Eve's Wine 101

The Grenache Association Welcomes International Grenache Day on Friday, September 15 with LocalWineEvents.com/GrenacheDay

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List your events celebrating Grenache for free at LocalwineEvents.com/GrenacheDay and Find a Celebration Near You 

AVIGNON, France, /PRNewswire/ — The Grenache Association – a not-for-profit coalition of fans of the Grenache grape – welcomes the world to celebrate the 13th International Grenache Day on Friday, September 15, 2023. This annual event, held on the third Friday of every September, has been instrumental in spreading the “gospel of Grenache” through social media initiatives, in-person and virtual wine tastings, and events at wineries, wine shops, wine bars, wine academies, and restaurants.

This year, the Grenache Association welcomes a new partnership with LocalWineEvents.com which created a portal specifically for #GrenacheDay on its website: LocalWineEvents.com/GrenacheDay. Participating venues, industry professionals, and others can post their public events on the site which wine lovers can search for by city or browse all events worldwide.

Local Wine Events is the world’s biggest site for neighborhood wine and food event listings in over 63 countries. Their weekly e-newsletter The Juice reaches over 300,000+ subscribers with an average readership of 500,000 wine and food enthusiasts weekly.

According to LWE founder Eric Orange, “Our mission at Local Wine Events is to make wine events easily accessible wherever you are in the world and to help promote wine shops, restaurants, wineries, and wine! Grenache is one of our favorite varietals and #GrenacheDay is a great opportunity to list fun events to promote it.”

ABOUT GRENACHE: Grenache is planted on six of the seven continents and delivers a “sense of place” or expression of its terroir in every sip. It is enjoyed by wine mavens and newbies who embrace its earthy fruitiness and complexity, long finish, and medium body which translates to a velvety, voluptuous mouthfeel. This versatile varietal is the cornerstone of great wines like Châteauneuf-du-Papes, GSMs, and many rosés.

Laurence Ferraud of Château Pegau loves how Grenache morphs into “1000 variations and nuances,” reflecting the varied soils — pebbles, sand, clay– that give birth to her award-winning wines: “Grenache is our King, no other grape variety matches better the terroir in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It gives full expressions as it ages, from its deep black fruit to its range of spices. Our Domaine du Pegau wines are 80% Grenache. This grape has been the heart and soul of my family for generations, since the start of Domaine Pegau in 1987 and my own Chateau Pegau since 2012.”

GRENACHE ASSOCIATION: Thanks in part to the Grenache Association’s campaign, Grenache has also been recognized as a major player in the wine world as a standalone single-varietal wine. The late Stephen Spurrier, Michel Bettane, Walter McKinlay of Domaine du Mourchon, and Nicole Sierra-Rolet of Chêne Bleu wines launched #GrenacheDay in 2010 with their grassroots association run by volunteers.

CLIMATE CHANGE WARRIOR: Grenache is considered by many as the most climate-change-friendly grape grown. Its wind and drought-resistant deep root system reaches the water table, making it less dependent on rainwater or irrigation for hydration.

Comments Grenache Association co-founder Nicole Rolet of Chêne Bleu: “More and more superstar winemakers are turning to Grenache to build their blends and even more are embracing it as a single blend wine. The word “Grenache” should be in every wine lover’s lexicon.” 

How to Celebrate #GrenacheDay:

Log an Event: www.localwineevents.com/GrenacheDay

Post #GrenacheDay photos and videos:

Twitter: @grenache_global,

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrenacheSymposium or Instagram.

Download a #GrenacheDay image:

http://www.grenache-association.com/index.php/grenacheday/ to email to friends, post on your social media, or create an invitation.

BIG NEWS: EVE HAS BEEN INVITED TO TEACH WINE ETIQUETTE (FOR FUN + EDUCATION) AT DOUBLE HELIX WINE AND WHISKEY BAR – IN LAS VEGAS – ON AUGUST 30!

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This is an excerpt from Double Helix Wine and Whiskey Lounge Instagram post: Calling all our #wine lovers in Vegas! We’ve been so excited and waiting to share a little something new we created. 

Presenting: Wine Etiquette 101 With a Twist. Please join us for an casual evening tasting and learning about wine with a very special host, Eve Bushman, @evebushmaneveswine101 
An expert in her field, with a great sense of humor, she’ll have you laughing and learning at the same time.

This is not your average wine class, this is something new! We wanted locals to have the opportunity to have some fun, bring friends, make new friends, and laugh while learning the basic ins and outs of Wine Education.

No need to feel shy or embarrassed about your level of wine knowledge here, our goal is to help you feel comfortable in any situation that involves Wine! 

📍Purchase your 🎟 on our website at www.doublehelixwine.com.

HALL ST. HELENA INTRODUCES NEW WINE TASTING EXPERIENCES IN ITS HISTORIC BERGFELD WINERY

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ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA – HALL, a family-owned Napa Valley winery focused on premier Cabernet Sauvignon, has announced new wine tasting experiences in its historic Bergfeld winery to enhance the way people are educated, taste, and socialize with wine.

The historic Bergfeld winery, originally constructed in 1885 out of stone and wood, was one of the first winemaking facilities in Napa. The winery, located in the center of the HALL St. Helena location, was restored and updated in 2013 and retains key elements of the production facility from the 1800’s. Visitors to this iconic space will experience the stunning views and historic architecture, while enjoying singular Cabernet Sauvignon wines served in the original, gravity flow fermentation cellar.

“Our team of talented wine educators will guide guests through a thoughtfully curated selection of our finest wines, sharing stories behind each bottle and we hope, deepening their appreciation for the art of winemaking,” says Vintner Kathryn Hall. “We want every guest that gets the chance to be inside the Bergfeld winery to feel a profound connection to our wines, our rich heritage, and the natural beauty of Napa Valley.”

HALL’s wine tasting experiences offered in the Bergfeld building include:

Guests are invited to taste through a range of current wine releases sourced from various Napa Valley Appellations, and will learn about terroir, flavor profiles, decanting tips, and more. Guests will also receive a copy of A Perfect Score, a New York Times bestselling book penned by Craig & Kathryn Hall, detailing their commitment to creating a modern winery with a focus on high-quality winemaking. The wines are paired with an assortment of specialty cheeses from Napa Valley. Daily 11am, 1pm & 3pm

CABERNET COLLECTOR’S EXPERIENCE

By Appointment Only, $150 per guest/$100 Wine Club Members, 90 minutes 1

Since the first vintage was produced in 1996, the Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon wine has been one of the highest rated in HALL’s portfolio, earning 99 scores rated 90 points and above from the industry’s top critics including The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Jeb Dunnuck and Vinous. Additionally, Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon earned the #2 spot in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” list in 2011. Guests booking the Kathryn Hall Vertical experience will get to taste this wine from different vintages including library wines unavailable to the public. Guests will explore vintage variations and how the aromas and flavor profiles of HALL’s flagship wine evolves with each vintage. The wines are paired with seasonal bites that include an assortment of local cheeses, seasonal jams and artisanal crackers by Napa-based chef, Ally Schultz.

KATHRYN HALL VERTICAL EXPERIENCE (Current Seasonal Experience)

By Appointment Only, $195 per guest, 120 minutes.

This exclusive experience showcases our highest rated Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon wines. HALL produces wines from 13 of the 16 Napa Valley Appellations including some of the Valley’s most sought-after regions such as Stags Leap, Rutherford, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Diamond Mountain and more. This experience is designed for Mountain Cabernet collectors and enthusiasts. The wines are paired with seasonal bites that include an assortment of local cheeses, seasonal jams and artisanal crackers by Napa-based chef, Ally Schultz.

MOUNTAIN CABERNET EXPERIENCE

By Appointment Only, $195 per guest, 120 minutes.

As HALL’s most elevated and exclusive offering, the Platinum Collection tasting is a private, seated tasting that includes three Platinum Collection Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The Platinum Collection launched in 2012 when the winemaking team began separating a few select barrels of wines from distinct lots to bottle them individually. HALL discovered that each year there are tiny batches of superlative wine from extraordinary vineyard locations that stand above the rest and thus, the Platinum Collection was born. HALL’s Platinum Collection wines have each received exceptional reviews from the most respected critics in the wine industry, including six 100-point scores for the 2019, 2018, 2016 twice, 2014, and 2013 vintages of the Rainin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are paired with seasonal bites that include an assortment of local cheeses, seasonal jams and artisanal crackers by Napa-based chef, Ally Schultz.

THE PLATINUM COLLECTION EXPERIENCE

By Appointment Only, $250 per guest, 120 minutes.

The Bergfeld winery is an integral part of HALL St. Helena, which is renowned for its world-class wines and commitment to sustainable practices. The winery was built in 1885 by William Petersen and listed as one of the first wineries of record in Napa Valley. Robert Bergfeld purchased and then rebranded the winery when he took it over in 1896 and established what might is known as the first custom crush and production business in Napa Valley when he advertised the winery and its 50,000 gallons of cooperage in 1897. After transferring ownership to a number of additional parties, the property sold to the Napa Valley Co-Op in 1934, and then again to Craig and Kathryn Hall in 2003.

The Bergfeld winery was diligently restored by Craig and Kathryn Hall who sought to preserve its rich heritage while infusing it with modern elements. One of the most unique features of the winery and its architectural design, combining classic Victorian architecture with contemporary touches. The winery showcases intricate stone masonry walls and arched doorways, while retaining the original flooring and design of the fermentation room from the 1800’s. Today, the Bergfeld winery is surrounded by two LEED Gold production and tasting room facilities that the Hall family has helped enable as modern and sustainable achievements.

“With a focus on high-quality seasonal tastings, our guests will immerse themselves within an environment that is modern, classy, and cool,” says HALL Vice President of Hospitality, David Eriksen. “We are excited to be able to treat our guests with an elevated range of tastings and be immersed in Napa Valley culture.”

For more information about HALL’s new Bergfeld winery tasting experiences, please visit:

https://www.hallwines.com/hall-bergfeld.

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HALL produces award-winning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at two properties in Napa Valley in St. Helena and Rutherford. Family-owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, the winery produces artisan wines that express the unique and diverse character of the wine country’s soils and climates through meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards and the winemaking process. Led by Vice President of Winemaking, Megan Gunderson, HALL focuses on producing distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings highlighting the finest vineyards and sub-appellations of the Napa Valley. The HALL St. Helena Winery was the first LEED® Gold Certified Winery in the State of California in 2009 and earned another LEED® Gold certification for its high-tech production facility and Tasting Room in 2014, making HALL a leader in green efficiencies. For more information about HALL, please visit www.hallwines.com or by calling 707.967.2626. @hallwines #artofcabernet.

VINEXPO ASIA MADE AN IMPRESSION

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Singapore – Vinexpo Asia, the leading international tradeshow for the wine and spirits sector in Asia, concluded its highly anticipated event from May 23 to 25 in Singapore. It exceeded expectations with a highly qualified attendance, substantial business generation, and unparalleled knowledge sharing, solidifying its position as the premier gathering for industry professionals in the region. 
 

QUALITY ATTENDANCE SETS NEW STANDARDS

Vinexpo Asia 2023 witnessed an impressive turnout, with a remarkable and diverse 9,989 professionals hailing from 64 countries (Top-5 visiting countries being Singapore, China, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand). The event attracted top-quality buyers, 80% of which have trade and retail activities in the region, providing exhibitors with many business opportunities (Top-5 exhibiting producers being France, Italy, Australia, USA and Spain), whereas 20% were from media, education and institutional organizations. Highlighting its significance on an international scale, the tradeshow also welcomed prestigious institutional visits, including Ambassadors and High Commissioners from 19 countries ambassadors from 16 countries, featuring the USA, Vinexpo Asia 2023’s country of honor, with the presence of Mr Jonathan Kaplan, Ambassador of the USA to Singapore, and the Ambassador of France to Singapore, Mrs Minh di Tang.

“Vinexpo Asia has been great for the exposure of US wines. The quality of the visitors was truly amazing. The entire US area has been busy throughout. We have made a lot of promising contacts from many countries in Southeast Asia. We are proud to have been part of the country of honor this year”, said Christopher Beros, Director, Great China and Southeast Asia, California Wine Institute.

UNPRECEDENTED BUSINESS GENERATION

Vinexpo Asia 2023 also proved to be a catalyst for business growth with a staggering 75% of exhibitors benefiting from 3,512 pre-scheduled meetings, which 1/3 with top-buyers, members of the Vinexposium CLUB Program. These meetings brought together industry professionals, creating meaningful connections and optimizing their participation. Prospects from well-represented countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia engaged in numerous productive discussions, further expanding opportunities for the wine and spirits industry across the region.

“Vinexpo Asia proved the right place for us to engage with our current customers and to create new leads in markets where we didn’t have representation for some of our brands. It really exceeded my expectations, participating in Vinexpo Asia was a success for our company”, said Gordon Gebbie, Commercial Director of the Australian Rathbone Wine Group. “It has also given our brands the opportunity to renew relationships with China, there is more dialog going on which gives us hope for the future and we look forward to Vinexpo Asia in Hong Kong next year to address the Chinese market further” he concluded.

EMPOWERING KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Vinexpo Asia 2023 showcased its commitment to advancing industry knowledge through Vinexpo Academy. 40 sessions were hosted and drew in a full attendance of professional attendees who had the privilege to taste and to learn from 70 esteemed international speakers and experts, a testament of Vinexpo Academy’s unwavering popularity among the wine and spirits professionals. Vinexpo Academy played a pivotal role in elevating the Asian trade to new heights, fostering innovation and excellence within the wine and spirits community.

“The masterclasses were particularly enriching and gave insight. For example, the vertical tasting of Long Dai wines by the General Manager of the winery opened up my eyes to the potential of the wines”, said Ronald Khoo, Wine & Spirits Manager, Cathay Pacific, Catering Centre of Excellence. “I was also pleasantly surprised by the diversity of exhibitors. Vinexpo Asia is indeed a meeting point. I saw many fellow industry friends I had not seen for the past years”, he concluded.
 

THE GRAND TASTING BY BETTANE+DESSEAUVE

The first edition of the newly formed partnership between Vinexposium and Bettane+Dessauve happened in Singapore on the eve of Vinexpo Asia and achieved remarkable success, attracting more than a thousand of trade buyers and consumers. It demonstrated an exceptional synergy between both brands, as evidenced by the overwhelming enthusiasm from the 40 brands participating.

“For its premiere in Singapore, The B+D Grand Tasting lived up to its promise by showcasing several of the world’s best estates. The number of participants surpassed our expectations with more than a thousand wine lovers, enthusiasts, amateurs and professionals. Leveraging on our expertise with Vinexposium’s know-how and high standards on the international stage proved to be a powerful combination“, commented Thierry Desseauve, President of Bettane+Desseauve.

A CONTINUING TRUST WITHIN THE INDUSTRY

The resounding success of Vinexpo Asia 2023 reflects the strong confidence in the Vinexpo brand from the wine and spirits industry and confirms its adhesion to Vinexposium’s steadfast commitment to Asia for the years to come. With an annual presence going forward, Vinexpo Asia event will alternate between Hong Kong and Singapore.

Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium Group, expressed his delight at Vinexpo Asia’s highly praised comeback, stating: “The positive feedback about this year’s event in Singapore demonstrated the immense potential and significance of the Asian market for the wine and spirits industry. We are excited to announce that Vinexpo Asia 2024 will be held in Hong Kong, building upon the achievements of this year’s edition as well as in Singapore in 2025. We look forward to further empowering the industry and delivering even greater value to our participants in the future years.”

Vinexpo Asia 2023 has undoubtedly repositioned the industry standards to the highest level, proving its commitment to delivering a world-class experience and fostering fruitful business connections. The event’s success sets the stage for an even more extraordinary Vinexpo Asia 2024 in Hong Kong and Vinexpo Asia 2025 in Singapore, firmly establishing Vinexposium as the driving force behind the wine and spirits industry’s growth in Asia.

Prosecco DOC Consortium Announces 6th Annual National Prosecco Week July 17-23

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BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PRWEB) – The Prosecco DOC Consortium, the entity that oversees the production of the world’s most popular sparkling wine, is pleased to announce that ‘National Prosecco Week’ – the trade, media and consumer campaign developed in partnership with Colangelo & Partners – will return for its sixth consecutive year during the week of July 17-23, 2023.

The upcoming edition will once again include robust retail and restaurant partnerships, media and consumer campaigns with an important focus on consumer events, targeted media relations and marketing, strategic media partnerships and dynamic social media and influencer activations. Through this comprehensive week of events, the Consortium aims to educate media, trade and consumers on how to identify authentic Prosecco DOC, increase awareness and build excitement in the United States market, showcasing the versatility and pairability of both Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOC Rosé, further elaborating on the new and growing Rosé category.

During last year’s edition of National Prosecco Week, over 1,000 ecommerce and brick-and-mortar stores across 30 states participated with dedicated displays, promotions and in-store tastings, with thousands of consumers involved in the initiative. Consumers were driven to participating restaurants and stores through a variety of promotional activities, including media relations, influencers, social media marketing, and advertising including a billboard in Times Square in New York. 2022 was also the year of the return of in-person events with over 180 consumers attending 2 events organized in partnership with Cru Luv in New York and Chicago.

As U.S. consumers continue to express interest in Prosecco DOC for its pleasing palate and approachable price point, the Prosecco DOC Consortium is committed to increase their presence in the market via educational and promotional events such as National Prosecco Week.

“After the tremendous success of the previous editions, we are thrilled to return to the United States for the sixth time since its inception,” said Stefano Zanette, President of the Prosecco DOC Consortium. “National Prosecco Week is an incredible opportunity to present our wines, our territory and our culture to the most influential wine personalities and Prosecco DOC lovers in the United States, our highest-volume market with more than 134 million bottles imported in 2022. The Prosecco DOC Denomination was in fact particularly preeminent in the US market in 2022 as exports increased by 6.3% over the previous year and today the country absorbs 24.3% of the total production of Prosecco DOC.” The President continues, “our goal is to continue to strengthen the Denomination’s success by monitoring consumer trends, paying close attention to the territory, and actively involving the entire production system, always keeping the focus on sustainability.”

Continuing the efforts from last year, consumers will be able to search for and purchase Prosecco DOC from local and national retailers on the National Prosecco Week online store, in addition to having the ability to locate participating stores in a selected area through an interactive map on the National Prosecco Week website starting June 1st.

National Prosecco Week is also partnering with national ecommerce Wine.com and retail chain Eataly USA to drive consumer awareness and generate educational opportunities.

This year, consumer events will have a main focus in the overarching campaign. The Consortium will host an exclusive happy hour on July 18th at TAO’s Dream Downtown, which will begin with two educational seminars for influencers and media, followed by a reception, featuring a celebration of The Italian Genio. Participants will have the chance to take a culinary journey to Italy, enjoying Prosecco DOC on its own and in a selection of cocktails, paired with Italian food.

The series of consumer activations will also include three events organized in partnership with Jermaine Stone’s creative brand agency Cru Luv Selections in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York scheduled respectively for July 17th, 19th and 21st. Following the success of the last year, The Original Wine & Hip Hop founder will blend the best elements of street culture and wine, bringing together bubbles, great music and fun facts on Prosecco DOC.

Prosecco DOC welcomes retailers and restaurants to participate in this nationwide celebration by hosting in-house or digital promotions, educational seminars, tastings, package inserts and discounts. The following renowned Prosecco DOC producers are participating in this year’s campaign: Abbazia di San Gaudenzio, Albino Armani, Bottega, Botter, Cà Furlan, Cantine Riondo, Fantinel, La Gioiosa, La Marca, Mionetto, Paladin, Pitars, Ruggeri, Torresella, V8+, Val d’Oca, Valdo, Villa Sandi, Zardetto, and Zonin.

Participating retailers and restaurants receive dynamic and educational POS materials to inspire consumer interest in the promotion. Additional benefits for participating partners include advertising support with National Prosecco Week’s digital and social media marketing, and press support. All partners will be featured on the National Prosecco Week website.

For more information on National Prosecco Week and how to participate, please contact Carlotta Ribolini (cribolini@colangelopr.com) or Daniela Porro (dporro@colangelopr.com) of Colangelo & Partners (http://www.colangelopr.com), the agency of record in the US for the Prosecco DOC Consortium.
To stay tuned for upcoming events and promotions, follow Prosecco DOC on Facebook & Instagram (@proseccodoc_usa), and the National Prosecco Week’s official US website.

About
The Prosecco DOC Consortium Prosecco was granted the Controlled Designation of Origin status on July 17th, 2009, and the Prosecco DOC Consortium (Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata Prosecco) was created on November 19th of the same year to coordinate and manage the Prosecco DOC. The organization unites the different groups of manufacturers—wineries, individual and associated vine-growers, still wine and sparkling wine producers—to ensure the designation continues to grow and that the production regulations are complied with.

Vinexpo America | Drinks America 2024 return confirmed: February 28-29 at New York’s Javits Center

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PORTLAND, Maine – Plans for Vinexpo America | Drinks America 2024 are in motion. The leading international exhibition for wine and spirits professionals in North America will return to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center February 28-29, 2024. Next year’s co-located events will build on the marked momentum of 2023, which saw a 30% year-over-year growth. With sights set even higher for 2024, Diversified Communications in partnership with Vinexposium, has locked in a larger event space, Hall 3A, for next year’s return, and is focused on an expansion of the Drinks America program. Attendee registration will open in September.

The 2023 event gathered over 3,200 industry professionals, a 28% increase over 2022, for two days to meet with top buyers and decision-makers in North America, the largest beverage-alcohol-consuming market globally. Attendance to the 2023 program grew by 28% year-over-year as well, earning the event bragging rights as the largest B2B trade show dedicated to wine and spirits professionals in North America. Drinks America welcomed a variety of products to the show floor in trending categories, including ready-to-drink, low and non-alcoholic options, and certified organic.

“The sheer success of our 2023 show—a true leap forward—has paved the way for a bigger, better Vinexpo America | Drinks America 2024, appropriately planned on ‘leap day’” said Beckie Kier, Diversified Communications’ group event director for Vinexpo America | Drinks America. “The demand for network and relationship building is the strongest it’s ever been and we intend to deliver a quality exhibitor lineup and educational program to encourage business building and bonding.”

The 2024 event will feature two full days of educational conferences and master classes covering the industry’s hottest trends, networking opportunities, and an expanded exhibition hall strategically organized to foster business relationships. Following a successful 2023 debut, the New Wave exhibitor program for younger wine and spirits producers with less than five years in the business will return. The program is designed to help new producers launch and boost sales. Also returning for 2024 is The WOW! World of Organic Wines and Spirits, a centralized exhibit and tasting area where attendees have access to wine and spirits producers showcasing their organic and Biodynamic products from around the world.

“Vinexpo America 2024 will be again the major trade show dedicated to wines and spirits in North America,” said Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium. “It is an important event for professionals in the industry, providing a platform for producers, distributors, importers, and buyers of wines and spirits from around the world to come together and connect here in the heart of North America.”

For more information, visit www.vinexpoamerica.com.

About Vinexposium

Vinexposium is the world’s leading organizer of wine and spirits trade events. The group boasts an extensive portfolio of iconic, high-performance events tailored to different market segments: Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris; Vinexpo America, Drinks America; Vinexpo Asia; Symposium; Vinexpo China; WBWE Amsterdam; and Vinexpo India, along with Vinexpo Explorer and Vinexpo Meetings. Vinexposium also continues to enhance its digital portal, Vinexposium Connect, the high-performance business enabler where industry members can connect 365 days a year around the world and enjoy online networking and exclusive content.

About Diversified Communications

Diversified Communications is a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. As producers of these market-leading products, Diversified Communications connects, educates, and strengthens business communities in over 15 industries including: renewable energy, healthcare, natural and organic, food and beverage, and technology. Established in 1949 and headquartered in Portland, Maine, USA, with divisions and offices around the world, Diversified Communications remains a privately held, third-generation, family-owned business. For more information, visit www.divcom.com

The Highly Anticipated 3rd Edition of the Volcanic Wine Conference, to be Held June 21st in New York City, Attracts Wide Range of Wineries from Around the World

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Excitement for the 3rd edition of the Volcanic Wine Conference in New York City is growing. Volcanic Wines International has announced that the event will take place June 21st from 10:30 am to 4.00 pm at City Winery on the Hudson River. The conference was created in 2018 by John Szabo, Master Sommelier and award-winning author, in partnership with Colangelo & Partners, the leading wine and spirits-focused PR agency in the US. This year’s conference will feature a walk-around tasting with an opening session hosted by John Szabo and special guest Dr. Kevin Franks, Associate Professor of Neurobiology at Duke University, who will present on the neuroscience of olfaction: “how the brain identifies, remembers and attributes meaning to odors.” Additionally, there will be three masterclass seminars sponsored by: Lake County Wine Grape Commission and presented by a specialist from the United States Geological Survey, the wines of Santorini with volcanologist Dr. Christos Kanellopoulos, and Volcanic White Wines From Sicily to Soave to Santorini, hosted by Winebow Imports with Yiannis Paraskevopoulos of Gai’a Winery and Ron Edwards MS.

The combination of wineries and regions represented, along with the educational focus highlighted by the masterclass seminars make the Volcanic Wine Conference a truly unique event. Volcanic Wines International seeks to bring more attention to a diverse collection of regions and winemakers not yet on the radar of many consumers and industry professionals. As in the previous editions in 2018 and 2019, the Conference has partnered with Wine & Spirits Magazine as the exclusive media partner.

Participating wineries represent a wide range of regions and volcanic soils, including Lake County, Etna, Vulkanland Steiermark, the Aeolian Islands, Santorini, Pitigliano, Lazio, Mount Vulture, Northern Greece, Azores, Campania, Soave, and Cyprus.

“Volcanic wines represent a worthy collection of highly distinctive, individual expressions – stubborn holdouts in a world of merging flavors,” states John Szabo. “With this project I hope, by shining a spotlight, to help protect worthy regions and native grapes in danger of disappearing due to a combination of the difficulty of farming and the lack of consumer awareness (and thus low prices). It’s my way of championing diversity and preserving vital world viticultural patrimony.”

Adds Gino Colangelo, president of Colangelo & Partners, “we are seeing a definite increase in interest and appreciation for the diversity offered by wines from volcanic soils. In a market filled with choices, wine lovers, industry members and press are looking for wines that stand out and are unique.” The wines and regions represented in this year’s conference have been featured in outlets such as the Guardian, Decanter, Wine & Spirits Magazine, The Drinks Business, Gault Millau and JancisRobinson.com among others, while sommeliers have embraced their distinctive characteristics.

Exhibiting wineries this year include: Pietradolce, The Lake County Wine Grape Commission, Alberelli di Giodo, Weingut Krispel, Firriato Winery, Passopisciaro, Inama, Estate Argyros, Gai’a Winery, Domaine Sigalas, Tenuta di Castellaro, Massimo Lentsch, Tasca d’Almerita, Tenuta Tascante, Obsidian Wine, Sassontondo, Tenimenti Leone, Tenuta Costantino, Duca di Salaparuta, Donnafugata, Planeta, Cantine del Notaio, Azores Wine Company, Bosco De’ Medici, La Guardiense, Cottanera, Pra, Suavia, Nicosia, Anatolikos Vineyards, Artemis Karamolegos, Tsiakka, Vinea Ardua.

For more information and the latest conference updates, visit http://www.volcanicwinesinternational.com, and follow the VWI’s Facebook (Volcanic Wines International) and Instagram (@volcanicwines_intl) pages.

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About John Szabo
Master Sommelier John Szabo was the first Canadian to add the “MS” after his name in 2004. He holds the international Wine & Spirits Education Trust Diploma with honors, as well as the Canadian Sommelier Guild diploma. He’s principal critic for WineAlign.com, Canada’s premiere wine resource, and co-host and producer of the podcast Wine Thieves with a global following in the trade. He contributes to many international trade and consumer publications and is currently co-writing a book on wine chemistry. He is a regular guest speaker at events worldwide and has traveled to virtually every wine producing country on earth, (volcanic and otherwise!) in pursuit of fine wine and to keep on top of this fascinating industry. In his spare time, he tends to his new vineyard in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

About Volcanic Wines International (VWI)
The mission of Volcanic Wines International is to take the leading role in defining and establishing a Volcanic Wine Movement, and to provide educational and promotional opportunities for volcanic wine producers internationally. Volcanic Wines International also plans to establish the volcanic wine brand as a premium category of high quality wines with a true sense of place.

About Colangelo & Partners
Colangelo & Partners specializes in premium food, wine and spirits brands, and has long-established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry leaders. Agency principals have years of experience in retail and distribution as well as communications, a rare combination that gives Colangelo & Partners invaluable insights into consumer purchasing behavior. The agency focuses on “closing the loop” between creative communications programs, distribution, promotion, publicity and the consumer in order to maximize the efficiency of its communications programs and deliver measurable results. http://www.colangelopr.com/

Wines of Georgia Announces the Launch of the Georgian Wine Certification Program in Partnership with the Napa Valley Wine Academy

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – Wines of Georgia is proud to announce that the Georgian Wine Certification program, in partnership with the Napa Valley Wine Academy, has officially launched, and is excited to begin enrolling students in a first-of-its-kind free education program to become a Georgian wine expert. Wines of Georgia is the organization that represents and promotes the wines of the country of Georgia and is financed by the National Wine Agency of Georgia, which is a legal entity under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, and the country’s wineries.

The National Wine Agency-endorsed three-hour course will feature seven learning modules on Georgia and its wines, along with a final quiz that gives users access, once passed, to a Georgian wine certificate endorsed by the Georgian National Wine Agency. A foundation in wine (Wine 201 or WSET Level 2) is recommended as a prerequisite before beginning the program. Lessons include the history, culture and unique process of Georgia’s qvevri-aged winemaking; the culinary traditions of the supra and the importance of wine and winemaking to Georgia’s people; education on Georgia’s various regions, terroir and winemaking traditions; the exciting range of indigenous varieties and styles found in Georgia, including Rkatsiteli, Saperavi and the world-renowned amber wines for which the country is known. Students who complete the Georgian wine course will have a thorough understanding of the wines of the country of Georgia and will receive an educational reference guide and presentation on Georgia for use, as well as an intermediate-level certificate from the Napa Valley Wine Academy.

Interested media, wine trade and wine-loving consumers can register to access the course at the Wine Certification Program page on the Wines of Georgia website. Included in all student registration are a course workbook, detailed profiles on all Georgian wine regions and key grape varieties, access to the course for twelve months and a printable PDF certificate with a digital badge.

Georgian wine remains some of the world’s most uniquely identifiable fermented beverages, with winemaking techniques and traditions that date back 8,000 years. Ancient and alluring, Georgia is known for its skin contact and qvevri-aged wines; however, wine is made in both Georgian and European winemaking methods using over 500 indigenous grape varieties as well as international varieties.

With Georgian wine exports to the U.S. achieving 29% year-over-year growth for the last six years, the launch of the Napa Valley Wine Academy Georgian wine certification comes at a time when consumption of key Georgian varieties and styles is at an all-time high, with wine exports to the U.S. totaling more than one million bottles. With sales velocity for Georgian wines continuing to increase significantly, the US now consistently achieves one of the highest average ex-cellar prices for Georgia’s wine anywhere in the world. This course is a necessity for anyone looking to have a complete understanding of the world of wine.

To keep up with the latest news and events from the Wines of Georgia campaign, please follow @winesgeorgia on Instagram/@winesgeorgia on Facebook, or sign up to the Wines of Georgia newsletter at winesgeorgia.com.

About Wines of Georgia – http://www.winesgeorgia.com
Wines of Georgia is a promotional campaign financed by the National Wine Agency of Georgia and wineries to educate the US wine trade and the general public about the history, culture, quality and universal appeal of Georgian wines and the country’s qvevri winemaking tradition.

About the Napa Valley Wine Academy – https://napavalleywineacademy.com
The Napa Valley Wine Academy, America’s Premier Wine School™ and the two-time winner of the WSET Global Wine Educator of the Year, is the most awarded WSET wine school in the world. The Academy is based in Napa Valley, California with locations across the United States and globally online. NVWA is proud to be an approved program provider of the internationally recognized WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) series of wine, spirit, and sake courses (including WSET Levels 1 through 4 in Wine) as well as a full suite of online classes and a host of other specialty classes ideal for enthusiasts and critical for wine and beverage industry professionals.

Slow Wine Launches The 2023 Guide With The Annual Five-City Tour In The Us – Guides Now Available For Purchase

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NEW YORK (PRWEB) – The acclaimed Italian wine organization, Slow Wine, recently concluded its national wine tour in the United States celebrating the publication of the 2023 Slow Wine Guide, including an Italian and US version. The US guide is now available for sale on the Slow Food USA website.

The 2023 edition of the USA Guide takes on an innovative approach to the wines of California, Oregon, New York, and Washington with in-depth coverage of leading eco-friendly producers. US National Co-editors Deborah Parker Wong and Pam Strayer and their team of dedicated field coordinators personally visit top producers and review their finest bottles on site. The Slow Wine Guide format provides a guide entry for each winery with sections about people, vineyards, and wines that include the way vineyards are farmed and detailed reviews of current-release wines.

Hundreds of trade and press attended Slow Wine’s five-city 2023 USA Tour featuring 156 Italian producers, 24 from the US and 11 from Latin America. More than 450 industry professionals attended the New York City stop on March 14th, while more than 240 consumers participated in a second tasting.

Slow Wine events hosted across the US were also well attended, with 445 wine trade and press in San Francisco on March 6th, 214 in Seattle on March 7th, 153 in Dallas on March 9th, and 236 in Miami on March 13th.

This year marks the third year the English language USA Slow Wine Guide has been published, the only annual guide to American wines. The print book profiles 290 wineries from California, Oregon, Washington, and New York. More than 250 wineries are recognized with Slow Wine awards. Twenty-four of those award-winning wineries joined the five-city tour, showcasing the innovation in sustainability by winemakers as well as the unique terroirs of some of the most recognized wine regions in the US.

About Slow Wine
The Slow Wine Guides evaluate more than 2,000 Italian wineries, a small selection from Slovenia, and more than 290 American producers. Uniquely, it relies on in-person visits and the human interaction it has with all the producers. This enables the guide to give readers a more comprehensive understanding of the place and the producer. In comparison, many other guides limit their relationship to a blind tasting, and then provide tasting notes and scores, Slow Wine creates a more nuanced and detailed insider’s review of the people, the farming and winemaking practices, and the wines. Each of the selected wineries respects and reflects the local terroir and practices sustainable methods that benefit the environment. The guide awards top wineries that are 100% free of chemical farming with the coveted Snail Award, which is given in recognition of the values Slow Wine Guide continues to passionately support.

About Colangelo & Partners
Colangelo & Partners specializes in premium food, wine and spirits brands, and has long-established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry leaders. Agency principals have years of experience in retail and distribution as well as communications, a rare combination that gives Colangelo & Partners invaluable insights into consumer purchasing behavior. The agency focuses on “closing the loop” between creative communications programs, distribution, promotion, publicity and the consumer in order to maximize the efficiency of its communications programs and deliver measurable results. http://www.colangelopr.com/

Global Wine And Food Event Returns to Wine Country

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The Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, May 18-21, 2023

HEALDSBURG, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Located in the heart of California wine country, the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience (HWFE) will be a weekend-long celebration featuring the best of Sonoma County and world-renowned food and wines. The festival will showcase the region’s makers – farmers, growers, winemakers, and chefs – alongside globally recognized wines from the greatest wine regions of the world, as it seeks to highlight the vibrant culinary diversity, sustainable farming practices and deep connection to agriculture that Sonoma County offers.

The weekend-long event will include special wine tastings and seminar discussions, barbecues, exceptional lunches, dinners, celebrity chef demonstrations, cocktail experiences, and an expansive Grand Tasting. There will also be a live outdoor concert featuring Maddie & Tae at Rodney Strong on Saturday, May 20.

New highlights from this year’s event will feature a Farm-To-Glass cocktail seminar hosted by the award-winning team of the Little Red Door from Paris; culinary demos from chefs including Joe Sasto, and Viet Pham; a special dinner experience at Michelin starred and recently reopened Cyrus; and a new Zinfandel tasting and pairing event hosted by Leslie Sbrocco called Zinfandel Live, with a unique live music component at Villa Chanticleer on Sunday.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be returning for our 2nd annual Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience,” said Steve Dveris, founder, and CEO of the festival. “Our goal has always been to highlight the vibrant culinary diversity, amazing wines and sustainable farming practices of Sonoma County as it relates to the rest of the world.”

Chefs who are participating in the event include local chef Dustin Valette, chef/owner of The Matheson and Douglas Keane from award winning Cyrus; Food & Wine’s Best New Chef Matt Horn; Food Network star Maneet Chauhan; “Top Chef” winner Stephanie Izard; Food Network’s “Chopped” star and “Top Chef” finalist Joe Sasto; Food & Wine’s Best New Chef and Iron Chef America winner Viet Pham. The local participating beloved chefs include Thomas Bellec, Domenica Catelli, Duskie Estes, Matt Horn, Crista Leudtke, Tracey Shepos, Leah Scurto, Casey Thompson, and Ari Weiswasser.

Events will be held around Healdsburg, including at The Matheson, Montage Healdsburg, and the Madrona, along with wineries including Aperture Cellars, Bacchus Landing, Bricoleur Vineyards, Ferrari-Carano Winery, Jordan Winery Estate, Kendall-Jackson Estate and Gardens, and Rodney Strong Vineyards, and more.

The event also strives to give back to the local community. The outdoor concert at Rodney Strong Vineyards on Saturday evening with the band Maddie & Tae benefits the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation. The organization’s mission is to raise funds that support the Leadership Academy, workforce development and other resources that elevate local vineyard workers, farmer workers and their families. This year’s event will also feature a community brunch at Chalkboard Restaurant to benefit Healdsburg Future Farmers of America (FFA). Sponsored by Foley Family Wines, a significant donation will go towards the HWFE Future Farmers Scholarship, created by HWFE for students from the local Healdsburg High School FFA chapter. We will also contribute to Farm to Pantry, whose goal is to bring together our communities to end food injustice and reverse global warming by rescuing and sharing locally grown food with those who have been marginalized.

“As co-founders and partners in this event, we believe in the dual mission to showcase Sonoma County wine, ag and sustainability on this global stage while raising funds to elevate and celebrate the local vineyard workforce. The mission is exemplified in the events and messaging throughout the entire weekend. Have fun while doing good, what is better than that?” comments Karissa Kruse, CEO & president of Sonoma County Winegrowers and Executive Director of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation.

Partners of the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience include Kendall-Jackson Wines, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Stonestreet Estate Vineyards, Foley Food & Wine Society, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, along with event co-founders the Sonoma County Winegrowers. For more information: healdsburgwineandfood.com, follow @healdsburgwineandfood on Instagram, or subscribe to the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience Youtube channel. A la carte tickets, VIP Ticket packages as well as Ultra VIP packages are available.