USA: Lights, camera, action: California steals the show at VINEXPO Hong Kong with Hollywood-style Event

       来源: Meiburg Wine Media

Star-studded Panel of “Leading Ladies” of the Wine Industry Put California Diversity Center-Stage

 

26 May, 2016: (Hong Kong) Kicking off Day 2 of VINEXPO Hong Kong, 150+ VIP guests and media from the Asian and international wine community saw red – red carpet, that is – with a blockbuster Hollywood-style event led by a panel of leading ladies of wine to talk and taste California and its most exceptional wines. Diversity of varieties and terrior were key features of the tasting portion.

Presented by the California Wine Institute, Meiburg Wine Media and Visit California, the California STYLE! breakfast event brought together several of the most influential women in the global wine industry – Karen MacNeil (author, The Wine Bible), Sarah Jane Evens MW (Chairman, Institute Master’s of Wine), Sarah Kemp (Managing Director, Decanter) and Debra Meiburg MW (Director, Meiburg Wine Media) – to discuss, debate and taste California wine, and highlight this increasingly popular wine region in Asia.

Sonoma County native, Debra Meiburg MW said: “California wine has experienced a great surge in the region in the last four years, partly due China’s austerity measures having shifted attention from high-profile French labels, but also due to the maturation of drinkers’ palates. Expect exponential growth in the next few years – It’s California’s time!”

Red sunglasses and a huge Hollywood style sign greeted guests upon arrival, followed by a large-scale production complete with theatrical lighting, sound, and multi-media elements. Caroline Beteta, President & CEO, Visit California launched official proceedings, transporting guests to the heart of California via a dynamic video production and bursts of iconic pop music from the Golden State. The drama continued with a dramatic red carpet entrance by the four ladies – the stars of the show.

The lively panel discussion that followed explored the speakers’ first impressions of California, their early experiences with its wines, and their opinions on the region’s development.

Three sparkling wines were served over breakfast, including Schramsberg’s Blanc de Blancs, the iconic American sparkling wine served by every US President since President Nixon’s 1972 “Toast to Peace” with China’s Premier Zhou Enlai. Guests were then treated to the main event – a guided tasting of 14 wines from California.

From crisp, quality sauvignon blanc – “No longer the stepsister of Chardonnay,” according to Karen MacNeil – to iconic zinfandel and show-stopping cabernet, these 14 wines from some of California’s best-known and regarded producers showcased the immense diversity of America’s number one wine-producing region. Classic, top quality wines from notable, high demand producers Robert Mondavi Winery, Spotteswood, Shafer, Cardinale, Seghesio Family Vineyards were among those tasted.

“Some great classics and exciting new discoveries. This is where California wine is today,” pronounced panel mediator, Sarah Kemp.

Debra Meiburg, Master of Wine, said, “California categorically wowed Hong Kong this morning! Rarely do we see such immersive and dynamic productions at these large scale exhibitions, so we really captured everyone’s imagination and palates this morning with a standout, entertaining show.

“The ladies offered a great deal of personal experience and opinion on the wines, the industry, and the future of California. The decision to go with a ladies-only panel was obvious from the outset – a pioneer region for women in wine, California has cheered loudly and proudly for its female winemakers, with women now comprising around 14% of total winemakers in Napa.”

Direct from The Golden State itself, Karen MacNeil said, “There’s a spirit of energy and freedom and a reverence for beauty in California. Californians have high ideals and the ability to put those into play to make life better.” Using a metaphor familiar to Hong Kong consumers, she compared good California Cabernet to great roast duck, “You have to get through the crispiness on the outside before you reach the juiciness inside.”

Sarah Jane Evans MW and Sarah Kemp complemented the views of American-born MacNeil and Meiburg with a British perspective. Evans spoke highly about California’s wine and produce, calling it “an absolute flavor explosion”, while Kemp called California “one of the most beautiful wine regions to visit”.

A key event for California wine, and indeed United States’ broader wine industry, the event was also attended by The United States’ Consul General Hart and the Director, Agricultural Trade Office in Hong Kong, Melinda Meador.

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