The sparkling wine GAHSS’NA, born from a collaboration between Busan and Seattle, achieved results beyond expectations at the 2025 WABA Korea Expo held in Washington State last weekend.
At the 5th WABA Korea Expo & Festival, held from August 15–17 at the Snoqualmie Casino Hotel, GAHSS’NA Wine received a total of 214 pre-orders, recording the highest sales performance among all participating companies.
Local Institutions Express Strong Interest
In particular, Snoqualmie Casino made an advance purchase of 120 bottles, followed by an additional 94 pre-orders from general visitors. Key local institutions such as the Seattle Latino Chamber of Commerce, Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, and the GSBA (Greater Seattle Business Association) also expressed strong interest in GAHSS’NA’s unique concept, signaling both purchase intentions and possible collaboration.
Alaska Airlines’ PR team commented, “It doesn’t make sense not to include a product that combines a Korean concept with Washington wine on the Seattle–Korea route,” adding that they will actively recommend the adoption of GAHSS’NA to their F&B team. Alaska Airlines is scheduled to launch its new Seattle–Seoul Incheon route on September 12.
[Photo provided by RM Wineries Korea] Sparkling Rosé Wine GAHSS’NA
Brand Name Inspired by Busan Dialect ‘Gashina’
The name GAHSS’NA comes from the Busan dialect word “gashina” (meaning “girl”), and the sparkling rosé wine has drawn attention for its distinctive concept that combines the vibrant spirit of Busan with premium grapes from Washington State.
Michael O’dlee, CEO of RM Wineries Korea, stated:
“GAHSS’NA is more than just a wine—it serves as a medium to introduce Busan’s cultural identity to the world. This achievement demonstrates the potential of a new category: Korean-branded Washington wine.”
GAHSS’NA has already been designated as the official wine of Busan City and is officially supported by the Washington State Wine Commission. Since its debut at the 23rd World Korean Business Convention in Atlanta this April, the wine has continued to attract steady attention across North America and Korea.
The WABA Korea Expo, hosted by the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Washington (President Eun Ji-Yeon), is a leading event that connects Korean companies with local businesses. This year, about 50 companies and institutions participated, with programs including a Buyer–Seller Networking Dinner, Expo exhibition, and Luncheon over the course of three days.
‘GAHSS’NA Wine’ at the 2025 WABA Korea Expo
[Photo provided by RM Wineries Korea] Sparkling Rosé Wine GAHSS’NA
[Photo by Reporter Kim Seung-gyu] CEO Michael O’dlee introducing GAHSS’NA Wine
Source: Seattle Korean Daily (http://www.seattlekdaily.com)
