Fun Facts
 

Founded: 1991
 
Enthusiasts: Each year over 1,200 Rhône lovers converge in Paso Robles, California USA for the annual Hospice du Rhône celebration. The group is a mix of Rhône producers and importers, wine industry representatives, restaurateurs, Sommeliers and enthusiasts who possess an unwavering passion for the 22 Rhône varieties.
 
Producers:

The 2010 event will host 130 Rhône wine producers and importers at the Friday Rhône Rendezvous and the Saturday Grand Tasting. Of the 130, 86 producers/importers will pour wines at both tastings.

These worldly Rhône wine producers and imports will gather from France, South Africa, Australia, Spain, Chile and the USA. The states represented from the USA are Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington.
Wines: Each tasting will boast an astounding collection of wines. The Friday Rhône Rendezvous will offer 393 Rhône wine selections. At this tasting producers and importers are only allowed to pour three Rhône wines. The selection of wines at the Saturday Grand tasting almost doubles as producers and importers are able to pour up to 10 wines a piece. This year, the Saturday Grand Tasting will offer 613 wines from the 130 producers and importers. These numbers go to show there will be something for everyone.
 
Volunteers: Over 135 volunteers will work at the 2010 celebration to ensure the event runs smoothly.
 
Sommeliers: At the 2010 event, Hospice du Rhône will host 22 Sommeliers from around the United States. This lively group will ensure that there is not one corked wine poured at the seminars and meals.
 
Stemware:

Hospice du Rhône utilizes 10,000 pieces of Riedel stemware for every two of the four seminars. That means after the two seminars are finished on Friday the organization has to send out the 10,000 stems to be washed and buffed for use at the Saturday seminars.

Over 2,500 Riedel stems are provided for the two daily tastings and 1,600 plus are utilized for meals and those impromptu after parties. Grand Total of Riedel stems for the entire event is 14,100. That is quite a bit of buffing for our staff and volunteers.
Tables: 376 6 and 8 foot banquet tables have been rented for the 2010 event. These tables will find homes in the seminar rooms, tasting pavilion and the lunch patio.
 
Meals: The 2010 featured restaurant is the girl & the fig hailing from Sonoma, California. Proprietor Sondra Bernstein and Chef John will create four Rhône inspired meals. Three will serve over 400 people and one will serve 200.