An Evening in the Honky-Tonks of Nashville, Tennessee - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

The American Wine Society 2023 National Conference was held November 9-11, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency at The Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.  

4 Tastings

Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 3 wine tastings at the 2023 National Conference of the American Wine Society: 

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot (jointly with Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot)

A Journey Through The Loire Valley 

In addition, Annette and I had a table with German wines at the "Showcase of Wine" evening.

Also, during the whole conference, Annette and I had an ombiasy WineTours booth promoting Annette's wine tours to Germany, France and Austria.

American Wine Society 2023 National Conference

More than 400 members from all over the USA came to this 3-day event, filled with tastings, seminars and presentations.

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 continued on Thursday, starting earlier in the week.

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.

All of the pictures in this posting are mine.  

Postings on schiller-wine

This is the seventh in a series of postings related to the American Wine Society National Conference 2023 St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA:

Announcement: 56th American Wine Society National Conference, November 9-11, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, with 3 Presentations by Annette Schiller: (1) Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger (2) Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot (3) A Journey Through The Loire Valley

The 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot, with Annette Schiller

A Journey Through The Loire Valley - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

German Wines at the American Wine Society: Tasting Premium German Wines from the Veritable/ USA Portfolio at the Showcase of Wines of the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA with Annette and Christian Schiller

Private Tasting of Premium Wines (mainly Bordeaux and California) at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA with President Bill Stefan 

American Wine Society Merit Award for Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel and Founder of Ravenswood Winery - 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

McLean (Virginia) - Springfield (Ohio) - St. Louis (Missouri) - Memphis (Tennessee) - Nashville (Tennessee) - McLean (Virginia): On the Road to and from the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference

An Evening on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

An Evening in the Honky-Tonks of Nashville, Tennessee - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ 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.

Going Back Home via Nashville, Tennessee

Following the conference, we spent 3 days on the road, with stops in Memphis, Tennessee and Nashville, Tennessee. 

I have already posted:  An Evening on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll - Going back to Virginia after the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

Nashville, Tennessee

visittheUSA.com: Endless Entertainment in Music City. Now more than ever, Nashville is on the radar. Named one of the “Best Places to Travel” by Travel + Leisure, one of the “Best Foodie Cities" by U.S. News & World Report and one of the "Friendliest Cities in the U.S." by Condé Nast Traveler, Nashville offers an electrifying multi-genre music scene, award-winning cuisine, historic homes, world-class art, myriad attractions, unique shopping, college and professional sports, and more.

 

Legendary Music Scene. Of course, music remains the very heart of Nashville, Tennessee. Long recognized as the world’s capital of country music, Music City is also home to the sounds of pop, rock, gospel, Americana, bluegrass, jazz, classical and more. With more than 180 live music venues, you can catch music mavens and songwriters all over town performing at iconic places like Station Inn, Basement East, Bluebird Cafe, Ryman Auditorium and, of course, all up and down Lower Broadway’s spirited honky tonks.

 

Iconic Cultural Attractions. Many unique attractions call Nashville home, with new exhibits and offerings always in the works. Start with the attractions that reflect Music City’s claim to fame, such as the legendary music venue the Grand Ole Opry and the world-renowned Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Visit Historic RCA Studio B to see where world-renowned artists – like Elvis Presley, Charley Pride, Dolly Parton and more – recorded so many hit songs that the studio became known as Nashville's “Home of 1,000 Hits.” The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum honors musicians – from stars to studio players – who represent all genres of music and features the very instruments used to record some of music’s greatest hits. Nashville recently celebrated the opening of the National Museum of African American Music, which is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the music genres created, influenced and inspired by African Americans.

An Evening in the Honky-Tonks of Nashville Tennessee

TheTennessian.com: 3 things to know about the history of honky-tonks

Today, people travel from all over the world to visit the famed honky-tonks on Nashville's Lower Broadway. Country twang and crooning vocals from their multiple stages flood the streets at any time of day.

While the origin of the establishments — and the musical genre they led to — is up for debate, there's no question the influence they had on country music and both urban and rural life in the early 20th century.

Here are three things to know about honky-tonks.

They emerged after emancipation in the southeastern United States, and provided plantation workers and sharecropppers a place to go, especially since most could not enter white establishments in the Jim Crow south, according to Katrina Hazzard-Gordon in her book "Jookin': The Rise of Social Dance Formations in African-American Culture."

Hazzard-Gordon also wrote the honky-tonk was "the first urban manifestation of the jook."

No one knows where the term comes from. Whether referring to the style of music or the establishments themselves, there is no definitive origin of the term.

Newspapers in Texas and Oklahoma used the term in the late 1800s, and eventually the "hillbilly music" that was being played in those areas became referred to as "honky-tonk music."

Evolution of ragtime. Honky-tonk music was related to the piano style of ragtime music. However, it focused more on rhythm than melody.

Musicians that exemplified the piano sound of early honky-tonk include Fats Domino, Jelly Roll Morton and Meade Lux Lewis.

Hank Williams is probably the most well-known and influential musician to play honky-tonk.

North Point Hospitality: Broadway

Broadway is considered one of the most exciting spots in the United States, let alone the world. No, we are not talking about Broadway in New York City. We are talking about THE live music epicenter and honky-tonk hub of the world, Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville.

Originally named Broad Street, it was one of the first roads to run east-west in Nashville. Broadway was built in 1875 along with Nashville’s first public high school located right on it. The street was lined with hardware stores, feed stores, and other businesses. During the 20th century, part of Broadway had several car dealerships and tire/auto stores, giving Broadway the name “Auto Row.” ¹

It wasn’t until the 1930’s, when Broadway started to transform to the honky-tonk central that we know it as today. All thanks to Jimmie Rodgers, known as the “Father of Country Music.” Jimmie started singing in the honky-tonks on Lower Broadway, influencing and inspiring singers and songwriters, causing some of them to move to Nashville. Ernest Tubb, Johnny Cash, Tanya Tucker, Hank Snow, Merle Haggard, and Dolly Parton are some of the many stars who have acknowledged Rodgers’s impact on their music.²

Jimmie Rodgers success on Lower Broadway created a thriving music scene unlike any other, but its popularity started to decline once the Grand Ole Opry left the Ryman in 1974. Not to worry, Broadway’s popularity and fame came right back to life when the Grand Ole Opry moved shows back to the Ryman in the 1990’s.³ Even since, Broadway has become the heart of the country music scene in the entire world.

Today, Broadway, also known as “Honky-Tonk Highway,” is a four-block strip full of honky-tonks, shops, and restaurants. As you walk down the bustling strip, you can hear the tunes from different spots following you. From 10 a.m. until 3 a.m., the party and music doesn’t stop.

Lyla's Honky Tonk

Our favorite was Layla's Honky-Tonk at 418 Broadway.

Back Home in McLean, Virginia

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Towards the Freedom to Make the Right Wine - Seminar at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Annette Schiller`s 3 Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Sparkling Wines, Austria, Bordeaux

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

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