The affair enjoys approximately equal participation by wine industry professionals and enthusiastic consumers. Along with special seminars and vertical tastings, the public is invited to attend the Grand Tasting on Saturday afternoon. A $25 ticket ($35 at the door) will entitle you to sample the products of about 130 wineries.
Here are some highlights:
THURSDAY, JUNE 17th
8:00pm-11:30pm
RHÔNE-N-BÔWL
Annual bowling tournament pits winemakers and enthusiasts from
around the world in a little 'friendly' competition.
FRIDAY, JUNE 18th
10:00am-11:00am
A PENFOLD'S RETROSPECTIVE TASTING
Join winemaker Ian Shepherd for a comprehensive tasting of this
producer's entire range of exceptional Rhône varieties. Wines to be
discussed and sampled include: Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz, Bin 128
Coonawarra Shiraz, Koonunga Hill, the Magill Estate and, of course,
the incomparable Grange.
MOURVEDRE MASTERCLASS
Join Steve Edmunds (Edmunds St. John) as he takes you on an
in-depth look at this variety with producers from Australia, France,
South Africa and the United States. Participants include: Charles Back
(Fairview Estate), Matt Cline (Cline Cellars), Douglas Danielak (Jade
Mountain), Alain Dugas (Chateau La Nerthe), Kevin Hamel (Preston),
Alan Kinne (Horton), Chester Osborn (d'Arenberg), Kent Rosenblum
(Rosenblum), and Philip Staley (Staley).
THE WINES OF DOMAINE DE TRIENNES
Or, "A Burgundian Adventure into Rhônes." Known the world over for
crafting exceptional Pinot Noir for both the Hospice de Beaune and at
his own property, Domaine Dujac, winemaker Jacques Seysses, along
with Aubert de Villane of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, has ventured
into Rhône varieties at this exciting estate in the Var. Join Monsieur
Seysses in a discussion of his experiences, recent developments and a
tasting of his Viognier, Syrah, and Cinsault.
11:15am-12:15pm
BRAVE NEW WORLDS
"Tour Guide" Bob Cranston will lead you on a viticultural exploration
of areas not usually associated with Rhône wines. Producers include:
