An International Encounter: Chateau Ste Michelle To Host Riesling Rendezvous
We know and love our own local wines, and we get together to taste and toast them whenever possible. Usually, though, the rest of the world doesn’t show up to the party. This time, a local winery ups the cosmopolitan factor by bringing participants from seven countries and seven states together for a comparative tasting spree and celebration of the diversity of one very versatile grape.
It’s Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Riesling Rendezvous, and to it will flock distinguished producers from Australia to Austria, Canada to Michigan, and New Jersey to Slovakia. Eleven wineries will be represented from Germany alone, due in part to event co-sponsorship by revered German Riesling producer Dr. Loosen. The event is foremost a learning opportunity for participants: spanning three days, the convention aspect of the Rendezvous brings worldwide experts and enthusiasts together for discourse on strategies for Riesling advancement, the importance and impact of terroir, the diversity of the varietal, and more.
“Riesling Rendezvous has grown into the largest event dedicated to Riesling in the United States,” says Chateau president Ted Baseler. That’s partly thanks to the local aficionados eager to experience a rare spectrum of wine reaching from Eastern Europe to Oceania. The Rendezvous’s Grand Tasting is the part that will draw a crowd, and it takes place on Chateau Ste. Michelle grounds from 5-8pm on July 14. It features top local food trucks that are as sure to delight locals as they are to intrigue the foreigners. And in case you get tired of all that fine wine, most producers tote along a “surprise wine” from their estates as well.
Riesling Rendezvous Grand Tasting: Sunday, July 14, 5-8pm || Chateau Ste. Michelle Estate, Woodinville, WA || Tickets: $75/GA, $100/VIP
