L'auberge De Sedona Introduces "Wine Boot Camp" Program

CONTACT: Lyla Naseem
212-219-7560 x. 6764
lnaseem@mmgmardiks.com


L'AUBERGE DE SEDONA PAIRS WITH ECHO CANYON WINERY TO INTRODUCE 'WINE BOOT CAMP' PROGRAM
- Learn Winemaking Secrets While Enjoying Sedona's Famed Hideaway -


Sedona-AZ. - December 9, 2004. L'Auberge de Sedona is welcoming wine lovers of all levels to participate in a new "Wine Boot Camp" program in partnership with Sedona's Echo Canyon Winery. This monthly program promises to turn novice wine drinkers into "buff" oenophiles through a weekend of intensive hands-on learning and tasting experiences.

With the new L'Auberge "Wine Boot Camp" package, guests will enjoy luxurious accommodations, a three-hour educational tour of Echo Canyon Winery including a wine tasting, an evening of personal instruction from L'Auberge's Wine Director, a private tour of L'Auberge de Sedona's wine cellar, a five-course tasting dinner at L'Auberge Restaurant with wine parings, nightly turndown treats and a bottle of Echo Canyon wine. The two-night package debuts February 4-6, 2005 and will be available the first weekend of every month starting at $415 per person, based on double occupancy in Lodge accommodations. Single occupancy for the package starts at $700. Additional nights may be added and weekday programs are also available.

"Wine Boot Camp" guests will experience the inner-workings of a winery, uncover differences among grape varieties and learn how to pair wines with food. For an unforgettable grand finale, participants will work with L'Auberge's wine director and executive chef to hand-pick the wine selections to be served with the evening's tasting menu.

Arizona Wines have been gaining popularity ever since the first experimental vineyard was established in 1973. The state, home to 14 vineyards and wineries, has many microclimate zones boasting warm sunny days and cool nights, ideal conditions for growing grapes. Arizona's wine grapes are primarily grown in a grassy expanse speckled with oaks, eucalyptus and gum trees all supported by a rich red soil. Climate and soil studies have revealed that this region is similar to Ribera Del Duero, Spain, Southeastern Australia, Southern France and almost identical to that of Paso Robles, California.

Echo Canyon Vineyard and Winery www.echocanyonwinery.com is Sedona's sole working vineyard. Founded by Jon Marcus in 1997 and bonded in 2002, Echo Canyon produces several varieties of award-winning wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Triad.

Located in the heart of Sedona's romantic Red Rock Country, 28 miles south of Flagstaff and 90 minutes from Phoenix, L'Auberge is spread throughout eleven acres in the creek-side canyon. The property's 33 secluded cottages, award-winning restaurant and 21-room Lodge make for a memorable getaway with panoramic views of the famous Red Rocks. L'Auberge de Sedona has won numerous honors including recently being ranked among the top 75 hotels in Conde Nast Traveler's 2004 Readers' Choice Awards, #1 Country Hotel" for North America by Departures Magazine, one of the "50 Romantic Retreats in the World" by Travel + Leisure and one of the "World's Best Places to Stay" in Conde Nast Traveler's Ninth Annual Gold List.

For reservations or more information on the "Wine Boot Camp" program, visit www.lauberge.com or call 1-800-272-6777.


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