World's Largest Gathering Of Rhone Variety Wines To Celebrate 20 Years In 2012

Twenty Years! Yes, it is true, Hospice du Rhone, the world's largest (and most spirited) gathering of Rh?ne variety wines is celebrating 20 years April 26-28, 2012 in the acclaimed Central Coast wine region of Paso Robles, California USA.

Through the years, Hospice du Rhone has hosted diverse Rhone personalities from the world over, tasted attendees on wines found only at the event and have been a platform for experiences that shall always be remembered. This mission will ring loud at the 20th celebration as the organization will bring together the new and old of the inspiring and spirited Rhone community.

"This year, the event will draw on many aspects that have been cultivated over the past 20 years along with incorporating new features for this celebration," notes Vicki Carroll, director of Hospice du Rhone. "The milestone year has us reflecting, looking forward and ecstatic to once again bring together a community of wine lovers who are eager to share and engage."

The 20th year will open on Thursday, April 26, 2012 with an exciting, rare and limited opportunity to taste through multiple vintages of Chateauneuf du Pape wines dating as far back as the 1950s. Conversations with Chateauneuf du Pape will be led by Author Harry Karis, vigneron Philippe Cambie and Sommelier Kelly McAuliffe. Following the seminar, a dinner prepared to perfection and paired with sought after wines from the historic Chateauneuf du Pape region will take place at Bistro Laurentin downtown Paso Robles. Tickets for this new event are limited and are currently for sale on the Hospice du Rhone website, www.hospicedurhone.org.

Reflecting upon the past 20 years, it is only fitting that the 2012 Seminar Series highlight Rhone producers who have taken the stage before. Guests will delve into this milestone year with seminar presenters from Australia, France, Spain and Washington State. Taking the trek to the 20th celebration will be Chester Osborn of d'Arenberg, South Australia, Christophe Baron of Cayuse from Walla Walla, Washington, Fran?ois Villard, Yves Cuilleron and Pierre Gaillard of Les Vins de Vienne of Chavanay, France along with four Rh?ne producers from Spain who are represented in the United States by European Cellars | Eric Solomon Selections. The Seminar Series features two seminars on both Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28, 2012. Full seminar descriptions are noted on the organizations website, www.hospicedurhone.org.

The 20th year will introduce the new Friday BIG Rhone Rendezvous where over 100 producers from near and far will share their Rhone wines from large-format bottles. To complement this BIG evening of BIG bottles highly-acclaimed chefs hailing from the esteemed Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee will serve up a taste of the South in a BIG way.This will be the only event throughout the weekend that the "Number 1 Resort in the Continental U.S. and Canada" as voted by Travel + Leisure for their 2011 World's Best Awards, will showcase their culinary talents.

The Rhone quest continues at the Saturday Grand Tasting with over 130 winemakers pouring tastes from around the globe. It has been said that to duplicate this tasting, one would need a passport, many weeks off work and thousands of airline miles to taste the variety of wines showcased at the Grand Tasting. While strolling the Tasting Pavilion guests will savor bites from artisan food purveyors who will be stationed throughout the hall. The 2012 featured chefs will take to the Demonstration Kitchen to share kitchen tips and tricks.

This 20th reunion will call on the organizations culinary comrades to make a return visit to the stove to create delectable dishes for each of the meals. Guests will delight in cuisine from the girl & the fig of Sonoma, California at the Rose Lunch, the Far Western Tavern of Guadalupe, California for the Saturday Lunch and Live Auction, The Neon Carrot of