Vinography Declares Pinot Noir Summit 'Distinctly Different'

9th Annual Pinot Noir Summit: February 26, San Francisco

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Feb 17, 2011, 07:40 ET

SEBASTOPOL, Calif., Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- "The Pinot Noir Summit held on February 26th at the Hilton San Francisco, has a distinctly different format and atmosphere from other wine tasting events because attendees can blind taste 64 Pinot Noirs," says Alder Yarrow of Vinography.

The top 64 are selected by an extensive panel of wine writers, sommeliers, winemakers and wine professionals. A record 367 wines were judged during the preliminary competitions, limited to just 32 wines total per day, allowing judges to closely scrutinize each wine. Through rigorous double-blind tastings, judges whittle down hundreds of Pinot Noirs to a select few. Other competitions require judges taste hundreds of wines a day, often battling palate fatigue with far less focus on each wine.

"I've judged for this event and lived to tell the tale. It's a difficult process," Yarrow continues. "The opportunity to taste wines blind at the Summit is an unusual one. If you ever wanted to know what it's like to be a judge at a wine tasting, this might be an opportunity for you to give it a try. Or you can just go to drink good Pinot."

In addition to tasting the 64 top Pinot Noirs, participants can attend seminars conducted by wine professionals, a sparkling wine reception, the Grand Awards Tasting, and a winemaker dinner.