The
American Wine Society 2023 National Conference was held November 9-11, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency at The Arch in St. Louis,
Missouri.
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.
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.
Postings on schiller-wine
This is the 11th 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
The 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA: Seen Through the AWS Official Photographer'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.
Tuesday, November 7
Going There
This time, we went by car, with the wines for 2 sessions and the "Showcase of Wine" presentation as well as material for the ombiasy WineTours table.
Springfield Ohio
Going there, we stopped in Springfield, Ohio.
From 1916 to 1926, 10 automobile companies operated in Springfield. Among them was the Westcott. Burton J. Westcott and his wife Orpha commissioned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908 to design their home in Springfield, which has all the features
of Wright's "prairie style," including horizontal lines, low-pitched
roof, and broad eaves.
The decline in manufacturing and other blue.collar industries in the United States in the late 20th and early 21st
centuries resulted in significant economic and population losses in
Springfield.
Wednesday, November 8
We arrived on Wednesday in the early afternoon.
After checking in, we joined a group of friends who had arrived
even earlier and were involved in the AWS 3-year wine judge program as
well as in the amateur and commercial wine competitions.
In the evening, Annette and I went down to the mighty Mississippi ...
...before having dinner and listening to some music at the Broadway Oyster Bar, which is next to the Bush Stadium. I had Oysters Rockefeller. The Broadway Oyster Bar is widely regarded as the
premier New Orleans' style restaurant, bar and music venue in the
Midwest.
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at the roof-top bar of the Hilton, where we had an amazing view of St. Louis downtown.
Thursday, November 9Annette put the final touches on her presentations.
We delivered our wines to the stock room.
We checked in with our friends who were busy judging and teaching.
We set up the ombiasy WineTours booth.
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Registration Desk Open
7:00 am – 5:00 pm Wine Judge Certification
8:00 am – 5:00 pm WineSmarts
8:30 am – 5:30 pm Pre-Conference Winery Tour
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm “First-Timers” Orientation
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm The Grapevine
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Missouri AVA Themed Welcome Reception
Wine Producer Missouri
Missouri’s wine history dates to the 1830s, when German immigrants
established Hermann and the Missouri River as one of the main
viticulture areas in the US, growing the American grapes that they found
there when they arrived. 50 years later, more wine was produced in
Missouri than in any other State in the US. But then came Prohibition
and brought Missouri’s wine industry to a halt. However, Missouri’s wine
industry came back, starting in the 1960s, in particular after French
American hybrid grapes became available. Indeed, the Augusta AVA
(American Viticultural Area, the American equivalent of the French
Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée - AOC) in Missouri is the first
federally approved AVA (gaining the status on June 20, 1980, eight
months before the Napa Valley AVA).
Today, Missouri has more than 1,400 acres planted in grapes and more
than 100 wineries. Missouri is again a serious wine producer, relying
heavily on French American hybrid grapes and native American grapes like
Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc, and Norton - the latter one being the most
prominent Missouri-grown variety. The State’s climate is harsh and humid
and vinifera grapes – like Chardonnay and Merlot - have a hard time to
thrive under these conditions, although recently there has been more
interest in planting vinifera grape varieties.
However, overall, Missouri is a small player now, accounting for less than 0.5% of total wine production in the US.
I visited wine country Missouri in 2011 as part of the Drink Local Wine Conference 2011 and wrote extensively about the the wines of Missouri. See:
Drink Local Wine Conference 2011 in St. Louis: The World of Missouri Wine
10:00 pm – 12:00 am Hospitality Suite Open
10:00 pm – 12:00 am Private Tasting in the Suite of AWS President Bill Stefan
After the Welcome Reception, some of us met for a private tasting of exceptional wines, mostly aged Bordeaux and California wines in the Suite of AWS President Bill Stefan. Many of the wines were contributed by Al Guber and Mike Wassenberg. Annette and I contributed a German Pinot Noir from a pioneer of the German Pinot Noir revolution, Hendrik Moebitz. All wines showed very well.
See also: 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
Friday, November 10
7:00 am – 6:00 pm Registration Desk Open
Good morning St. Louis. Good morning Mississippi.
7:30 am - 8:45 am Sparkling Wine Breakfast
8:45 am – 6:00 pm Exhibits Open
8:45 am – 6:00 pm AWSEF Silent Auction Open
8:30 am – 12:00 pm Wine Judge Certification Program Exam
9:00 am – 10:15 am Sessions A
11:00 am – 12:15 pm Sessions B
B-1: Room: Grand Ballroom A & B – Class Maximum 120
Title: Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch -Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story
From Central Europe To The US West Coast
Presenter: Annette Schiller, Owner of ombiasy PR & Wine Tours
Abstract:
Looking for a grape that produces a bold, red wine with delicious wild
berries or cherry flavors? One with powerful acidity, with prominent
tannins, with good ageing potential that is absolutely delicious and
versatile, and that grows easily in colder climates? This is an old
autochthonous variety dating back to the 18th century in what was then
the Habsburg Empire in central Europe. This grape is called different
names depending on where it settled and grows. We will explore
Kékfrankos from Hungary, Blaufränkisch from Austria, Lemberger from
Germany and the Finger Lakes, and Blaufränkisch from Walla Walla….yes,
Walla Walla.
See also: 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
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Luncheon & Business Meeting
2:15 pm – 3:30 pm Sessions C
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm Session D
D-5: Room: Parkview - Class Maximum 120
Title: Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot
Presenters: Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot Annette Schiller, Owner, ombiasy PR&WineTours
Abstract: From the tip of Chablis to the toe of Beaujolais, from regional, villages, 1er Cru and Grand Cru
appellations,
Louis Jadot produces wines that celebrate Burgundy’s diversity,
reflecting the natural differences of soil, aspect and climate. The
familiar Bacchus-head label has become the reliable stamp of
quality
and consistency from what can often be a confusing region. We will take
you on a journey that defines Louis Jadot’s 165 years of know-how and
expertise in the Burgundy region.
See also: 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
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm Amateur Wine Competition Awards
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Showcase of Wines
Annette and I had a table were we poured 7 German wines, sponsored by Veritable USA, a brand new importer of German wine, associated with Weingut Balthasar Ress.
See also: 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
10:00 pm – 12:00 am Hospitality Suite Open
Saturday, November 11
7:00 am – 4:00 pm Registration Desk Open
7:00 am – 8:45 am Chapter Chair Breakfast
7:30 am – 8:45 am Breakfast & AWSEF Annual Meeting
8:45 am – 4:00 pm Exhibits Open
9:00 am – 10:15 am Sessions E
E 4: A Journey Through The Loire Valley
Presenter: Annette Schiller, Owner, ombiasy PR & Wine Tours
Abstract:
The Loire Valley is the heart of France and its fourth largest wine
region. Starting at the Atlantic Ocean, the Loire Valley wine region
straddles the Loire River from west to east for 174 miles. With such an
expansive area, geography, soil, and climate differ greatly from one
place to the other. The Loire Valley contains several distinct wine
regions, each with its own characteristic grapes, appellations and wine
styles. Most of the wines are produced with a single grape variety.
Follow us when we take you on an exciting journey through the different
appellations.
See also: A Journey Through The Loire Valley - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine
Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA
led by Annette Schiller
11:00 am – 12:15 pm Sessions F
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Awards Luncheon / Best in Class Wine Competition Awards
2:45 pm – 4:00 pm Sessions G
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm NOW, YOU BE THE JUDGE!
Annette and I used the time between lunch and the Grand Banquet for a bit of sightseeing in St. Louis.
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Grand Banquet
Before the Grand Banquet, Annette and I met with others in the Suite of Rex and Jennifer.
Grand Banquet
In a moving ceremony Thomas Wallman received the "Outstanding Member Award" and ...
... the Godfather of Zinfandel Joel Petersonfrom California the "Merit Award". Joel was accompanied by his son Morgan, the winemaker and owner of Bedrock Wine Co. in Sonoma, CA - a
winery dedicated to preserving and rehabilitating old vineyards across
the state of California.
See also: 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
10:00 pm – 12:00 am Music, Dancing and Hospitality Suite Open
Going Back Home
Memphis Tennessee
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
Drinks at the Peabody Hotel
Beale Street - Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock N Roll
Dinner at Blues City Cafe: Seafood gumbo and Memphis-style rack of ribs
Big Band Jazz at Alfred's on Beale
BB King Blues Club and Jerry Lee Lewis Club
Breakfast at Arcade Restaurant, Elvis' Favorite Hang-out
Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King was Shot Dead
Nashville
See also: 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
Lyla's Honky-Tonk
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
