Saturday evening, I attended the Philadelphia Wine Festival 2012, my first big wine event. Prepared with several years of wine study and tips from the wine specialist who runs my weekly tastings, I was ready. Still, as I entered the room of nearly 200 wineries, half a dozen restaurants, and bright lights reflecting from sparkly glassware and bottles, I was dazed.
Taking a moment to compose myself, I made my way to a beguiling Italian Rosé twinkling under the lights (Lunae Mea Rosa Golfo dei Poeti IGT 2011 by Lunae Bosoni Winery). Ignoring, for a moment, professional wine taster rule #1 (always spit and dump), I walked with my rosé while getting my bearings.
Having quickly given up on juggling the floor plan, wine glass, and tasting notebook, I had no idea how the wineries were organized and just made my way toward a few familiar French names. Serendipitously, I’d placed myself in the heart of Old World wines and a very enjoyable evening studying the classics.
In under three minutes, I was meeting new people and enjoying friendly conversation. It was easy once I got started. Afterall, most of the wine people I know are passionate about learning and sharing. I especially enjoyed my conversations with vendors who were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and unpretentious.
Bob Trimble, The Wine Guy, represented Louis Latour and introduced me to my first Grand Cru in a vertical tasting of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Barbara Eden of Luxe Vintages sampled a variety of artisanal wines that can be found at Garces Trading Company, including an aromatic Sancerre that would be perfect with soft shell crab.
Gail Nyvelt of the Wine Merchant provided my first taste of a wine recommended years ago, E. Guigal Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2006.
Not only did the representatives share wonderful wines, but they also offered insight into opportunities for me as a designer, social media consultant, and brand representative in the wine world.
Bob Trimble, The Wine Guy representing Louis Latour at Philadelphia Wine Festival 2012. Photo by PAWineSpirits
Overall, it was an excellent first wine festival. I enjoyed some of the best wine I’ve ever tasted, expanded my palate, met passionate wine people, and made professional connections. I didn’t taste the food (there was a whole dessert lounge!) or as many wines as I will next time, but I met new people and took my wine education to a new level, which is exactly why I was there.
Did you attend the festival? What wines do you recommend?
Luxe Vintages imports sampled at Philadelphia Wine Festival 2012. I liked them all, but I was particularly smitten with the Sancerre. What a gorgeous nose!
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