Central Coast, CA— An all-star cast of master sommeliers, wine industry leaders and hospitality professionals is set to convene at the inaugural “Wine Speak Paso Robles”—a trade-focused event that will take place in the Paso Robles wine country on January 9-11.
Wine Speak Paso Robles features winemaker seminars, hospitality development seminars, technical winery tours and private tastings, as well as a public “Taste of Paso Robles” grand tasting on January 10 at the Atascadero Lake Pavilion. Tickets may be purchased at WineSpeakPaso.com.
“This is a one-of-a-kind event featuring an incredible lineup of luminaries from near and far,” said Wine Speak co-founder Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins, who is VP of operations at Ancient Peaks Winery in Paso Robles. “Our aim is to create a premier experience for industry professionals to grow and learn together.”
“The world of sommeliers is tight knit,” said participating winemaker Daniel Daou of DAOU Vineyards & Winery. “When one recognizes a region, it gains a lot of traction, and that’s the goal of Wine Speak Paso Robles.”
Featured master sommeliers will include Wine Speak co-founder Chuck Furuya, partner at DK Restaurants in Honolulu; Fred Dame, vice president of prestige accounts at American Wine & Spirits and chairman of the board of GuildSomm; Nunzio Alioto, former chairman of the Court of Master Sommeliers; and Greg Harrington, founder and winemaker at Gramercy Cellars.
Featured hospitality professionals include Renee Awana and Alisa Onishi of Hawaiian Airlines, who will steer a seminar titled “The Philosophy of Aloha: Building a Great Customer Service Culture.” Featured winemakers will represent numerous regions, including Walla Walla, Napa Valley, West Sonoma Coast, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Paso Robles and Victoria, Australia.
The “Taste of Paso Robles” grand tasting on January 10 will showcase 25 leading local wineries in an intimate setting overlooking Atascadero Lake. Local chefs will present wine-friendly small plates and winemakers will showcase some of their finest reserve and library bottlings.
For tickets and a complete schedule of events, visit www.WineSpeakPaso.com.
Wine Speak Paso Robles is a premiere industry summit that brings sommeliers, wine industry leaders and hospitality professionals together for a three-day educational journey. Join master sommelier Chuck Furuya and his peers as they steer winemaker seminars, hospitality classes, wine tastings and special vineyard excursions—all designed to advance professional collaboration, knowledge and performance throughout the wine industry. Visit WineSpeakPaso.com.
