– A Note from WBC14 Friday Evening Reception Sponsor, Touring and Tasting Magazine –
If your fingers are tired from the endless blogging, wrap them instead around a glass of wine at the Wine Tourism Throughout North America Reception. The Friday evening event hosted by Touring & Tasting, will feature some of the country’s most well known wine regions. Who knows, they may be pouring the muse for your next blog post!
Start your taste buds off on the Central Coast of California, known for it’s diverse geography and climate, which allow for the production of a large variety of wines. Enjoy tastings from the Ventura County Wine Country Association and learn why Ventura County is rapidly becoming a top Southern California wine destination. Pismo Beach CVB will also be pouring wines from just a short distance further up the coast. Savor the bold and balanced flavors of the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that Edna Valley is known for, or perhaps the Zinfandel and Petite Sirah that make Arroyo Grande Valley stand out.
Next, travel with us into Tri-Valley, the hidden gem of California Wine Country, and explore its three distinct regions: Amador, San Ramon and Livermore. Dive deeper into the Livermore region with the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association as you taste the rich, 200-year history that the region has to offer. As one of the oldest wine growing areas in California, taste for yourself why the region has produced six decades of award winning Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Located nearby in the Central Valley is Lodi, the largest California producer of top quality wines and winegrapes. Join Lodi Wine and taste how the combination of the region’s Mediterranean climate and sandy soil help grow the top Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel winegrapes in California.
Further north lies St. Helena, the birthplace of the world-renowned Napa Valley wine country. Its unique high elevation allows the winegrapes to ripen more slowly than usual, creating wines with a jam-like flavor and extra firm tannins. Taste a pour or two from St. Helena Chamber of Commerce and see for yourself what sets these wines above the rest.
Just a short distance away in the rich region of Sonoma Country is Dry Creek Valley, known for having the densest concentration of Old Vine Zinfandel in the world. Join the Wine Growers of Dry Creek Valley and taste the world famous Old Vine Zinfandel, as well as their well-known Bordeaux and Rhone wines.
And for a real treat, venture with us outside of California and learn what Loudoun County, one of Virginia’s richest wine regions, has to offer. Prepare to savor in delicious Chardonnays, Cabernet Francs, Cabernet Sauvignons, Chambourcins, Merlots, Viogniers, and Nortons all sourcing from a native Virginia grape. As we continue the tour of other wine states, stroll on over back to the West Coast and enjoy a glass from Spokane, WA. The dedication of each of their family-run wineries paired with winegrape sourcing from the award-winning regions of Walla Walla, Yakima and Columbia Valley, create an irresistible combination that you will have to taste for yourself.
Last but not least, join us on the final stop on this North American wine journey and taste a glass of what Treasury Wine Estates is pouring. While already famous for Beringer, Lindemans, and Penfolds, Treasury Estates has much more to offer beyond their big-name brands. With over 80 brands, stretching across 3 continents, and more than 11,000 hectares of vineyards, they are sure to have something that will satisfy every craving.
Relax after a long day, and prep for an even more eventful weekend as you learn about wines from all over North America. We can’t wait to see you on Friday, July 11th from 8:30PM-10:30PM for the Wine Tourism Throughout North America Reception!
Images courtesy of touringandtasting.com