Calling all wine lovers and wine curious young professionals! Login on Monday, October 21, at 7pm EST or 4pm PST and join the conversation on wine culture in an online interactive event that will render a wine-savvy you. Organized by Peter Lehmann Wines, this first-of-its-kind event features acclaimed writer and broadcaster Anthony Gismondi, and a panel of top sommeliers and wine educators who will open the floor to wine enthusiasts across Canada. It offers an opportunity for a relaxed Monday Funday with friends or your significant other as you conduct your own tastings at home while linked online.
During his prosperous 50-year career, Australia’s recently late Peter Lehmann inspired countless people through his talent, wit and passion for winemaking. The now world-renowned Peter Lehmann Wines was founded in 1979 to assist the grape growers of the Barossa Valley in Australia, who at the time were facing financial ruin. The winery and the region now mutually enjoy an international reputation for excellence in wine production.
The Mentor Award – a first-of-its-kind event – hits Kelowna, BC, from October 20-22, 2013 and is a two-day intensive retreat and seminar series. The first series features inaugural mentor Gismondi along with a panel of top sommeliers and educators. The highlight is the interactive event, where you’ll gain insight on the business of wine and how to foster a world-class wine culture. Conversation will touch on the value of high-quality wines and what they add to life along with the current state and future of wine in Canada.
The live discussion is open to wine enthusiasts and consumers from anywhere in the world. It is moderated by Ben Macphee-Sigurdson, wine columnist at the Winnipeg Free Press; confirmed panelists include Gismondi, Zinta Steprans, Manager and Sommelier of Toronto’s Soho House, Harry Hertscheg, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Wine Festival, Samantha Rahn, Wine Director of Whistler’s Araxi Restaurant and Matt Lane, VP Americas for Peter Lehmann Wines. Participants are encouraged to submit questions to the panel via YouTube and Twitter for a chance to win prizes from Peter Lehmann Wines. Online guests will also be encouraged to taste along with the panel from home using the #plwines hashtag.
The international program is aimed at building bridges in Canada’s thriving wine trade, uniting industry professionals and wine enthusiasts from cities across Canada, and providing opportunities for up-and-coming Canadian oenophiles to share and grow their knowledge. Delegates will learn international perspectives from Gismondi and other leading wine experts, gaining insight to share with customers and colleagues in their home cities, ultimately helping to shape Canada’s burgeoning wine culture from coast-to-coast.
Aside from lively classroom-style seminars, and the webcast panel discussion on wine culture, one delegate will be selected by a panel of esteemed judges to travel together with Gismondi to Australia, taking part in the annual grape harvest. “We want to give to the wine community, and help grow Canada’s thriving wine scene,” says Peter Lehmann’s VP Americas Matt Lane. “We see this program establishing lasting friendships, inspiring a new generation of wine lovers, and sharing the rich winemaking traditions of the Barossa Valley.” The five-day trip will further educate this year’s recipient with the Peter Lehmann winery and acquaint the mentee with Australia’s famed Barossa Valley wine growing region.
Pose questions to the panel and RSVP at www.nationaltasting.ca.