2012 Hospice du Rhone Event Schedule
Twenty Years! Yes, it is true. The 2012 event marks the 20th celebration of Hospice du Rhône and we could not be more excited. This milestone will bring together the spirited Rhôneships that have been cultivated through the years. Passes for the 20th year are available for purchase on our website.
Weekend Package - $795
*Seminar Series Descriptions below
*Event Descriptions located in à la carte section
*Not Included: Thursday events
Friday, April 27, 2012
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Garden Breakfast and Check-In
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. – Seminar One: Why Spain (continues to) Rock!
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. – Seminar Two: The Bionic Frog Returns
12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. – Rosé Lunch
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. – BIG Rhône Rendezvous
Saturday, April 28, 2012
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Garden Breakfast and Check-In
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. – Seminar Three: The Collective Quest
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. – Seminar Four: Research, Revelations and the Art of Being Different
12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. – Lunch and Live Auction
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. – Trade and Media only (credentials required)
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. – Grand Tasting
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. – Farewell BBQ
2012 Seminar Series
Reflecting upon the past 20 years, it is only fitting that the 2012 Seminar Series highlight Rhône producers who have taken the stage before. Delve into this landmark year with seminar presenters from Australia, France, Spain and Washington State.
Attend all four seminars in the series by purchasing the Weekend Package or take in individual seminars to expand your Rhône knowledge. The cost of the individual seminar passes will be $155 per seminar. Passes are subject to sell-out quickly and are based on a first-come, first served basis.
Seminar One: Why Spain (continues to) Rock!
Date: Friday, April 27, 2012
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Presenters: European Cellars | Eric Solomon Selection Portfolio Producers
Exciting viticultural and winemaking practices have been taking place in the Priorat and beyond. European Cellars | Eric Solomon Selection will bring some returning and new producers from their portfolio to feature in this seminar. Take a look (and taste) at why Spain continues to ROCK! The panel will star Rhône variety practitioners from Spain.
Seminar Two: The Return of the Bionic Frog
Date: Friday, April 27, 2012
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Presenter: Christophe Baron of Cayuse, Walla Walla, Washington
Biodynamic guru, Christophe Baron from Cayuse in Walla Walla, Washington will update you on his efforts since his first appearance on the Hospice du Rhône scene in 2000. Always informative and always entertaining.
Seminar Three: A Collective Quest
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Presenters: Yves Cuilleron, François Villard and Pierre Gaillard of Les Vins de Vienne, Chavanay, France
Three vintners, three approaches to winemaking and growing. Les Vins de Vienne have succeeded in producing an alchemy that combines three sensibilities into a high-performance team spirit. This collective commitment to the production of quality wines is brought about by each individual experience. The wines and philosophies of these three long time amigos of Hospice du Rhone will be explored.
Seminar Four: Research, Revelations and the Art of Being Different
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Presenter: Chester Osborn of d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, South Australia
Numerous studies, both geologic and sub-regional have taken place since Chester’s last presentation in 1999. The ever dynamic Chester Osborn of d'Arenberg will be detailing these studies and will explain and show you how this information has impacted his viticulture and winemaking practices.
2012 à la carte Offerings
Thursday à la carte Events
Seminar: Conversations with Châteauneuf du Pape – $275
Date: Thursday, April 26, 2012
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Converse, taste and swoon over Châteauneuf du Pape wines hailing from as far back as vintages from the 1950’s. Author Harry Karis, Sommelier Kelley McAuliffe and vigneron Philippe Cambie will lead guests through an enlightening conversation and tasting surrounding a rare collection of Châteauneuf du Pape wines. Wines from esteemed Châteauneuf du Pape estates will be featured and stories of the domains along with historical facts on the vintages will be shared. This is an extremely limited affair and seats will sell fast for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Not included with the weekend package.
Dinner: Conversations with Châteauneuf du Pape – $150
Date: Thursday, April 26, 2012
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Celebrate Twenty years and Châteauneuf du Pape with an elegant dinner at Bistro Laurent, located in the heart of downtown Paso Robles. Diners will delight in courses prepared purposely for a unique selection of sought after Châteauneuf du Pape wines. Author Harry Karis, Sommelier Kelley McAuliffe and producers from Châteauneuf du Pape will be in attendance to share the inside information on these remarkable wines and historic Rhône region. Not included with the weekend package.
*Guests will be able to purchase the seminar and dinner as a package for $395.
Friday à la carte Events
Rosé Lunch – $100
Date: Friday, April 27, 2012
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Friday’s lunch has always celebrated pink wines and for the 20th year we will continue to toast these beauties. Don your best pink attire as we raise our glasses to the vast variety of Rosé wines that have traveled far and wide to be with us for the 2012 revelry. To highlight these lovely pink quaffers, chef John Toulze of the girl & the fig from Sonoma, California will return to delight guests with Rhone inspired cuisine. The Rosé wines will be provided by the attending producers at the 2012 event.
NEW -- BIG Rhône Rendezvous – $125
Date: Friday, April 27, 2012
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Twenty Years calls for a BIG Rhône Rendezvous don’t you think. Producers from far and wide will be pouring BIG bottles at this BIG, lively affair. Many have dusted off wines from their cellar and others have created something unique to celebrate this momentous occasion. To complement this BIG evening of BIG bottles highly-acclaimed chefs hailing from esteemed Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee will be serving up a taste of the South in a BIG way. Tables flowing with charcuterie and cheese will span the Tasting Pavilion throughout the entire evening. An hour into the tasting, Blackberry Farm will unveil food stations billowing with robust and scrumptious bites. This will be the only event throughout the weekend that the "Number 1 Resort in the Continental U.S. and Canada" as voted by Travel + Leisure for their 2011 World's Best Awards, will showcase their culinary talents. So, don a snazzy outfit and get ready to rendezvous at the BIG 20th celebration of Hospice du Rhône!
Saturday à la carte Events
Lunch and Live Auction – $100
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Raise your fork and your paddle while dining on a meal carefully paired with Rhône wines in mind. Enjoy this unique opportunity to bid on rare and one-of-a-kind auction lots generously donated by Hospice du Rhône friends and attending Rhône producers. Long-time friend, Chef Rick Manson of the Far Western Tavern from Guadalupe, California will treat the crowd to delectable dishes. Wines for this lunch will be provided by the attending producers at the 2012 event.
Grand Tasting – $100
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Private Tasting Hour for Media and Trade (tickets must be purchased in advance)
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Enthusiasts
One of the most comprehensive tastings of Rhône variety wines, this event boasts producers from throughout the world. It has been noted that to duplicate this tasting one would require a passport, numerous flights and a few weeks of travel. To complement the wines poured, artisan food purveyors will be stationed throughout the venue to share their wares. In addition to food and wine tables, nationally acclaimed chefs will show off their talents in the new demonstration kitchen.
Farewell BBQ – $100
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Gather at the Farewell BBQ with all of your friends for one last hoorah as we close out 20 Years! A BBQ with a fiesta twist will be prepared and served by Chef Maegen Loring of The Neon Carrot of San Luis Obispo, California. Beyond the food and conversation, try your hand at the Blackjack table or give the craps table a whirl. Cash in your “chips” for Rhône prizes that are oh-so-ever Hospice du Rhône inspired! Dance the night away to local favorite and legend, Monte Mills and the Lucky Horseshoe Band!
