The 58th American Wine Society (AWS) National Conference was held from November 6-8, 2025, at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, VA. Attendance was at around 600 wine lovers from all over the USA.
Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 3 wine tastings at the 2025 National Conference of the American Wine Society: (1) The Terroir Expressive Riesling Grape: A Deep Dive, (2) Georgia: The Cradle of Wine and (3) Pinot Noir: A Comparison of the Top Three Pinot Noir Regions in the World.
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.
The 58th American Wine Society National Conference in Chantilly, Virginia
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.
The 58th American Wine Society (AWS) National Conference was held from November 6-8, 2025, at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, VA. Attendance was at around 600 wine lovers from all over the USA.
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 2025 in Chantilly, Virginia:
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 - at the American Wine Society: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2025 American Wine Society National Conference in Chantilly, Virginia, with Annette and Christian Schiller
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, GeorgiaLate-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 Patrick Honnef
Winemaker Michael Shaps, Virginia/ USA and Bourgogne/ France, Winner of the American Wine Society Merit Award 2025
Winemaker Patrick Honnef, Château Mukhrani, Georgia (and previously Château d'Aiguilhe Bordeaux), Shows his Wines at the American Wine Society National Conference 2025 in Chantilly
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
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Pre-Conference Winery Tour
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Registration Desk Open – Grand 5 & 6 Foyer
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Registration Desk Open – Grand 5 & 6 Foyer
7:00 am – 5:00 pm Wine Judge Certification – Year 1 – Washingtonian 1
7:00 am – 5:00 pm Wine Judge Certification – Year 2 – Washingtonian 2
7:00 am – 5:00 pm Wine Judge Certification – Year 3 – Washingtonian 3
8:00 am – 5:00 pm WineSmarts Level 1 – Grand Dominion 1
8:00 am – 5:00 pm WineSmarts Level 2 – Grand Dominion 2
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Pre-Conference Winery Tour
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm RA/VLT/Chapter Chair Meeting (optional if you want to attend a tour or education opportunities!) – Grand Dominion 4,6
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm “First-Timers” Orientation – Lincoln Forum
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm The Grapevine – Grand Dominion 3,5
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Presidential Reception – West Lobby/Sunset Terrace
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Virginia Welcome Reception – Lower Rotunda
10:00 pm – 12:00 am Hospitality Suite Open – Westfield’s Lounge
This time, Annette and I had a drive of just 30 minutes to the conference and we left home at around 5 pm on Thursday, normally in time to check in, ste up our ombiasy WineTours table and join our wine friends at the Welcome Reception at 7 pm. We made it, but it got a bit tight as we were stuck in the elevator for 45 minutes and needed to be rescued by a 911 team.
Stuck in the Elevator
7:00 am – 6:00 pm Registration Desk Open (closed during meals) – Grand 5 & 6 Foyer
7:30 am – 8:45 am Sparkling Wine Breakfast – Fairfax
8:45 am – 6:00 pm Exhibits Open – Upper Rotunda
8:45 am – 6:00 pm AWSEF Silent Auction Open– Promenade
8:30 am – 12:00 pm Wine Judge Certification Program Exam- Washington 3
Title: The Terroir Expressive Riesling Grape: A Deep Dive
Presenter: Annette Schiller, Owner, ombiasy Wine Tours
Description: Germany is a unique wine-producing country situated in the northern most region where it is possible to grow quality wine. “Riesling,” Germany’s native and most-famous grape varietal is adapted perfectly to this cool climate. We will explore 6 Rieslings from 6 different regions ranging from 51° of latitude to 48.5° of latitude and will learn about the very different taste profiles that develop from the different climates and terroir.
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Presenters: Annette Schiller, Owner, ombiasy Wine Tours, and Patrick Honnef, CEO and Winemaker of Chateau Mukhrani
Description: Looking back on 8,000 vintages? Yes, the country of Georgia has an uninterrupted tradition of viticulture and winemaking that spans 8,000 years. Until recently, Georgian wine was considered by many outsiders as being “too sweet and too high in alcohol.” That was partially true, because that was the type of wine that the giant state producers made for export to Russia during the days of the Soviet Union. However, even in the days when the country lived behind the Iron Curtain, traditional Georgian wines were quietly produced by winemakers that were uncompromisingly committed to quality. Today, vintners around the globe are rediscovering the originality of the Georgian way of winemaking. We will explore and taste a wide range of Georgian red and white wines, made in both the “traditional qvevri” and the “modern European” methods. Joining Annette for this presentation will be Special Guest Patrick Honnef, the General Manager and Winemaker of Chateau Mukhrani, one of the top wineries in Georgia.
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm Amateur Wine Competition Awards – Lincoln Forum
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Showcase of Wines – Fairfax
German Wines from Rheinland Pfalz - Mosel, Rheinhessen, Nahe, Pfalz - at the American Wine Society: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2025 American Wine Society National Conference in Chantilly, Virginia, with Annette and Christian Schiller
Our direct neighbor was Michael Shaps, Virginia/ USA and Bourgogne/ France, Winner of the American Wine Society Merit Award 2025
Other Tables
Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel, came by to taste the wines of Patrick Honnef, Château Mukhrani, Georgia
7:00 am – 4:00 pm Registration Desk Open – Van Buren
7:30 am – 8:45 am Breakfast & AWSEF Annual Meeting – Fairfax
8:45 am – 4:00 pm Exhibits Open – Upper Rotunda
9:00 am – 10:15 am Session E
Title: Pinot Noir: A Comparison of the Top Three Pinot Noir Regions in the World
Presenter: Annette Schiller, Owner, ombiasy Wine Tours
Description: Pinot Noir is one of the most difficult and temperamental grapes to grow, but the effort is worth it, because this varietal expresses site, climate and vintage better than any other red grape in the world. In this exciting presentation, you’ll learn more about this fantastic wine and have the opportunity to experience and compare wines from the three largest Pinot Noir growing regions in the world. You’ll sample a total of six Pinot Noirs from Burgundy, (# 1 world-wide), Oregon, (#2 world-wide), and Germany, (#3 world-wide). You’ll leave this session with a new-found understanding and appreciation for the character, diversity and charm of Pinot Noir.
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Awards Luncheon / Best in Class Wine Competition Awards – Fairfax
2:45 pm – 4:00 pm Sessions G
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm NOW, YOU BE THE JUDGE! – Fairfax
Pre-Grand Banquet Photos
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7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Grand Banquet – Grand Dominion
10:00 pm – 12:00 am Music, Dancing and Hospitality Suite Open – Fairfax
Post-Conference Dinner with Patrick Honnef, CEO and Winemaker, Château Mukhrani, Georgia, at our Home in McLean Virginia
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
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 SchillerAnnette 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 SchillerAnnette 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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