Saturday, October 31, 2026

Dinner at Thaler Arome, an Upscale Rooftop Restaurant in the Heart of Bolzano - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours





Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours, led by Annette Schiller, took place from Sunday, September 06 - Sunday, September 13, 2026.   
 
Being the northernmost wine region of Italy, Alto Adige is a very special place where Italian and German traditions merge. It is a fascinating and unique region in the Alpes. It boasts of an extraordinary variety of landscapes: snow-capped mountains in the Dolomites, fertile valleys, streams, century-old breathtakingly beautiful towns true to their hybrid Germanic-Italian culture. 
 
During this tour we did not change hotels. We stayed 7 nights at the famous, beautiful 5-star Art-Nouveau style Parkhotel Laurin in Bozen.
 
See:
 
Overview: The Alto Adige/ Trentino Region in Northern Italy and its Winemaking - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours
 
Day-by-Day Summary: Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours
 
Bozen / Bolzano in Alto Adige, Italy: A City Between Two Worlds - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours
 
A Week at Parkhotel Laurien, Built in the Art Nouveau Style, in the Center of Bozen - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours 
 
Day 5 - Tasting at Weingut Tiefenbrunner, Lunch and Tasting at Weingut Elena Walch, Dinner at Thaler Arome Restaurant
 
(1) Tasting at Weingut @Tiefenbrunner with Owner Christof Tiefenbrunner in Kurtatsch. Christof joined us for part of the tasting. Weingut Tiefenbrunner is one of the oldest and most prominent estates in Alto Adige. Their vineyards span an extraordinary altitude range from 200 to 1000 meters above sea level. They are highly celebrated for their Mueller Thurgau Vigna Feldmarshall von Fenner, which us grown on a high plateau at 1000 meters.
 
(2) Lunch and tasting at Elena Walch Tramin Founded as an independent project in 1985 by architect Elena Walch, the family-run estate has been a driving force behind the region's quality revolution. We met at Vigna Castel Ringberv, the largest single vineyard in Alto Adige, overlooking Lake Caldero. 
 
(3) Dinner at Thaler Arôme, an upscale rooftop restaurant in the heart of Bolzano.
 
Thaler Arome (Trip Advisor) 
 
Thaler Arome is definitely one of the culinary highlights in Bolzano. The cuisine is at an excellent level – creative, precise and implemented with high-quality ingredients. Every course looks thoughtful and perfectly crafted, a real fine dining experience. The overall ambience is very stylish and high quality, but there are small details that do not quite fit the otherwise harmonious overall concept: The carpets in the interior as well as some decorative porcelain birds look a bit misplaced and do not quite meet the high standards of the kitchen. The service is professional, but some of the waiters seem overly friendly in places, almost like “acting”, which slightly diminishes the otherwise very good overall impression. Conclusion: Culinary absolute top class – with minimal optimization potential in interior and service. Clear 5-star recommendation!
 
Arriving
 

 
Dinner
 



Apero
 



First
 



Main
 



Dessert
 

The Wines
 
 
After-wine
 



 
Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours: Already Released and Forthcoming Postings
 
Meet and Greet in the Garden of Parkhotel Laurin in Bozen - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours 
 
After-dinner Wine at Toma by Lisa Wine Bar in Bozen - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours
 
Guided Visit of Oetzi, the Iceman in Bozen - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours 
 
Authentic South Tyrolean Dinner up in the Mountains at Buschenschank Baumannhof, with the Legendary "Soul of the House" Mali - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours 

Monastery Tour, Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting at the Neustift Monastery in Brixen - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Granpanorama Hotel Sambergerhof, Famous for its Uninterrupted 54-kilometer Panoramic View of the Dolomites Chain - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours 

 
Lovely Al Fresco Dinner in the Alleys of Old Town Bolzano at Franziskaner Stuben - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours
 
 
Tour and Tasting at Kellerei/ Cantina Nals Margreid - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours
 
 
 
 
 
Dinner at Thaler Arome, an Upscale Rooftop Restaurant in the Heart of Bolzano - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours 

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Manincor, a Biodynamic Pioneer and Flagship Winery of the Region, with Owner Count Michael Goess Enzenberg - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours
 
Lunch at Alpin Hut Oberholz up in the Dolomites 6300 Feet Above Sea Level - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours 
 
Tasting at Cantina Kurtatsch, a Premier Cooperative, with a Spectacular View of Adige Valley - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours 
 
Extensive Vineyard Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Alois Lageder, a Historic, Family-run Flagship Winery in Alto Adige, with Sarah Daval, Weinakademiker - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours
 
Tour and Tasting at Tenuta Hofstätter in Tramin, a Flagship Winery of the Alto Adige Region, a Pioneer of Vigna (Single Vineyard) Classification in Alto Adige, with Fourth-generation Owner Martin Hofstaetter - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy WineTours  
 
Farewell Dinner at Restaurant 1500 (1 Star Michelin) up in the Vigiljoch above Lana (Reachable only by Cable Car), with Chef Daniel Sanin and Sous-Chef Jonas Graber - Alto Adige 2026 by ombiasy 
WineTours
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Friday, October 30, 2026

The 2026 American Wine Society National Conference in Jacksonville/ Florida/ USA, with Annette and Christian Schiller: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

















The 59th American Wine Society (AWS) National Conference was held from October 22-24, 202, at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront in Jacksonville, Florida. Attendance was at around 350 wine lovers from all over the USA. 

Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 2 wine tastings at the 2026 National Conference of the American Wine Society: (1) Bordeaux: Iconic Wines and Beyond and (2) Alpine Wines: Vine Growing on the Margins.

In addition, Annette and Christian Schiller poured a selection of German wines - all from the Rheingau and donated by the VDP. Rheingau - at the Showcase of Wines event during the second evening. 
 
Last year, the American Wine Society National Conference took place in Chantilly, Virginia, see: The 2025 American Wine Society National Conference in Chantilly/ Virginia/ USA, with Annette and Christian Schiller: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

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.

The 59th American Wine Society National Conference in Jacksonville, Florida
Each November (or late October this year) 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.

Thursday and Friday were the days 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 and earlier in the week.

Saturday and Sunday 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.

Postings on schiller-wine 

This is the first in a series of postings related to the American Wine Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida: 

The 2026 American Wine Society National Conference in Jacksonville/ Florida/ USA, with Annette and Christian Schiller: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Bordeaux: Iconic Wines and Beyond - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours 

Alpine Wines: Vine Growing on the Margins -  - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours 

German Wines from the VDP.Rheingau: Annette and Christian Schiller Pour Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines Tasting of the American Wine Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida

Late-night Tasting of High-end and Older French and Californian Wines, with about 20 Wines Friends, Including 2 Winemakers - Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel, and Chris Pearmund, Pearmund Cellars, Virginia - at the American Wine Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida: Part I (Thursday Evening) 

Late-night Tasting of High-end and Older French and Californian Wines, with about 20 Wines Friends, Including 2 Winemakers - Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel, and Chris Pearmund, Pearmund Cellars, Virginia - at the American Wine Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida: Part II (Friday Evening)

The Joy of Wine - Celebrating Wine with Wine Friends: The Great Banquet  at the American Wine Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida 

The 2026 American Wine Society National Conference in Jacksonville/ Florida/ USA, with Annette and Christian Schiller: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens 

Wednesday, October 21st 

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Registration Desk Open – 2nd Floor Skybridge Registration Desk 

5:00 pm – 7:30 pm Pre-Conference Boat Tour (Meet in Hotel Lobby) 

Arriving at the Hotel 





Delivering the Wines


At the Bar With Chef Tony


Thursday, October 22nd 

12:00 pm – 5:00 pm Registration Desk Open – 2nd Floor Skybridge Registration Desk 

7:00 am – 5:00 pm Wine Judge Certification – Year 1 – Main Street 1 

7:00 am – 5:00 pm Wine Judge Certification – Year 2 – Main Street 2 

7:00 am – 5:00 pm Wine Judge Certification – Year 3 – Main Street 3 

8:00 am – 5:00 pm WineSmarts Level 1 – Main Street 4 

8:00 am – 5:00 pm WineSmarts Level 2 – Main Street 5 

8:30 am – 5:00 pm Pre-Conference St. Augustine Tour – Meet in Hotel Lobby) 

Annette Fine-tuning her Presentations


2:00 pm – 5:00 pm RA/VLT/Chapter Chair Meeting (optional if you want to attend a tour or education opportunities!) – Clearwater 

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm “First-Timers” Orientation – Daytona 

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm The Grapevine – Clearwater/Clearwater Terrace 

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Presidential Reception – Mathews 

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Welcome Reception – Grand 4-5 






10:00 pm – 12:00 am Hospitality Suite Open – Mathews 

Late-night Tasting of High-end and Older French and Californian Wines, with about 20 Wines Friends, Including 2 Winemakers - Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel, and Chris Pearmund, Pearmund Cellars, Virginia - at the American Wine Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida: Part I (Thursday Evening) 






Friday, October 23rd 

7:00 am – 5:00 pm Registration Desk Open (closed during meals) – 2nd Floor Skybridge Registration Desk 

7:30 am – 8:45 am Sparkling Wine Breakfast – Grand 4-5 



8:45 am – 6:00 pm Exhibits Open – Grand Foyer 

Ombiasy WineTours





8:45 am – 6:00 pm AWSEF Silent Auction Open– Grand Foyer 

8:30 am – 12:00 pm Wine Judge Certification Program 3rd Year Final Exam- Main Street 8 

9:00 am – 10:15 am - A Sessions 

11:00 am – 12:15 pm  B Session - Plenary

12:45 pm – 2:00 pm Luncheon & Business Meeting – Grand 4-5 



2:15 pm – 3:30 pm C Sessions 

4:15 pm – 5:30 pm  D Sessions

Bordeaux: Iconic Wines and Beyond - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours 







5:45 pm – 6:45 pm Amateur Wine Competition Awards – City Terrace 12 

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Showcase of Wines – Grand 4-5 

German Wines from the VDP.Rheingau: Annette and Christian Schiller Pour Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines Tasting of the American Wine Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida









10:00 pm – 12:00 am Hospitality Suite Open – Mathews 

Late-night Tasting of High-end and Older French and Californian Wines, with about 20 Wines Friends, Including 2 Winemakers - Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel, and Chris Pearmund, Pearmund Cellars, Virginia - at the American Wine Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida: Part II (Friday Evening)






Good Night


Saturday, October 24th 

7:00 am – 4:00 pm Registration Desk Open – 2nd Floor Skybridge Registration Desk 

7:30 am – 8:45 am Breakfast & AWSEF Annual Meeting – Grand 4-5 

8:45 am – 4:00 pm Exhibits Open – Grand Foyer

 9:00 am – 10:15 am E Sessions

11:00 am – 12:15 pm F Sessions 

Alpine Wines: Vine Growing on the Margins -  - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours 










12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Awards Luncheon Best in Class Wine Competition Awards – Grand 4-5 Sponsored by Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery 




2:45 pm – 4:00 pm G Sessions 

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm NOW, YOU BE THE JUDGE! – Daytona 

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Apero before the Grand Banquet with Wine Friends



7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Grand Banquet – Grand 4-5 

Award of Merit - Chris Pearmund

Outstanding Member - Al Guber 
















10:00 pm – 12:00 am Hospitality Suite Open – River Terrace



Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2025  in in Chantilly, Virginia and other Related Postings on schiller-wine 

The 2025 American Wine Society National Conference in Chantilly/ Virginia/ USA, with Annette and Christian Schiller: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

German Wines from Rheinland Pfalz - Mosel, Rheinhessen, Nahe, Pfalz: Annette and Christian Schiller Pour Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2025 American Wine Society National Conference in Chantilly, Virginia

The Terroir Expressive Riesling Grape: A Deep Dive - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2025 in Chantilly, Virginia, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours 

Georgia: The Cradle of Wine - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2025 in Chantilly, Virginia, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours and Patrick Honnef, CEO and Winemaker, Château Mukhrani, Georgia 
 
Pinot Noir: A Comparison of the Top Three Pinot Noir Regions in the World - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2025 in Chantilly, Virginia, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours 

Late-night Tasting of older French and Californian Wines, with about 20 Wine Friends, including 3 Winemakers - Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel, Chris Pearmund, Pearmund Cellars, Virginia and Patrick Honnef, Château Mukhrani, Georgia - at the American Wine Society National Conference 2025 in Chantilly, Virginia

The Joy of Wine - Celebrating Wine with Wine Friends: The Grand Banquet at the American Wine Society National Conference 2025 in Chantilly, Virginia 

Winemaker Patrick Honnef, Château Mukhrani, Georgia (and previously Château d'Aiguilhe, Bordeaux), Shows his Wines (Current and Previous) at the American Wine Society National Conference 2025 in Chantilly 
 
Winemaker Michael Shaps, Virginia/ USA and Bourgogne/ France, Honored with 2025 American Wine Society Award of Merit at the American Wine Society National Conference 2025 in Chantilly, Virginia

Post-Conference Dinner with Patrick Honnef, CEO and Winemaker, Château Mukhrani, Georgia at our Home in McLean Virginia - American Wine Society National Conference 2025 in Chantilly, Virginia

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in Winston-Salem/ North Carolina/ USA

Discovery of the Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Regions of France - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours

Germany’s Perfect Home for Pinot Grapes - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours 

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2023 in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

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

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

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