Wine Education Sessions focus on learning about and tasting interesting or unique wines. Participation is limited to 25 attendees per session and we will connect session hosts with attendees prior to the session to facilitate in-depth learning. Sessions are an additional $25 and as of October 10 net fees will be donated to the American Red Cross of California Northwest in support of fire victims. Reserve your seat here!
All Education Sessions will take place at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek. Room assignments will be posted the week before the Conference.
Thursday, November 9, 2:30 – 3:30 PM
- The 100 Varieties of Lodi: The Lodi Appellation is quickly becoming one of California’s most dynamic and exciting winegrowing regions. Innovation and experimentation are flourishing as young winemakers descend upon this historic region to discover over 100 grape varieties growing in commercial production. Lodi’s experimentation is leading to an incredible diversity and quality of wines. This session will test the taster – numerous exotic Lodi wines from Aglianco to Kerner will be served blind. Attendees will challenge their tasting memory to guess the variety. Prizes will be awarded for best guessers or those willing to try.
- Beringer Private Reserve: Taste The Story Behind One Of Napa’s Most Iconic Cabernet Sauvignons With Mark Beringer: For more than four decades Beringer’s Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has expressed the potential of Napa’s most coveted growing regions, with as many as seven distinct vineyards contributing to each vintage expression. Join Mark Beringer, the great great grandson of founder Jacob Beringer, in a survey of Private Reserve and its distinct components, discovering the unique flavor profiles that build the layers of one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated wines.
- SOLD OUT – Zinfandels Old and New: Shrouded in mystery and romance, “old vine Zinfandel” has been touted for its quality and is widely known as a prestigious California winemaking benchmark. But, there’s another story, and it’s likewise intriguing. Relatively new Zinfandel plantings, grown throughout California’s wine regions, have garnered increasing recognition and acclaim. Join us as we taste Zinfandels from older and newer plantings and explore their refined structures with winemaking experts Limerick Lane, Proulx Wines, Cedarville Vineyard and Terra d’Oro. To properly celebrate National Zinfandel on Wednesday, November 15, each attendee will receive one bottle of Zinfandel.
- Rodney Strong Vineyards – Create Your Own Blend: Join Rodney Strong Vineyards Winemaker Greg Morthole and Director of Wine Education, Rachel Thralls to learn about red Bordeaux varietals grown in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma County, and what they each contribute to the art of the blend. Then, put your wine knowledge, palate, and competitive skills to the test and team up with fellow participants to create your very own signature blend. The blends will be judged at the end with a price for the team with the winning wine.
Thursday, November 9, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
- SOLD OUT – The Study of Pinot Noir presented by Jon Priest of Etude Wines: Pinot Noir is well-known for expressing the place and terroir in which it was grown to a degree that no other wine varietal can. At this Wine Education Session, you will have the opportunity to taste six Pinot Noirs from six distinct growing regions from around the world, which includes Etude’s Grace Benoist Ranch Estate Vineyards in Carneros, Sonoma Coast, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Rita Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon and Central Otago, New Zealand, all made and presented by esteemed Etude Winemaker, Jon Priest. Come to experience first-hand how terroir influences the aromas and flavors of this delicate and popular varietal.
- SOLD OUT – Zinfandel Panel Discussion: What does sustainability taste like? How does dry-farming play a role in quality? What is the relationship between dry-farming and quality wine production? How do head-trained Zinfandel vines and limited crop-yield play a role in making outstanding Zinfandels? These and other fascinating topics will be discussed when we bring our illustrious panel together to showcase nuanced and balanced California Zinfandels from illustrious producers Armida Winery, Oak Farm Vineyards, DeLoach Vineyards, and Quivira Vineyards. A selection of small production, highly sought-after Zinfandels will be tasted. To properly celebrate National Zinfandel on Wednesday, November 15, each attendee will receive one bottle of Zinfandel.