and hospitality in one room,” said Michelle Hrycauk Nassif, director of Cougar Tracks at WSU Tri-Cities. “This workshop is about more than pairings; it’s about strengthening service culture, building networks and positioning Washington as a premier food and wine destination.”

 

The workshop provides wineries an opportunity to enhance tasting room service, wine club engagement and brand storytelling. Hospitality professionals can learn how to make confident wine recommendations, elevating restaurant, banquet and event service. Wine and food enthusiasts will gain insider knowledge and practice pairings to impress guests during the holidays.

 

The event is presented by Cougar Tracks Continuing Education with venue sponsorship provided in-kind by the Port of Benton, underscoring regional investment in workforce development, hospitality innovation and tourism.

Located in the heart of Washington wine country, the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center is Benton County’s premier event and educational space. It celebrates the state’s rich wine heritage while serving as a hub for community learning, industry innovation and guest experiences.

 

The cost for the workshop, including wine, food and sensory materials, is $149. Visit the Cougar Tracks registration website to sign up.

This workshop is for 21 and older participants. A valid government-issued ID will be required at check-in.

Attached Media Files: April Reddout, Reddout Wine, Reggie Daigneault, Reggie Wine LLC,