Multi-Day Event Features All-Star Cast of Master Sommeliers, Winemakers and Hospitality Professionals
Central Coast, CA—Building upon the success of its inaugural experience last January, “Wine Speak Paso Robles” is set to return once again with an all-star cast of master sommeliers, winemakers and hospitality professionals on January 7-10, 2019.
Wine Speak Paso Robles is a trade-focused event featuring winemaker seminars, private tastings and technical winery tours, as well as a public grand tasting—all geared toward fostering community and collaboration in the global wine industry.
“The feedback from the first Wine Speak was so incredible that we had to do it again,” said Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, Ancient Peaks Winery’s VP of operations who co-founded Wine Speak with master sommelier Chuck Furuya. “We have worked hard to ensure that 2019 will be a step forward through different speakers, topics and added events, but our aim remains the same: to create a premier experience for wine industry professionals to grow and learn together.”
Wine Speak 2019 Highlights
Wine Speak Paso Robles 2019 will kick off with two winery technical tours on January 7, one focusing on Rhône varieties and the other focusing on Bordeaux varieties.
The “Taste of Paso Robles” grand tasting on January 8 will showcase 25 leading local wineries in an intimate setting overlooking Atascadero Lake. Local chefs will present wine-friendly small plates and winemakers will showcase some of their finest reserve and library bottlings.
Featured winemaker seminars on January 8-9 will include “Creating The Perfect Blend” and “Cabernet Sauvignon: Inside and Out.” Additional seminars include “The State of Zinfandel” and “What Syrah Can Be.” A “Paso Paired” luncheon on January 9 will feature a three-course meal prepared by Chef Cheyne Jackson of The Range and expertly paired with interesting local wines.
January 10 is “Hospitality Day,” and will feature a seminar on “Building Your Brand: Aloha Style” steered by executives from Hawaiian Airlines.
Industry anticipation is high for Wine Speak Paso Robles 2019 based on the success of the inaugural event.
“I thought the event was so important because it brought together all of the different sides of our industry under one roof,” said Matt Dees, winemaker at Jonata and a featured 2018 Wine Speak panelist. “I found it to be incredibly well organized and thoughtful in its approach, with lots of good conversation.”
Said Furuya, “The dream for me was to create an opportunity where top wine professionals from around the New World could share their valuable insight, wisdom and experiences, so that we as an industry could learn while fostering camaraderie and collaboration. I was blown away with the 2018 event and how the local community just welcomed all, embraced us, jumped in and helped create a very memorable, magical experience together.”
For more information and a complete schedule for Wine Speak 2019, visit WineSpeakPaso.com.
