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PRIEST RIVER — This year’s Iron Sommelier and Brewmaster champions were announced at the annual event, held Feb. 22.
Hosted by the Newport Hospital and Health Services Foundation at the Priest River Event Center, the event raised over $51,000 for Foundation programs.
According to a Newport Hospital and Health Services press release, event guests voted on wine or craft beer flights paired with six gourmet “small bite” courses prepared by Steven Swanson, executive chef at Nectar Catering and Events in Spokane. Swanson, a 2022 graduate of Newport High School, prides himself on developing courses that challenge competitors’ pairing skills.
Newcomer Holland Stevens of Hayden Beverage in Post Falls upset the 2024 Iron Sommelier titleholder, Josh Midkirk of Tastevin Wine in Boise, for the 2025 title. In a tight race, Midkirk received the most votes for two courses, while Stevens received the most votes for the other four.
Brandon Hawkins of Timber Town Beer Company in Priest River retained the Brewmaster title for the third year straight, beating 2020 champion Andrea Marcoccio of Matchwood Brewery in Sandpoint. The votes were close, but Timber Town’s “creative” selections of their craft brews received the most votes for all six courses, according to the press release.
The event’s live auction, presented by Jim Martin, raised over $37,500 for Foundation programs, including over $24,000 in support of the Healthy Kids Snack Bag Program, which serves Newport, Priest River, Priest Lake, Oldtown and Cusick.
Sponsors included the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, Kalispel Casino in Cusick, The Club - Total Balance Fitness in Newport and Wellpoint.
Crystal and marble trophies were presented to the event winners. Swanson, Michele Hastings, Roni Naccarato, Lauren Naccarato, Angie Rogers, Martin Amador and Jim Martin and Kerri Martin of 74 Main Public House in Priest River were also recognized for their dedication and support of the event.
About 15 students from NHS’s HOSA Future Healthcare Professions, Technology Student Association, SkillsUSA and Future Business Leaders of America served each of the six courses, accepting audience tips of over $1,300 toward their clubs’ fundraising efforts.
Spokane musician Kicho Forrest returned to provide acoustic and electric guitar with country and classic rock vocals. Forrest was accompanied on the drums by Bret Smith of Newport.
