13th Annual Pinot Noir Summit Soars to New Heights

SEBASTOPOL, Calif., May 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- After 12 years in San Francisco, Affairs of the Vine has partnered with the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa to bring the 13^th Annual Pinot Noir Summit to the high country of the Sierra and the spectacular Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno on July 24^th and 25^th. 

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150511/215038

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150511/215039 

The Pinot Noir Summit, the culmination of the Annual Pinot Noir Shootout competition, has become the largest competition of Pinot Noirs in the wine industry over the last 12 years. For the past three months, over 450 Pinot Noirs have been evaluated by the Affairs of the Vine judging panel.

Each wine is tasted blind at least twice in a series of tastings. No more than 32 wines are evaluated during a single session. This approach assures that each wine is assessed fairly with clarity, concentration and without palate fatigue. The best of the best are judged at the Pinot Noir Shootout finals on May 30^th in San Francisco.

The 13^th Annual Pinot Noir Summit will celebrate and recognize this year's top wines and producers as part of the two day event.

On Friday, July 24^th, the wine trade is invited to an afternoon tasting at the Atlantis where they can taste the winning entries, meet the winemakers and discuss one on one their approach and philosophy to winemaking. 

On Saturday, July 25^th, a full schedule of events and tastings is planned. The Pinot Noir Summit, recognized by Vinography as being "distinctly different" than other tasting events, begins with a series of seminars that will delve into the heart and soul of this unique varietal, followed by a Pinot Pairing Lunch hosted by winemakers who will circulate as they pour their wines for guests.

The afternoon will be highlighted by the incredibly popular and unique Wine Lovers Pinot Noir Challenge. Attendees blind taste 40 of the top wines selected by the professional judging panel. Male and female votes are tallied separately. The results are announced and winners recognized at the gala Grand Tasting & Awards Ceremony in the evening. Wineries will showcase their award winning Pinot Noirs and other wines they produce. A selection of Pinot-friendly hors d'oeuvre will be served.

The Pinot Noir Summit is an extraordinary wine experience and for the first time can be combined with a luxurious stay at the fabulous Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. This world class Four Diamond resort casino was named by USA Travel as the TOP casino resort property outside of Las Vegas.  

Under the direction of Sommelier Christian O'Kuinghttons the Atlantis is recognized within wine and food circles for offering an incredible selection of wines and has been the recipient of a coveted Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. 

Purchase tickets for Saturday's festivities here

Pinot Noir Summit All Day Tickets, include one Seminar, Lunch, Pinot Noir Challenge Tasting, and Grand Tasting & Awards Ceremony.
$150 per person
$125 on tickets purchased prior to July 1^st

Pinot Noir Summit Grand Tasting & Awards Ceremony Tickets
$85 per person
Groups of 6 or more $70 per person

Special Atlantis Casino Resort Spa Rates  
Pinot Noir Summit attendees may register for a one or two-night stay at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa with a special room rate of $149 per night plus tax and fees. Reservations can be made by calling 800.723.6500. Reference the 13^th Pinot Noir Summit to access the special room rate or make your reservations online using the group code SPINOT

"The art, passion, energy and thought that goes into creating the Pinot Noir Summit experiences is the cornerstone of what I do. I am inspired by great wines and winemakers. I learn more each year and bring that knowledge to the next Pinot Noir Summit making it better than the last," stated Barbara Drady. "The opportunity to take this year's Pinot Noir Summit to the world class Atlantis Casino and work with Christian and the fabulous management team and staff is incredibly exciting and guarantees that this will be our best Summit yet for both wine lovers and the wineries involved."

AFFAIRS of the VINE           
Barbara Drady, Chief Wine Evangelist
707.874.1975
Email

SOURCE AFFAIRS of the VINE

Related Links

http://www.affairsofthevine.com