Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy PR and WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 2 wine tastings - "Renaissance of Terroir in Germany: Back to the Roots" and "Syrah and Shiraz: Is there any Difference, do they Taste the Same?" - at the 2019 Annual Meetings of the American Wine Society. In addition, Annette and Christian Schiller poured a selection of German wines at the Showcase of Wines event during the second evening.
The tastings were sponsored by ombiasy WineTours and the wine producers whose wines were presented or their US importers.
The 2019 American Wine Society Annual Meetings took place at St. Pete Beach in Florida, on Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, 2019.
More than 600 members from all over the USA came to this 3-day event, filled with tastings, seminars and presentations.
A sunset dinner boot cruise took place on Wednesday evening.
Thursday was the day of wine judging. There were full-day courses for those who want to become a certified AWS Wine Judge. This is a 3-year program. Also, the Amateur and Commercial Wine Competitions took place on Thursday.
Friday and Saturday was filled with about 50 wine seminars, led by winery owners, wine educators, and renowned winemakers. The breakfasts, lunches, dinners and after-dinner gatherings provided ample opportunities to network with other AWS members.
Almost all of the pictures in this posting are mine except for a few that I took from facebook accounts of facebook friends.
Postings on schiller-wine
This is the first in a series of postings related to the American Wine Society National Conference 2019 in St. Pete Beach, Florida:
The 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens
VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, with Annette and Christian Schiller
Renaissance of Terroir in Germany: Back to the Roots - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Annette Schiller
Syrah and Shiraz: Is there any Difference, do they Taste the Same? - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Annette Schiller
Dry Riesling From Around the World - Seminar at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, led by Janie Brooks Heuck, President, International Riesling Foundation
Two American Icons: With Graham Randall, Founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard, and Joel Peterson, Founder of Ravenswood Vineyards,at the 2019 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA
The American Wine Society
The American Wine Society was founded in 1967 as a non-profit, educational, consumer-oriented organization for those interested in learning more about all aspects of wine. On October 7, 1967, around 200 grape growers, home winemakers, and wine lovers gathered at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s vineyard on Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, NY for the AWS’ initial meeting.
In December of the same year, the thirteen charter members, led by Founder Dr. Konstantin Frank, met to determine the organization structure of AWS and elect officers. Now in its 49th year, the American Wine Society is the largest consumer based wine education organization in North America. Membership is open to anyone interested in wine and over 21 years of age.
In the early days, AWS members were located primarily in the eastern part of the country. As the society grew , we established chapters throughout the eastern U.S., then into the south and Midwest, and finally into western states. Today, the American Wine Society has over 5,000 members in 45 states and 120 chapters across the U.S.
Each November the Society hosts a three-day national conference with two full days of nearly 50 educational seminars to choose from. Winery owners, wine educators, and renowned wine makers are selected to present sessions during this national event. In addition, a program educating members to become AWS certified wine judges is conducted on the day preceding the seminars.
Pre-Conference
Annette and I arrived a couple of days before the conference. We checked out the area. In particular we liked Crabby Bill's Seafood and Sola Bistro & Wine Bar in St. Pete Beach. The former is a particularly good place to watch the sun go under. The later is owned and run by Tigran Khachaturyan from Armenia and of course, we had a Armenian wine, co-produced by Paul Hobbs.
The 2019 American Wine Society National Conference
The 2019 American Wine Society Annual Meetings took place at St. Pete Beach in Florida, on Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, 2019.
More than 600 members from all over the USA came to this 3-day event, filled with tastings, seminars and presentations.
Wednesday, October 30
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm Sunset Dinner Cruise
Thursday, October 31
7:00 am to 5:00 pm: Wine Judge Certification Programs Year 1 + 2 + 3
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Presidential Reception presented by Garnacha/Grenache Wines
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Beach Party Welcome Reception Presented by the Rhone Rangers
10:00 pm – 12:00 am Hospitality Suite
Friday, November 1
7:30 am – 8:45 am Sparkling Wine Breakfast presented by WTSO Wines ‘Til Sold Out
8:45 am – 6:00 pm Exhibits Open
One of the about 15 booths was Annette Schiller's ombiasyPR & WineTours booth, where Annette presented her 6 tours to Germany (East, South, North) and France (Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Rhone).
8:30 am – 12:00 pm Wine Judge Certification Program Exam - Year 3 and re-certification only
9:00 am – 10:15 am Sessions A
11:00 am – 12:15 pm Sessions B
Session B-1: Dry Riesling From Around the World
Presenter: Janie Brooks Heuck, President,International Riesling Foundation
Abstract: Riesling is the most versatile white grape in the world and expresses where it is grown better than any other white variety. It is the favorite grape of most wine professionals, but is so often misunderstood. Explore the terroir, climate an d soils of six Rieslings, all dry in style, from around the world with Janie Brooks Heuck, President of the Int. Riesling Foundation.
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Luncheon & Business Meeting presented by Garnacha /Grenache
Quality Wines
Quality Wines
2:15 pm – 3:30 pm Sessions C
Session C-4: Renaissance of Terroir in Germany: Back to the Roots
Presenter: Annette Schiller, Owner, Ombiasy PR & Wine Tours
Abstract: “Location, Location, Location”: That’s the most important requirement for making a good wine. This basic principle was abolished in Germany with the wine law of 1971, when historic vineyard sites were merged. 35,000 single-vineyard sites were reduced to 5,000 big-surfacearea vineyards. In the late 1980’s a movement to return to history started, and the focus shifted back to the “terroir,” the single-vineyard site. This seminar emphasizes the importance of terroir in the German wine landscape. We will explore important single vineyards and will taste 6 wines representing the specific terroir.
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm Sessions D
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm Amateur Wine Competition Awards
7:30 pm to 9:30 pm: Showcase of Wines
VDP - Wines of Germany Table (Annette and Christian Schiller)
Annette and Christian Schiller presented 6 German wines. All wines were from VDP producers, the association of about 200 elite winemakers in Germany. Iconic Bonny Doon Vineyard winemaker Randall Grahm showed a keen interest in the wines.
10:00 pm – 12:00 am Hospitality Suite
Saturday, November 2
7:00 am – 8:45 am Chapter Chair Breakfast
7:30 am – 8:45 am Breakfast & AWSEF Annual Meeting
8:45 am – 6:00 pm Exhibits Open
One of the about 15 booths was Annette Schiller's ombiasyPR & WineTours booth, where Annette presented her 6 wine tours to Germany (East, South, North) and France (Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Rhone). The AWS President Joseph Broski stopped by, among many others.
9:00 am – 10:15 am Sessions E
Session E-6: Title: Mixed Black Magic
Presenter: Joel Peterson, Owner & Winemaker, Once & Future Wine
Abstract: What is the magic in California’s old vine Zinfandels? Some would argue that it’s the same element that makes these wines uniquely Californian. That element is the “mixed blacks” that support, mold and enhance the flavor and character of Zinfandel. Taken as a whole, the mélange frequently makes a more perfect wine. While there are many grape varieties that have been historically co-planted with Zinfandel, there are three that figure heavily in many old vine Zinfandel plantings. Those three are Carignane,Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet.Have you ever wondered exactly where these grapes came from and exactly what they add to the blend? We will explore those varieties and what each adds to the character of the wine.
Session E-3: Give This (Person) a Cigare!
Presenter: Randall Grahm, President-for-Life, Bonny Doon Vineyard
Abstract: An examination of the stylistic evolution of Le Cigare Volant, a New World homage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and a very stylized wine (vin d’effort)made by a terroirist at heart. Join Randall Grahm as he pours and discusses four vintages of this iconic Bonny Doon wine from 2005 to 2018.
Session E-4: Syrah and Shiraz: Is there any Difference, do they Taste the Same?
Presenter: Annette Schiller, Owner, Ombiasy PR & Wine Tours
Abstract: It’s not a big surprise that one of the famous wine producers on the northern Rhône calls one of his wines Chevalier de Stérimberg, the name of a Crusader in the 13th century. For a long time it was assumed that this Crusader brought a grape variety from Persia to France. Later this grape was called Syrah, and the name can be traced back to the ancient Persian city of Shiraz. Genetically, Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape, however there is a difference in the finished wines, depending on where they are grown and how they are made. We will explore Syrah and Shiraz by tasting 6 different wines from around the world.
11:00 am – 12:15 pm Sessions F
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Awards Luncheon / Best in Class Wine Competition Awards presented by Wente Wines
2:45 pm – 4:00 pm Sessions F
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Now, You Be the Judge!
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Grand Banquet
We had the pleasure to sit at a VIP table with Joel Peterson from Ravenswood Vineyards, Randall Grahm from Bonny Doon Vineyard and Paul Wagner of Balsac as well as Conference Chairperson Diane Meyer, John Hames (Conference Program), Tom and Marj Wallmann (Wine Procurement and Logistic).
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Grand Banquet/ Award of Merit: Randall Grahm
During the Grand Banquet, the AWS honored Randall Grahm, founder of Bonny Doon Vineyards, with its Award of Merit. Wine consumers benefit from Grahm’s pioneering efforts with Rhône varieties in California, best captured by red blend Le Cigare Volant. Also, Grahm embraced the Stelvin (screw cap) closure as an alternative to cork. Grahm continues to challenge the conservative wine world, with an ambitious grape breeding program and new Popelouchum Vineyards.
As the oldest and largest organization of wine consumers in the country, the AWS celebrates those whose work and influence has improved wine and wine enjoyment. Officially, the award is
earned “for substantial and meritorious achievement in viticulture, enology, education, journalism or merchandising, that has enhanced wine quality and wine enjoyment.
10:00 pm – 12:00 am Music, Dancing and Hospitality Suite
Sunday, November 3
Bye-bye
We left after breakfast and drove towards the east coast to visit friends, before returning to Washington DC on Tuesday.
Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2018 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in in Buffalo, New York State
The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens
VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, with Annette and Christian Schiller
"Abbey Wines”: The Importance of the Monasteries for the Development of Viticulture - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller
Burgundy Pinot Noir and German Pinot Noir: Differences and Similarities - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA, led by Annette Schiller
A Journey through the Rhône Valley - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller
Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2017 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania
The 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens
Showcase of Wines at the 2017 National Conference of the American Wine Society: Annette and Christian Schiller Present German/ VDP/ Loosen Bros. USA Wines
A Journey through the Vineyards of Alsace - A Tasting Seminar at the National Conference 2017 of the American Wine Society, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)
Burgundy: What makes it so Special? - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)
German Wines in the 21st Century - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)
Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2016 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in California
The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens
The New Germany: Red, Sparkling and Dry - Tasting at the American Wine Society 2016 National Conference in Los Angeles, USA, led by Annette Schiller
The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA
The Insider’s View of Charles Krug Winery - Peter Mondavi Jr., Co-Proprietor, Charles Krug Winery
Château Climens, Premier Cru Barsac and Savory Dishes…who knew? - Bérénice Lurton, Owner of Château Climens and Tony Lawrence, Global Food & Wine Pairing Specialist
schiller-wine: Related Postings
UPCOMING Tours/ Wine Dinners/ Tastings - Annette and Christian Schiller/ ombiasyPR & WineTours/ schiller-wine, Germany, France, USA (Issued: November 1, 2019)
Annual Riesling Party at the Schiller Residence in Washington DC, USA (2019)
Upcoming: American Wine Society (AWS) National Conference on October 31 to November 3, 2019, at St. Pete Beach in Florida, with 2 Events by Annette Schiller on "Renaissance of Terroir in Germany: Back to the Roots" and "Syrah and Shiraz: Is there any Difference, do they Taste the Same?", USA
Total Immersion in Bordeaux: World Class Wines and Exquisite French Gourmet Cuisine - Bordeaux Tour 2019 by ombiasy WineTours, France
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