Hospice du Rhône’s bi-annual conference creates the largest gathering of Rhône wines on the planet
San Luis Obispo, Calif. USA— Hospice du Rhône®, an international wine organization based in San Luis Obispo, California, will host their bi-annual Paso Robles conference April 26 -28, 2018 at the Paso Robles Event Center. Uniting the world-wide Rhône wine community, the three-day wine event will gather attendees for a weekend complete with in-depth educational seminars, tastings exploring global Rhône wines, carefully curated meals and so much more.
Through the years, Hospice du Rhône has played host to a diverse set of international Rhône personalities, tasted attendees on Rhône wines found only at the Paso Robles conference and has been the launching platform for many Rhône focused wineries. The 2018 event will continue this tradition by uniting an international group of winemakers, importers, enthusiasts, sommeliers and media who all share a passion for the twenty-two Rhône varieties.
The 2018 Seminar Series will once again gather Rhône winemakers and winegrowers alike to take the stage to discuss all things Rhône wine. Starting off the series will be a lively look, and taste, into the South African Cinsault renaissance. Presenting a collection of wines that will deliciously illustrate this Cinsault phenomenon will be Ryan Mostert of Silwervis, Andrea Mullineux of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, Tremayne Smith of The Blacksmith and Danie Steytler of Kaapzicht Wine Estate. Moderated by Lauren Buzzeo of Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Digging deep into the historic soils of the Hoffmann Vineyard, planted in the 1880s, within the Barossa Valley in Australia will be four dynamic winemakers and one sixth generation farmer. Examining cultural history and how winemakers interpret fruit from the same vines will be Adrian Hoffmann of Hoffman Vineyard, Paul Heinecke of Soul Growers, Russell Johnstone of RBJ Vintners, Chris Ringland of North Barossa Vintners Collaboration and Michael Twelftree of Two Hands Winery & Twelftree, along with moderator Chuck Hayward of Vinroads.
Adding to the docket will be an in-depth look into the fascinating history of California Rhône vineyards dating back to the 1880s. Sharing Rhône wines from a variety of historic California vineyards, insight and stories of the past will be presenters Morgan Twain-Peterson, MW of Bedrock Wine Company and Tegan Passalacqua of Sandlands and Turley Wine Cellars. Moderating this look at the past will be John Alban, Founder of Hospice du Rhône and Alban Vineyards.
Making the trip from the Rhône Valley to close out the 2018 Paso Robles Seminar Series will be the ever-gracious and talented Philippe Guigal of E. Guigal. Guests will experience the magic of Philippe, his wines and his family’s history as they taste through wines from one of the greatest wine estates in the world.
The journey continues with over 130 global Rhône wine producers sharing their wines at both the Opening and the Closing tastings. The Opening Tasting will focus on Rhône wines from the 2012 vintage and older where the Closing Tasting will feature Rhône variety wines from the 2012 vintage and newer. This tasting format allows guests a two-day opportunity to taste how gracefully the producers’ wines age and what to expect in the future. A list of all attending Rhône wine producers and importers may be found on the organizations website.
This Rhônely installment would not be complete without exquisite culinary comrades taking to the stove. Guests will delight in cuisine from Chef John Toulze of the girl & the fig of Sonoma at an invite-only welcome reception, the refreshing fare of Chef Nick Nolan of Society Cuisine of Paso Robles for the Rosé Lunch, and the talented Chef Spencer Johnston of Danior Kitchen Catering from San Luis Obispo at the Saturday Farewell Dinner.
This bi-annual conference could not be made possible without the generosity of sponsors. Supporting the 2018 Paso Robles gathering is Cadus Tonnellerie France, Clever Concepts, Farm Credit West, FedEx, Fiji Water, J&L Wines, Pack n’ Ship Direct, Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, Poor Richard’s Press, Riedel, The SOMM Journal, Scott Laboratories, Sunridge Nurseries, Taylor Rental Party Plus, the girl & the fig, The Tasting Panel, Travel Paso Robles, Umpqua Bank, Wine & Spirits Magazine and Wine Country this Month.
Attendees should gear up for a weekend of serious Rhône wine fun brimming with all things Rhône. From weekend passes to individual tickets, guests can purchase the option that best fits their schedule. Passes for the Paso Robles conference April 26 – 28, 2018 at the Paso Robles Event Center begin at $100 and are now on sale. To purchase passes and to learn more visit www.hospicedurhone.org.
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About Hospice du Rhône®
Hospice du Rhône® (HdR), located in San Luis Obispo, California, operates as a non-profit business league with the specific purpose of improving the business conditions of grape growers and wine producers of Rhône variety wines and grapes throughout the world. An international vintners’ association, they provide promotional and educational opportunities to the wine industry, trade and Rhône enthusiasts. Hospice du Rhône is not affiliated with any other charitable organizations and is a non-profit 501 (c) (6) Business League.
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Official Event Hashtag: #hdrpaso