While perusing the latest edition of WS I noticed the schedule for the 2004 Grand Tours.

May 6th-- Los Angeles
May 8th-- Las Vegas
May11th-- New York

I know it's a bit early but hey, schedules fill up fast. This is the first year I'm actually going to be able to make the LA date.
I wonder why they skipped Chicago this year.
Hmmm
VM, I know what fun you had last year.
Whatever will you do?

*********************************
"From wine what sudden friendship springs!"

I seem to recall reading that the end of the year New York Wine Experience will be held in Chicago this year. I remember seeing the picture of Emeril on the phone calling Charlie Trotter to get him to be one of the celebrity chefs at the next NYWE.

PE,

I'm sure that you and my wife have already been conspiring offline. I will be told what I am going to do later.

VM

quote:

---

Originally posted by thelostverse:
I seem to recall reading that the end of the year New York Wine Experience will be held in Chicago this year.

---

Actually, I think the California Wine Experience is in Chicago this year. The CWE has been "on the road". It was in Las Vegas in 2002. CWE and NYWE alternate each year.

So, I guess it make sense that the Grand Tour will be in LV, NY, and LA.

For those of you that haven't been - it's an overwhelming experience! More wine than you'd ever be able to taste, even though you'll want to try them all. It's almost frustrating thinking back on all the wines you didn't get to.

Last year in LA, Laurie and I tried to get through as much as we could. We moved quickly, spitting all the way. I think we got through about 2/3 of the wines there. And we were EXHAUSTED. I would highly discourage you from trying that. But don't ask me how to pick and choose.

WS also gets big props for nice stemware and good food. Two things that are often lacking at other large tastings. As much as I've been truned off by other big tasting events like this, the Spectator Grand Tour events are definitely worth attending.

One recommendation I'd have for the WS planners... last year I didn't realize that there were so many famous winery owners pouring at their booths. I know it's probably gauche to ask the owners of Lafite, Margaux, Gaja, etc to wear name tags... but it'd help out some of us less knowlegable folk. Thanks!!

Loring Wine Company

Looks like my wife and I will have to do some serious training of the liver for this event in NY. I can tell you this, "I'm definately swallowing the juice".

Another piece of advice: Don't ask the people at the Mouton booth if their wine is from Chile. VM?

********
Yes, but I came here for an argument.

Oh! Oh! I'm sorry, this is abuse.

quote:

---

One recommendation I'd have for the WS planners... last year I didn't realize that there were so many famous winery owners pouring at their booths. I know it's probably gauche to ask the owners of Lafite, Margaux, Gaja, etc to wear name tags... but it'd help out some of us less knowlegable folk. Thanks!!

---

Holy crap! Brian, if you consider yourself one of the less knowledgeable folks at a tasting event such as the CWE, what does that make someone like me? By the way, thanks for the correction above; I think it proves that you are not one of the less knowledgable.

Also, will you be wearing a name tag when you pour at the CWE event in Chicago?

quote:

---

Originally posted by thelostverse:
Also, will you be wearing a name tag when you pour at the CWE event in Chicago?

---

After pouring at the CWE in Las Vegas, I'd asked to be considered for the CWE in Chicago this year. Since then, the winery and day job demands have expanded to the point where I just can't attend as many events as I'd like. And since the CWE is scheduled during the harvest season, I just couldn't see how I could be in both places at once. I was able to have my sister take care of the wine so that I could go to Las Vegas, but this year we'll both need to be at the winery to handle the load.

So... no CWE in Chicago for me As far as a name tag goes... not necessary. I tattoo my name on my forehead.

Loring Wine Company

Most of you have figured out that since we're holding the California Wine Experience in Chicago this year (Nov 4-7), we're skipping the Windy City on our Grand Tour, which will stop in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York, all in May.

Note that while the CWE Grand Tastings will feature California wines exclusively, the Grand Tours will include both American and international wineries.

I thank Brian Loring for the kind words about last year's Grand Tour. This year we'll feature at least 200 top wineries, and I hope we'll even improve the service, food and other support aspects of the event.

I personally enjoy these events because I get to taste wines -- and meet winemakers and owners -- that I often know by reputation only. It's a great learning and social experience. (And we'll consider the name-tag proposal!) I hope to see some of you at the events.

Thomas Matthews
Executive editor

See you in Las Vegas, I know HDW is planning on the Las Vegas event and hopefully a few others!

*********************************
"From wine what sudden friendship springs!"