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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Texas Sommelier Association
214-624-5205
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www.texsom.com
Texas Sommelier Association & The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas Present Exclusive Wine Education Opportunity
Texsom Conference: August 16 & 17 at Four Seasons – Las Colinas.
Irving, Texas (July 28, 2008) –– Wine courses that normally cost upwards of hundreds of dollars are being offered at a fraction of that cost at the Fifth Annual Texas Sommelier Conference (TexSom). This two-day event will showcase lectures and tastings with the nation’s preeminent wine experts at the Four Seasons – Las Colinas on August 16 and 17. All wine-loving members of the general public are invited to attend five classes on Sunday, August 16th and a grand tasting on Monday evening, August 17. A separate set of courses, designed exclusively for the trade and media, are offered on Monday. To register for both the public and trade sessions, visit www.Texsom.com/registration.
The TexSom conference is presented by the Texas Sommelier Association and supported by The Wine & Food Foundation, conference sponsor since its inception.
In its fifth year, this definitive wine event attracts top lecturers and wine aficionados from across the country. “Every year, we have at least a couple of students come from as far away as California or Washington.
This type of educational opportunity simply does not exist in other parts of the United States,” says Master Sommelier James Tidwell, one of the conference’s founders. Each class offers at least six wines to taste and lasts one hour and fifteen minutes.
Courses open to the public include: Pinot Noir, Sake, Austria, Rioja, and Northern Rhone. Registration for the entire day is $75, or students may pick and choose courses individually. Trade/media-only courses provide a deeper level of expertise to industry professionals, including those working toward their Master Sommelier certification. Topics include: Management of a Beverage Program, Aperitifs, Cooler-climate Australia, Texas, and the Napa Valley (valley floor versus hillside).
While the courses are conducted, a competition for Texas' Best Sommelier runs behind the scenes. The prize for the winner includes round-trip tickets, tuition, and scholarship money to be used for a Court of Master Sommeliers certification program.
On Monday evening, the conference concludes with a Grand Tasting, where wine professionals and the public come together to taste world-class wines and witness the drama and celebration surrounding the naming of Texas’ Best Sommelier 2009. Last year’s winner is Scott Barber of Dallas’ Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. He dominated 24 other competitors and won the coveted title after a rigorous three-part examination involving wine tasting, service and theory.
The speakers constitute a who’s who list of the nation’s top wine professionals: Master Sommeliers (MS), Certified Wine Educators, one Master of Wine (MW) and other respected wine educators. A heavyweight lineup has already confirmed: Richard Betts, MS; Chris Blanchard, MS; Brian Cronin, MS; Charles Curtis, MW; Fred Dame, MS; Woody DeLuna, Laura DePasquale, MS; Ken Frederickson, MS; Tim Gaiser, MS; David Glancy, MS, CWE; Keith Goldston, MS; Greg Harrington, MS; Drew Hendricks, MS, CWE; Geoff Kreuth, MS; Reggie Narito, MS; Larry O'Brien, MS; Kevin Pike, Josh Raynolds, Paul Roberts, MS; Guy Stout, MS, CWE; James Tidwell, MS, CWE; Barbara Werley, MS; and Brett Zimmerman, MS.
The Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas in located in Irving, between Dallas and Fort Worth at 4150 North MacArthur Boulevard, Irving, Texas 75038.
Valet parking or complimentary self-park is available. For more details and registration information, visit www.texsom.com.
If you are a wine industry professional, you may qualify for a special TEXSOM conference rate at the Four Seasons. You can reach the Four Seasons Las Colinas by calling Reservations at 972-717-2499 or via email at http://www.fourseasons.com/dallas.
Conference Calendar
Sunday, August 16
9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.: Open to public. Courses include Pinot Noir, Sake, Austria, Rioja, and Northern Rhone. All-day pass costs $75. Individual courses run $25 each. Lunch may be purchased for $45.
Saturday, August 17
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Trade/Media only. Courses include Management of a Beverage Program, Aperitifs, Cooler-climate Australia, Texas, and The Napa Valley (valley floor versus hillside). Registration is free, and lunch may be purchased for $45.
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Grand tasting, $65.
The TexSom Conference Background
TexSom and the Texas’ Best Sommelier Competition was founded by James Tidwell, MS, CWE, Sommelier at the Four Seasons Resort and Club in Las Colinas; Drew Hendricks, MS, CWE, Director of Beverage Education for Pappas Restaurants in Houston; and Guy Stout, MS, Education Director for Southern/Glazer’s Distributors.
The event is made possible by the generous support of many sponsors, with scholarships provided by the Guild of Sommeliers Education Foundation. Sponsors include: (Platinum-level) Four Seasons Resort and Club at Las Colinas, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Republic National Distributing Company, Southern/Glazer’s Distributors, The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas and Turn Key Events; (Gold-level) Aqua Panna, San Pellegrino and Texas Department of Agriculture; (Silver level), Banfi Vintners, Old Bridge Cellars, Gambrinus, Broadbent Selections, Palm Bay International, NegociantsUSA, Constellation Brands, and Moet-Hennessy USA. For more information, visit www.texsom.com.
The Texas Sommelier Association Background
The Texas Sommelier Association is a trade association comprised of Texas wine professionals. The Association promotes professional wine service standards, outlines paths for further wine education and certification, and raises public awareness about the professional standards and certifications for sommeliers. The organization sponsors the “Texas’ Best Sommelier” competition, with the winner being awarded scholarships for professional certification courses. This competition is held behind the scenes during the TexSom conference. For more information, visit www.texsom.com
The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas Background
The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas was established to connect its members and the general public with the value, creativity and craftsmanship inherently present in the culinary and viticulture arts. This mission is fulfilled by funding grants, scholarships and research aimed at elevating the quality, awareness and enjoyment of good food and fine wine as well as hosting education and social events that enhance the quality of life for members and communities. These programs offer unique opportunities to enrich the minds and palates of guests, who in turn can relate their experience with friends sharing common interests. For more information, visit www.winefoodfoundation.org.
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