Pacific Northwest Winemaker Charles Smith Is Taking Over Our Instagram

Charles Smith was this year's recipient of Wine Enthusiast's "Global Winemaker of the Year".[/caption]

Charles Smith is one of the biggest names in wine today. The largest independent winemaker in Washington State, and third largest overall, was just named Wine Enthuisast's "Global Winemaker of the Year," the first person from the Pacific Northwest to ever receive the honor. To kick off his winery's biggest year yet, Charles has decided to take his entire staff on a week-long road trip dubbed the "Spit or Swallow" Tour. Starting today and continuing through next Tuesday, Smith will take over the Food Republic Instagram account to document every step of the journey.

Award-winning winemaker Charles Smith has put together Washington's largest independent wine collection.

Smith's tour begins in Seattle — where he is building a new winery called Jet City (set to open in late spring 2015) — with a luncheon by his friend, chef Tom Douglas. From there the team will travel over the course the week from Seattle to Portland to Reno to Napa to San Francisco to Central Coast eventually wrapping up in Scottsdale, Arizona with copious eating, drinking and overall fun along the way. Follow along to get a glimpse into Charles and his team's adventures. He's the latest in a long line from the Originators of the Instagram Takeover, Food Republic, and joins  Takeover alums like Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo from Animal, Tom Colicchio and Andy Milonakis. Look out for #FRTakeover posts. 

Check out these Instagram takeover recaps on Food Republic: