Local Wine Events

The Festival invites both novices and aficionados who seek a serious education in the finer things in life to its tastings. The Festival will offer the following all-inclusive package of wine seminars that brings together experts ready to share their unique knowledge and offer guests a comprehensive view of today's vin scene. Learn about the special qualities of specific wines as well as the grapes and techniques that go into creating them. Vintners and principals from a variety of handpicked estates will lead the exciting range of tastings to follow. Led by experts, each session provides an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of specific wines and identify the qualities of each that most appeal to you. A member of Wine Spectator’s editorial team will introduce this session.

Riesling is on the rise and one of the fastest growing varietals by wine sales in the U.S. Let two of the world’s leading Riesling producers, Bob Bertheau, winemaker of Washington’s Chateau Ste. Michelle and Ernst Loosen of Germany’s Dr. Loosen estate, lead you on a special exploration of Riesling to discover the tremendous versatility of this noble white grape, from bone dry to decadently sweet.

After a decade of collaborating on Eroica Riesling, experience what these two innovative Riesling winemakers have learned about the best sites for Riesling and the changing vineyard practices needed to achieve the best results. Hear how they've worked, puzzled and refined their thoughts, vineyards and winemaking techniques toward their shared goal of making the best Riesling in America.

Chateau Ste. Michelle has been a champion of Riesling for more than 40 years and was among the first to plant Riesling in Washington State. The Columbia Valley of Washington produces more Riesling than any other American wine region. The Dr. Loosen estate has a 200-year tradition of producing Riesling in Germany’s Mosel region. With his modern world view and his traditional approach to winemaking, Ernst Loosen strives to produce wines that unmistakably express the character of Riesling and of the vineyards where they are grown. In 1999, Chateau Ste. Michelle teamed up with Ernst Loosen to collaborate on Eroica Riesling, an ultra-premium Washington Riesling that has set the bar for American Riesling for more than a decade.

Featured Wines:
2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling
2006 Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling
2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling
2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling
2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cold Creek Vineyard Riesling
2010 Saint M Riesling
2001 Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica Single Berry Select Riesling
2007 Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen Eroica Single Berry Select Riesling
 

Join lead winemaker Danilo Drocco for an extraordinary tasting of eight historic vintage Barolos from the cellars of Piedmont’s renowned Fontanafredda estate. Begin with a comparative tasting of two outstanding examples of Fontanafredda’s Vigna “La Rosa” Barolo – 2007 & 1999. Next, embark on a journey through six superb vintages of the estate’s Serralunga d’Alba Barolo, beginning with 2007 and travelling back in time to the sublime 1990. Serralunga d’Alba, among Fontanafredda’s most prized vineyard sites, is widely considered to have one of the best terroirs in the world for fine Nebbiolo wines. Since 1878, Fontanafredda, located in the heart of the Langhe region, has been a true institution in Piedmont, a benchmark for authentically-styled Barolo and Barbera wines that deftly balance intense aromas and deep concentration of fruit with outstanding finesse and elegance. This style is fully in line with Danilo Drocco’s philosophy that “Barolo should reveal itself little by little, rather than all at once.” Don’t miss the chance to experience this philosophy firsthand!

Featured Wines:

No winery more thoroughly embodies the timeless appeal and seductive flavor of Napa Valley than Beringer Vineyards, Napa’s benchmark producer since its establishment in 1876. Now in its third century of crafting classic wines from Napa’s finest appellations and vineyards, Beringer today is guided Chief Winemaker Laurie Hook. Laurie crafts Napa Valley wines that speak eloquently of Beringer’s rich heritage while offering cutting-edge quality and contemporary elegance.

With each vintage of the acclaimed Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Beringer Winemaker Laurie Hook chooses the best lots from our reserve vineyards in the Napa Valley, each of which demonstrate remarkable expression of terroir. The Beringer reserve vineyards offer Cabernet Sauvignon of such quality that a minimalist approach to winemaking has long defined this special blend. Laurie Hook is excited to share the 2007, 2005, 2000, 1998, 1993 & 1991 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon at the 2012 South Beach Food & Wine Festival. Be among the few to taste an amazing line up pull from Laurie’s cellar.

Featured Wines:
2007 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2000 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
1998 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
1993 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
1991 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon