Wine Seminars

Taste and Discover the World of Wine and more

This is a unique opportunity to taste and learn in an intimate environment from a variety of winemakers and wine experts. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the world of wines or you’re an expert looking for further insight on a particular subject, we have just the seminar for you.

All seminars held outside of Hall E, Minneapolis Convention Center.

Food sampling provided by:

Saturday, February 23, 2008

11 a.m. • Room 103D • $10 per person

¡Muy Caliente! Etica Fair Trade Wines
Taste Fair Trade wines from the spicy regions of Chile. Paula Bottero, one of the youngest female winemakers in Chile, will unveil the mystery of these “New World” wines and share some insight on the Fair Trade certified cooperative that produces them.

Featuring new vintages of the Calesa Semillon and Carménère. Awarded 2007 Twin Cities Food & Wine Experience Best of Show and Best Value for Imported White and Red.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

12:30 p.m. • Room 103E-F • $10 per person

Signature Cocktails The Cocktail Chics
Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan, will take you on a rip-roaring trip, spreading the gospel about how to make drinks properly.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

1:30 p.m. • Room 103D • { Sold Out! }

Vino Italiano Maria Megna, presented by World Class Wines
Bring a taste of Italy home to your wine glass with Maria Megna. Megna is the Midwest Area Manager for Winebow-Leonardo LoCascio Selections. The Winebow – Leonardo LoCascio portfolio is highly regarded and Leonardo LoCascio is recognized for establishing the top portfolio of premium Italian wines.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

3 p.m. • Room 103D • $10 per person

Hidden California Gems: Mendocino County, Anderson Valley and Surrounding Regions Dave Anderson, France 44
Already familiar with the glitzy Napa and the energized Sonoma wine scene? Change gears, explore the hidden, yet captivating reds and whites of Mendocino County, located a few miles further North off US Highway 101. Taste an assortment of ten whites and reds, specially selected by David and Gretchen Anderson during recent visits, including chardonnay, chenin blanc, gewurztraminer, pinot gris, sauvignon blanc; barbera, petite sirah, pinot noir, zinfandel and syrah.

David Anderson returns for his 13th year, leading another stimulating tour and tasting. He is a partner at France 44, a retail store known for its large, diverse selection and excellent customer service. In 2007 France 44 received the Wine Spectator’s Market Watch “New Leaders Retail” award. For more information, explore france44.com.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

3:30 p.m. • Room 103E-F • { Sold Out! }

The Wines of Bordeaux
Featuring International Winemakers:
Anabelle Cruse Bardinet, Winemaker/Proprietor, Château Corbin
Emmanuel Cruse, Director, Château d’Issan
Charlotte Denjean, Ambassador, Château Lagrange
A truly special opportunity to taste nine vintages of Bordeaux from three grand cru producers. These magnificent wines span the outstanding 1989 vintage to the great 2003.

One of the top events of the 2008 show. Space is limited, so order this one soon! Special price of $20.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Noon • Room 103E-F • $10 per person

Critique This
Paneled by Brett Anderson of The Times-Picayune, New Orleans, Tom Sietsema of Washington Post, Washington D.C. and Patty Unterman of San Francisco Examiner, Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl of Minnesota Monthly; Moderated by Sue Zelickson
While enjoying a glass of wine, listen to nationally acclaimed critics dish the scene on restaurants, both local and across the country.

Minnesota native, Tom Sietsema is the award-winning food critic for The Washington Post.

Brett Anderson is a Minnesota native and now the restaurant critic and features writer for The Times-Picayune in New Orleans.

Patricia Unterman currently writes restaurant reviews and food columns for the San Francisco Examiner and articles for Gourmet, Food and Wine, Town and Country Travel and other publications.

Currently a senior editor at Minnesota Monthly, Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl is one of the most celebrated food writers in the country. Nominated seven times for the highest award in her profession, the James Beard Award, she has won four times: twice for wine writing, and twice for restaurant criticism. Her work has also been chosen for inclusion in the annual anthology Best Food Writing in America six times.

Jorge R. Hernandez, Director of Corporate Education and Training,
WJ Deutsch and Sons
A Wine Educator since 1983, Jorge has worked in a variety of roles in the fine wine industry.

Barb MacKenzie, CTC, DS, is President of Australia New Zealand Travel Source LTD
Barb is a Premier Aussie Specialist with Tourism Australia and has twice won the coveted Opal Award for Excellence in marketing Australia as a destination. She was also the recipient of the first Kiwi Specialist of the year award presented by Tourism New Zealand.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

3 p.m. • Room 103E-F • $10 per person

Styles of Wine Defined by Taste
Bob Plantenberg, TGIC Imports
Push your palette. From amateurs to connoisseurs, discover a simple method of classification and appreciation of different styles of wine.

A life long Minnesotan, Robert found his calling in the world of wine. Educated by the iconic Robert Mondavi in wine, food, and the arts, Robert has traveled across the globe learning about wine. As “Director of Fun” at wine events across the upper Midwest, Robert has educated and entertained wine lovers from the first Twin Cities Food and Wine Experience on how to really learn about and enjoy wine.