2025 Iron Sommelier & Brewmaster Champions Announced
PRIEST RIVER –Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation hosted the 2025 Iron Sommelier and Brewmaster Event on Saturday, February 22 at the Priest River Event Center. The annual event raised over $51,000 for Foundation programs, including annual individual sponsorships of 136 students for the Healthy Kids Snack Bags. Guests voted on wine or craft beer flights paired with six gourmet “small bite” courses prepared by Executive Chef Steven Swanson of Nectar Catering and Events (Spokane). Swanson, a 2002 graduate of Newport High School, prides himself on developing exciting courses that challenge the event competitors’ pairing skills.
Brandon Hawkins of Timber Town Beer Company (Priest River) was able to retain the Brewmaster title for his third straight win, beating 2020 champion Andrea Marcoccio of Matchwood Brewery Company (Sandpoint). The votes were close, but ultimately Timber Town’s creative selections of their craft brews swept the pairings of all six courses: Course 1 “Roasted Garlic Bisque” paired with Timber Town’s South of the (Canadian) Border Mexican Style Lager; Course 2 “Chipotle Roasted Sweet Potato Salad” paired with Timber Town’s One Foot in the Black, Black Lager; Course 3 “Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps” paired with Timber Town’s Tangerine Hefeweizen; Course 4 “Beef and Mushroom Ragù” paired with Timber Town’s Crosscut Amber Ale; Course 5 “Pork Salsa Roja” paired with Timber Town’s River Pig Pale Ale; and Course 6 “Boozy Apple Potsticker” paired with Timber Town’s Fest Beer.
Newcomer, Holland Stevens of Hayden Beverage (Post Falls, ID) upset the 2024 Iron Sommelier, Josh Midkirk, now of Tastevin Wine (Boise, ID), for the 2025 Iron Sommelier title. In a tight race, Midkirk took the votes for 2 courses: Course 4 “Beef and Mushroom Ragù” paired 2023 Comtesse Marion Cabernet Sauvignon (France); and Course 5 “Pork Salsa Roja” paired 2021 Godina Garnacha (Spain). However, Stevens received the most votes for the other 4 courses to clinch the win: Course 1 “Roasted Garlic Bisque” paired with Pizzolato Muse Prosecco (Veneto, Italy), Non-Vintage; Course 2 “Chipotle Roasted Sweet Potato Salad” paired with 2023 Tapestry Sauvignon Blanc (Central Coast, California); Course 3 “Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps” paired with 2022 Masi Fresco di Masi Rosso (Veneto, Italy); and Course 6 “Boozy Apple Potsticker” paired with Caposaldo Provincia di Pavia Moscato (Lombardy, Italy), Non-Vintage.
The evening’s live auction, presented by Jim Martin, raised over $37,500 for Foundation programs, including over $24K in support of the Healthy Kids Snack Bag Program, which serves Newport, Priest River, Priest Lake, Oldtown and Cusick. Corporate Sponsors included Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Kalispel Casino, The Club – Total Balance Fitness, and Wellpoint.
Spokane musician, Kicho Forrest, was back to provide dynamic acoustic and electric guitar with country and classic rock vocals. Forrest was accompanied on the drums by Bret Smith of Newport. Crystal and marble trophies were presented to the event winners. Michele Hastings, Roni & Lauren Naccarato, Angie Rogers, Martin Amador, Jim & Kerri Martin (74 Main Public House), and Chef Swanson (Nectar) were also recognized for their dedication and support of the event.
15 Students from Newport High School’s HOSA Future Healthcare Professions, TSA (Technology Student Association), Skills USA, and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) clubs served each of the six food courses and graciously accepted audience tips of over $1,300 towards their clubs’ fundraising efforts.
NOTE: Newport Hospital & Health Services Foundation supports alcohol-free lifestyles. At any event where alcoholic beverages are available, we offer a wide selection of complimentary, upscale non-alcoholic options to any of our guests.
Fundraising
This year, we are pleased to continue fundraising for key District programs supported by the Foundation and hospital equipment needs. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Hospital Equipment & Employee Education: The 2025 fundraising season will also contribute to the purchase of needed hospital equipment and assisting employees with
higher education goals in hard-to-fill healthcare fields. - Healthy Kids Snack Bag program: We currently deliver weekly snack bags to approximately 275 children from Cusick, Newport, Priest River, Priest Lake and Oldtown.
- Reach Out and Read program: provides a new book to children (birth to age 5) at their annual well-child exams at Newport Health Center
- If you have any questions, please contact the Foundation Office at (509) 447-6286 or email us: [email protected].
Make a Donation
If you would like to make a donation to the Foundation, please donate securely online (below) or mail your donation to: NHHS Foundation, 714 W. Pine Street, Newport WA 99156.
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Newport Hospital and Health Services is a 501(c3) non-profit organization. Please call us at (509) 447-6286 if you need more information.
Thank you, Event Sponsors!
