Annual Conference Celebrates Diversity by Featuring an Unprecedented List of Prominent Volcanic Wine Regions and Producers from Around the World
NEW YORK, NY, April 16, 2019 – Volcanic Wines International (VWI, https://www.volcanicwinesinternational.com/) and John Szabo, Master Sommelier and award-winning author, are proud to announce the diverse producers and regions participating in this year’s International Volcanic Wine Conference (IVWC), representing Chile, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United States. The conference will be held at The Stewart Hotel (https://www.stewarthotelnyc.com/) in New York City on Wednesday, June 5th and will be open exclusively to qualified wine trade and media, featuring in-depth regional-focused seminars and a walk around tasting.
“I’m especially excited about this year’s expanded Volcanic Wine conference. We’ll be welcoming several new regions into the fold, and many new wineries, and exploring the latest releases from the volcanic universe’s best,” John Szabo, MS said. “On top of that, we have some fascinating workshops lined up, and I’ll be revealing my latest research into what identifies volcanic wines with distinguished professor of chemistry, Benoît Marsan, Ph.D.”
The IVWC will consist of a full-day of educational programs and tastings, led by experts in volcanology and volcanic wine production. The conference will begin with an opening session titled, “Saltiness: Defining Minerality in Volcanic Wines”, presented by Professor Benoît Marsan from the University of Quebec- Montreal and John Szabo, MS. Leading winemakers and academics will host in-depth regional workshops, sponsored by the Soave Consorzio, the Vesuvius Consorzio and Winebow; as well as a Grand Tasting of wines from volcanic regions around the world.
Ciro Giordano, President of the Vesuvius Consortium shared, “The archaeological excavations of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplonti, the Roman farms, the Gulf of Naples with views of Capri and Sorrento, the Railway Museum of Portici Pietrarsa, the Coral of Torre del Greco, these are the signs of the millennial culture of Vesuvius and all closely intertwined with the history of our wine production. We are excited to take attendees through this journey during the seminar.”
Other regions represented include Aeolian Islands, Colli Euganei, Campania, Etna, Gattinara, Pantelleria, Pitigliano, Vulture (Italy); Santorini (Greece); Golan Heights (Israel); Campo de Calatrava (Spain); Pico (Portugal); Lake County, Atlas Peak, Oregon and Washington (USA); Auvergne and Ardèche (France); Mosel (Germany), and various regions of Chile, in addition to volcanic wines from leading fine wine importers.
“Volcanic regions are producing some of the most interesting wines in the world, and this event presents an opportunity to taste why in a uniquely focused way, “ Chris Stone, Washington State Wine VP of Marketing & Communications commented. “Washington State’s history is rich in volcanic influence, and we are reminded as such with Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker and others majestically standing guard every day, so it would be a mistake to not be included amongst the other world-class regions at this event. We’re excited to take part, and even more excited to share some fabulous volcanic wines from Washington State!”
Following its successful inaugural conference in 2018, Volcanic Wines International continues its mission of establishing a volcanic wine category by showcasing regional diversity through educational and promotional opportunities for international volcanic wine producers.
Lea Desprat, Export Director for Desprat Saint Verny said, “In Auvergne, volcanism is a central theme for tourism and economy in our French region, as our vineyards are located on the largest and oldest volcano in Europe. The image and notoriety that this event brings will benefit the promotion of our wines globally.”
Further details regarding the conference, including seminar schedules and additional confirmed participants, will be announced in the next following weeks. For more information and updates, please visit the IVWC’s official website (https://www.volcanicwinesinternational.com/), as well as following the IVWC’s Facebook (Volcanic Wines International, https://www.facebook.com/volcanicwinesinternational/) and Instagram (@volcanicwines_intl, https://www.instagram.com/volcanicwines_intl/?hl=el) pages.
About John Szabo, MS
John Szabo is a Toronto-based author and wine critic, and in 2004 was the first Canadian to add the Master Sommelier credential to his name. He was named ‘Canada’s best-known sommelier’ in Meininger’s Wine Business International, and he is a partner and a wine critic for WineAlign.com and freelances widely. In addition to Volcanic Wines, Salt, Grit and Power, his book titles include Pairing Food and Wine for Dummies and Sommelier Management. John also works as a restaurant consultant, and speaks and judges internationally, when he’s not making a few dozen bottles of wine from his vineyard in Eger, Hungary.
About Volcanic Wines International (VWI)
The mission of Volcanic Wines International is to take the leading role in defining and establishing a Volcanic Wine Movement, and to provide educational and promotional opportunities for volcanic wine producers internationally. Volcanic Wines International also plans to establish the volcanic wine brand as a premium category of high-quality wines with a true sense of place.
About Colangelo & Partners
Colangelo & Partners specializes in premium food, wine and spirits brands, and has long-established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry leaders. Agency principals have years of experience in retail and distribution as well as communications, a rare combination that gives Colangelo & Partners invaluable insights into consumer purchasing behavior. The agency focuses on “closing the loop” between creative communications programs, distribution, promotion, publicity, and the consumer in order to maximize the efficiency of its communications programs and deliver measurable results. Founded in 2006, Colangelo & Partners was honored as one of the year’s top integrated communications firms at the 2013 Agency Elite Awards and for one of the best digital marketing campaigns at the 2014 Digital PR Awards.
