50+ Rhone Ranger Wineries to Pour at the Largest American Rhone Varietal Wine Tasting in Southern California
Albion, CA (PRWEB) August 04, 2014 -- More than 50 wineries will be pouring 200+ wines at the 8th Annual Rhone Rangers Los Angeles Wine Tasting at Vibiana on Tuesday, September 9th. Now co-owned by Partner/Chef and Restaurateur Neal Fraser, Vibiana was originally the city’s first Archdiocese Catholic Cathedral.
Vibiana will be open to the public for a rare opportunity to experience this landmark in the historic core of downtown Los Angeles, while sampling American Rhone wines and getting a sneak preview of the new restaurant. The highly anticipated Redbird is scheduled to open in the Rectory at Vibiana this fall.
What is so special about American Rhone Wines?
“American Rhone wines pair well with many food and we are excited to be hosting this event for the Rhone Rangers,” said Chef Fraser. “Guests will be able to preview the new Vibiana site, learn more about our new restaurant, Redbird, that will be opening in the fall, as well as learn more about Viognier and other Rhone varietals.”
Tickets are now on sale at: http://www.rhonerangers.org.
“We know Angelenos will enjoy this opportunity to also taste lesser-known wine-grape varieties such as Marsanne, Roussanne, Counoise and Carignane,” explained David Gates, President of the Rhone Rangers Board of Directors.
The September 9th events include:
Walk-Around Tasting. 6-9 PM, Vibiana, 214 S Main Street, Downtown Los Angeles. Fifty plus Rhone Ranger winemakers will pour their wines during the evening hours for consumers during the walk-around tasting. VIP ticket holders are invited to attend from 6-9 PM; consumers with General Admission tickets are invited to attend from 7-9 PM. Chef Fraser will be offering small plates for purchase to pair with the wines. Tickets are available now. VIP ($75) and General Admission ($50) can be purchased http://www.rhonerangers.org.
Technical Seminar: “The State of the American Rhone Nation,” 10 – 11:30 AM, Hilton DoubleTree Hotel. This seminar is intended for wine aficionados and members of the wine trade and will be moderated by Matt Kettman, Contributing Editor, Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The seminar will cover the principal Rhone varieties, including Viogner, Grenache Blanc, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, red and white blends, and rosé. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online.
Trade & Media Tasting, 2-4 PM, Vibiana, 214 S Main Street, Downtown Los Angeles. Winemakers will pour more than 200 wines at the afternoon tasting for members of the trade and media. Tickets are complimentary for those who directly influence the purchase of wine including sommeliers, wine writers, wine retailers, wine wholesalers, distributors and brokers. Credentialed members of the wine trade and wine media can register at: http://www.rhonerangers.org. All other guests are invited for the evening session.
About the Rhone Rangers
The Rhone Rangers are a group of roughly 150 wineries dedicated to making wines from the 22 grape varieties originally made famous in France’s Rhone Valley. These varieties range from the better-known Syrah and Viognier to the up-and-coming Mourvèdre, Grenache and Roussanne, to obscure (but delicious) grapes like Counoise and Picpoul.
The Rhone Rangers started from a small gathering of American vintners who began meeting informally in the 1980s. As their numbers expanded, the group organized under the name “Rhone Rangers.” The Rhone Rangers is a non-profit organization focused on promoting the enjoyment of Rhone varietal wines produced in the United States. These grapes include the 22 traditional varieties approved by the French government for the Côtes du Rhone, as well as Durif (Petite Sirah). In order for a winery to join the Rhone Rangers, they must produce at least one wine that contains 75% of any single approved varietal (or combination of these varietals).
Note to Media: We will have ample media truck access and parking for the media. Media passes are available. We have b-roll and images of the venue and many of the wines that will be served. Please contact me in advance for press passes, directions and other information to help you build your media story. In addition, I can arrange for interviews with our Board President, the participating wineries and/or Chef Neal Fraser. Please feel free to contact me, Sandra Evans, (415) 887-9230 or Cell (415) 596-2089 or sandra(at)seandassoc(dot)com.
Sandra Evans, Sandra Evans & Associates (SE&A), http://www.drinkgreensurge.com, +1 (415) 887-9230, [email protected]
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