Early-Bird Pricing Through April 15; Media Passes Now Available
Kelseyville, Calif. April 3, 2018 – The Sauvignon Blanc Experience takes place May 4 and 5 at Chacewater Winery in Kelseyville, California. The two-day event will bring together winemakers, sommeliers, growers, buyers, media and wine enthusiasts for learning, presentations, technical tastings and trials, food and wine pairings and a grand tasting featuring 40+ wineries.
The trade-focused International Symposium on May 4 will feature speakers from France, New Zealand and regions around California, including prominent winemakers and wine writers. Winemakers from the UC Davis Viticulture & Enology department collaborated with commercial winemakers in Lake County to produce a series of technical tastings that focus on differences in brix levels, yeast types and crop loads. Symposium tickets include a hosted lunch and evening social hour.
The consumer-oriented Grand Tasting on May 5 will include Sauvignon Blanc producers from across California, New Zealand and other regions. More than 40 wineries are expected at the event, including well-known wineries such as Honig, St. Supéry, Steele, Rombauer, Langtry and Loveblock (from renowned New Zealand winemaker Kim Crawford).
The Symposium will sell out and members of the trade and media are encouraged to register soon. Early-bird pricing for both events ends April 15.
MEDIA ADVISORY: A very limited number of complimentary passes are still available for journalists, wine bloggers and other members of the media. To request a complimentary media pass, go to the media page of the Sauvignon Blanc Experience website: https://sauvignonblancexperience.com/media/
An Ideal Location for the Sauvignon Blanc Experience
In many ways, Kelseyville is an ideal setting for this event. The Lake County winegrowing region, part of the North Coast AVA, has long been known for producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc winegrapes and today makes up approximately 14 percent of the total Sauvignon Blanc acreage in California.
“Lake County winegrowers are some of the most experienced Sauvignon Blanc growers in the country,” said Debra Sommerfield, President of the Lake County Winegrape Commission. “Sauvignon Blanc was one of the first varietals they reached for when post-Prohibition replanting began in earnest 50 years ago.”
The Lake County Winegrape Commission previously hosted two International Sauvignon Blanc Symposia in 2002 and 2005. The Sauvignon Blanc Experience expands on the original symposium concept by including a consumer-oriented grand tasting held in collaboration with the Lake County Winery Association.
“Sauvignon Blanc has been gaining in popularity among U.S. consumers faster than just about any other wine, according to Nielsen data,” said Maria Brunn, Executive Director of the Lake County Winery Association. “Sauvignon Blanc has always been a favorite among viticulturalists and winemakers due to its versatility. And now, with the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Experience, consumers can experience the vast breadth of expression as well, with wines at the Grand Tasting ranging in style from bright and crisp to lush and creamy. I would encourage all Sauvignon Blanc producers to participate in this event.”
Wineries and winery associations from California, the U.S., and abroad may register at SauvignonBlancExperience.com/wineries/
