(Waterbury, CT) – Naugatuck Valley Community College will present the eighth annual Connecticut Wine Symposium on Saturday, March 31. The event is sponsored by the Connecticut Chapters of the American Wine Society in conjunction with the Connecticut Wine Trail, the Connecticut Vineyard and Winery Association and the students of NVCC’s hospitality program.

The day-long conference begins with coffee and registration from 8 to 9 a.m. Followed by a solid day of educational programs coupled with a luncheon buffet and an afternoon wine tasting** sponsored by Michael Gelven owner of Wine Pirates® Branford, CT. **as per CT State Law tasting participants must be at least 21 years of age.

Renowned liquor liability consultant Elizabeth Trendowski president and CEO of S.M.A.R.T ® Programs Centerbrook, CT, will be among the featured speakers. She will be presenting the critical message of Social Host Liability for businesses and homeowners alike. Other speakers include: Wayne Stitzer Proprietor of WINETECC analytical service for home winemakers, who will discuss the proper use of Oak Alternatives throughout the winemaking process; Bill Hopkins owner Hopkins Vineyard New Preston, CT will explain the procedure for creating award winning sparkling wine; and Dr. Richard Kiyomoto of the University of Connecticut, who will explain "How to produce a quality crop every year". A panel discussion involving members of the AWS and CVWA is also planned. As well as a few other seminars TBD.

The cost is $55 per person for *AWS members and $95 for non-members. For more information or to reserve a seat, please call Professor Peter Cisek (203) 575-8198 or email him at cisek@americanwinesociety.org

The American Wine Society is a national nonprofit consumer organization devoted to educating people on all aspects of wine. Its members are wine novices, experts, grape growers, amateur and professional winemakers, chefs, wine educators, restaurateurs and others who want to learn more about wine appreciation. *To become a member visit them on the web at http://www.americanwinesociety.org and follow the links for new membership.