Press Releases
Sauvignon Blanc Experience Attracts Attention of the Wine Industry
Lake County Event Draws Sauvignon Blanc Producers and Attendees from Around the World
Kelseyville, Calif. May 25, 2018 – The Lake County Winegrape Commission today announced that the Sauvignon Blanc Experience, which took place over two days in early May, exceeded its goals for attendance and featured an impressive lineup of speakers, wine brands and wine-growing regions around the globe.
The Sauvignon Blanc Experience included an International Symposium, which coincided with International Sauvignon Blanc Day on May 4, and a consumer-oriented Grand Tasting on May 5.
The sold-out Symposium attracted wine trade professionals and speakers from New Zealand, France, South Africa and other locations around California.
More than 50 Sauvignon Blanc producers were featured at the Grand Tasting, including a number of wineries represented by New Zealand Winegrowers, Lodi Winegrape Commission and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. A strong presence from New Zealand and a several wines from the Loire Valley contributed to the international character of the event.
The event received support from a number of sponsors, most notably American AgCredit, Bella Vista Farming, Vineyard Industry Products (VIP), Sunridge Nurseries and Twin Pine Casino & Hotel. Some 20 organizations in all sponsored the Sauvignon Blanc Experience.
The Right Time and the Right Location for the Sauvignon Blanc Experience
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the fastest growing wines in the U.S. according to Nielsen, and that increasing demand was evident in the number of people who attended the Symposium and Grand Tasting.
“There is no other big event in the U.S. focused exclusively on Sauvignon Blanc,” said Jonathan Walters, Chair of the Lake County Winegrape Commission. “Given the popularity of Lake County Sauvignon Blanc, the reputation Lake County has for producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc and the strong association between the varietal and the region, we felt this was the right place to hold an International Symposium and a Grand Tasting dedicated to Sauvignon Blanc. The excitement and energy of this event affirms that strategy.”
“Sauvignon Blanc is an important varietal, and not just for our region,” said Matt Hughes, winemaker for Brassfield Estate Winery in Lake County. “It’s vital that we work hard to establish the reputation of Lake County Sauvignon Blanc and prove that it deserves to be a player on the world stage.”
Regional and International Presence at the Event
The Lake County Winegrape Commission collaborated with the University of California Davis and the Lake County Winery Association to host the Sauvignon Blanc Experience. Producers were invited from other regions around the country and around the world.
“How refreshing to have a symposium focused solely on Sauvignon blanc and see the varietal get the attention it so richly deserves,” said Kristin Belair, winemaker at Honig Vineyard & Winery in Napa Valley. “The diversity of Sauvignon blanc styles presented at the tasting on Saturday was impressive as was the quality. It certainly reflected the varietal’s unique ability to grow well in many different regions and be successfully crafted into a wide variety of wine styles.”
Joining producers from around California were representatives from New Zealand, including Erica Loveblock Crawford of Loveblock Wines and David Strada, U.S. Marketing Manager for New Zealand Winegrowers.
“New Zealand Winegrowers was pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the Sauvignon Blanc Experience,” said Strada. “We believe it is important to investigate and discuss, promote and celebrate the Sauvignon Blanc grape and its resulting wines, and to have the opportunity to present our wines as examples of our distinct styles. The more recognition and respect Sauvignon Blanc receives, the better for everyone.”
The International Symposium was emceed by Deborah Parker Wong, Global Wine Editor for The Tasting Panel, SOMM Journal and Clever Root magazines. “The Sauvignon Blanc Experience presented a deep dive in to a variety that has tremendous consumer appeal,” said Parker Wong. “Viewing the grape and the wines made from it through a global lens gives growers and producers of Sauvignon Blanc a roadmap for the future of the variety in Lake County. I, for one, will be eager to see what’s next from this singularly unique region.”
Given the success of the Sauvignon Blanc Experience, organizers are currently discussing the timing of the next event. An announcement of future plans is expected soon.
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Wine May Be the Star, but Cuisine Plays a Best Supporting Role at Sauvignon Blanc Experience
Kelseyville, Calif. April 30, 2018 – Over the course of two days at the Sauvignon Blanc Experience, May 4 and 5 in Kelseyville, Calif., hundreds of Sauvignon Blanc wines will be poured. They will come from wineries around the world – from New Zealand, the Loire Valley in France and all across California.
Wine is clearly the star. But no less important is the cuisine that will be served during the event.
Unlike many wine events where only bread and cheese are served, the Sauvignon Blanc Symposium and Grand Tasting will feature top-quality chefs serving signature bites throughout the event. The cuisine has been chosen to complement Sauvignon Blanc, a versatile wine that is friendly to a wide range of cuisines, writes David Glancy, founder of the San Francisco Wine School, in a recently published article:
"To me, wine is a seasoning to complement my meals. I play with wine pairings, sometimes playing it safe but more often experimenting. In many ways, Sauvignon Blanc is ideal for these culinary explorations." – David Glancy
Newly Announced Seminar Pairs Sauvignon Blanc with Small Bites
On the agenda is a recently announced food/wine pairing seminar, Your Ultimate Sauvignon Blanc Primer. The seminar runs from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm on for Saturday, May 5 and takes place on the crush pad of Chacewater Winery, near the Grand Tasting tent.
The seminar will be hosted by Master Sommelier Bob Bath, Professor of Wine and Beverage Studies at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena. Mr. Bath will be joined by Sara Schneider, most recently the wine editor at Sunset, and Chris Christensen, owner of Bodkin Wines.
The food and wine lineup for the seminar is as follows:
Selected Wines
- Henri Bourgeois 2016 Sancerre
- Chacewater 2017 Sauvignon Blanc
- Six Sigma 2016 Sauvignon Blanc
- Clos Henri 2015 Sauvignon Blanc
- Lail 2016 Sauvignon Blanc "Blueprint"
- Bodkin 2013 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
Small Bites
- Fresh goat cheese coated with fresh herbs and drizzled with olive oil
- Ahi Napoleon: marinated ahi tuna, wasabi creme, avocado and micro greens
- Pan-seared scallops with beurre blanc
The seminar is limited to 30 participants. Grand Tasting attendees may learn more or purchase a special ticket for the seminar on the website: https://sauvignonblancexperience.com/saturday-seminar/
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Sauvignon Blanc Experience Begins in 2 Weeks with Wines from 50+ Domestic & International Wineries
Tickets Available for Grand Tasting; Symposium Sold Out
Kelseyville, Calif. April 23, 2018 – The Sauvignon Blanc Experience takes place in less than two weeks 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.
The International Symposium on Friday, May 4 is sold out but tickets are still available for the Grand Tasting on Saturday, May 5.
Approximately 45 wineries, winery associations, and importers have registered to pour Sauvignon Blanc at the Grand Tasting. Participants include New Zealand Winegrowers, Lodi Winegrape Commission, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and Loire Valley producers.
Including the wineries these groups represent, between 50 and 70 wineries will be featured, including wines from New Zealand, France, Chile and all over California. Some of the international wineries whose Sauvignon Blanc will be poured include Cono Sur from Chile, Kim Crawford and Loveblock Wines from New Zealand and Baudry-Dutour from the Loire Valley.
Domestic wineries will arrive from all over California – from Temecula to Mendocino, from Clarksburg to Napa. Notable California wineries include Honig, Rombauer, Clos Pegase and St. Stupéry. Lake County, the leading region in California for growing and producing Sauvignon Blanc, is hosting the event and will be represented by more than a dozen wineries, including Steele Wines, Langtry Estate, Shannon Ridge and Brassfield Estate Winery.
MEDIA ADVISORY: The Sauvignon Blanc Symposium is sold out, but there are complimentary passes available for the Grand Tasting. Journalists, wine bloggers and other members of the media are encouraged to apply for a press pass online: https://sauvignonblancexperience.com/media/
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Sauvignon Blanc Experience Features International Symposium May 4 and Grand Tasting May 5
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/
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Winery Registration Now Open for 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Grand Tasting
Sauvignon Blanc Producers from Around the World are Encouraged to Participate
Kelseyville, Calif. January 16, 2018 – Lake County Winery Association and Lake County Winegrape Commission are excited to announce winery registration for Sauvignon Blanc Experience Grand Tasting is now open. Wineries and regional associations should register by February 15, 2018, to ensure discounted pouring fees and guarantee VIP passes.
Planned for May 4 and 5, 2018, the Sauvignon Blanc Experience will bring together winemakers, sommeliers, growers, buyers, the media, and wine enthusiasts for two days of learning, presentations, technical tastings and trials, food and wine pairings, and a few surprises. The Lake County Winegrape Commission previously hosted two International Sauvignon Blanc Symposia in 2002 and 2005.
“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 winegrowing region, part of the North Coast AVA, has long been known for producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc fruit and today makes up approximately 14 percent of California’s Sauvignon Blanc acreage.
The Commission and its collaborative host partner, the Lake County Winery Association, are building on the success of the previous events and the variety’s new-found popularity. For 2018, the event has been expanded to include a consumer-focused Grand Tasting.
“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.”
The Grand Tasting will feature Sauvignon Blanc wines from across California, as well as from producers throughout the United States and around the world, providing consumers an opportunity to compare the style and character of Sauvignon Blanc wines grown in some of its most important regions.
The event will be held on the grounds of Chacewater Winery in Kelseyville, California.
Preliminary program information is available online: SauvignonBlancExperience.com.
Wineries and winery associations from California, the U.S., and abroad may register at SauvignonBlancExperience.com/wineries/
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Lake County Wine Industry to Host International Sauvignon Blanc Event
Sauvignon Blanc Experience to Feature International Symposium and Grand Tasting
Kelseyville, Calif., December 19, 2017 — The Lake County Winegrape Commission and Lake County Winery Association are excited to announce Lake County will be host to a world-class event – the Sauvignon Blanc Experience – scheduled for May 4-5, 2018, in Lake County, California.
Sauvignon Blanc Experience
May 4-5, 2018
Kelseyville, California
International Symposium: Friday, May 4, 2018
Grand Tasting: Saturday, May 5, 2018
This event will bring together winemakers, sommeliers, grape growers, buyers, and wine enthusiasts for two days of learning, presentations, technical tastings and trials, and food and wine pairings. The two-day event will feature a trade-focused International Symposium on May 4 and a consumer-focused Grand Tasting on May 5.
International Sauvignon Blanc Symposium for Somms, Retailers, Wine Buyers, and Members of the Trade
The International Symposium is supported by community partners such as University of California, Davis, and geared toward a technical audience. It will feature a prestigious lineup of presenters and panelists. The highlight will be a keynote presentation by Jean Michel Boursiquot, an international authority on plant material and professor of ampelography with the Institute for Higher Education in Vine and Wine (IHEV), Montpellier Sup Agro in France. Monsieur Boursiquot will provide an overview of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal and discuss where it fits in the wine family and the cultural differences from Loire and Bordeaux.
“It makes sense to hold this event in the epicenter of Sauvignon Blanc winegrowing in California,” said Debra Sommerfield, president of the Lake County Winegrape Commission, which is underwriting the event. “We’re excited to bring people together from around the world for an in-depth exchange of information on a varietal that is so important on a global scale.”
The Lake County Winegrape Commission previously hosted two International Sauvignon Blanc Symposia in 2002 and 2005.
“Lake County winegrowers are some of the most experienced Sauvignon Blanc growers in the country,” Sommerfield said. “Sauvignon Blanc was one of the first varietals they reached for when post-Prohibition replanting began in earnest 50 years ago.”
The Lake County winegrowing region, part of the North Coast AVA, has long been known for producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc fruit and today makes up approximately 14 percent of California’s Sauvignon Blanc acreage.
Sauvignon Blanc Grand Tasting for Wine Enthusiasts
The Commission and its collaborative host partner, the Lake County Winery Association, are building on the success of the previous events and the varietal’s new-found popularity. For 2018, the event has been expanded to include a consumer-focused Grand Tasting.
“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.”
The Grand Tasting will feature Sauvignon Blanc wines from across California, as well as from producers throughout the United States and around the world, providing consumers an opportunity to compare the style and character of Sauvignon Blanc wines grown in some of its most important regions.
Pouring and Sponsorship Opportunities
Individual wineries and regional associations interested in pouring at the Grand Tasting are encouraged to contact organizers at info@sauvblanc.us. Custom-branded event sponsorship opportunities also are available.
The event will be held on the grounds of Chacewater Winery in Kelseyville, California.
Registration and online ticket sales will kick off in early February. Preliminary program information is available online: www. sauvignonblancexperience.com
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