The AIWF Winter Wine Festival 2004

Join us for a new take on an old event. In line with the AIWF's educational mission we're combining classes and tastings at this event. Attend a wine & cheese pairing class, a cooking with wine demonstration, and aroma and taste challenge or any one of five  classes. Then, with palates engaged, adjourn to the ballroom for the wines of the season. An exclusive event sure to provide knowledge, fun and more.

Here's Some photos of the Fun!
 

The Wichita Chapter of The American Institute of Wine & Food
Presents

Winter Wine Festival
November 12
Wichita Hilton Airport
Classes: 6-6:45 p.m.
Tasting: 7-8:30 p.m.

Why do wine and cheese go together so well? What does "meritage" mean?
Are your tastebuds (and nose) up to the challenge? Intrigued? Read on.

The Winter Wine Festival offers you a chance to learn the answer to these questions and more. Starting at 6 p.m., Festival-goers will have the opportunity to attend one class of their choice (seating limited, make reservations early) from five outstanding wine and/or wine & food pairing classes. As part of the AIWF mission, "... enhancing the quality of life
by providing education about what we eat and drink," our usual Winter wine event has grown to encompass a little education in addition to sampling more than 50 wines, tasting cheeses from igourmet.com, gourmet foods from local vendors and a selection of hors d'oeuvres catered by the Wichita Hilton Airport. We want you to "eat, drink, live & learn!"

After the classes are over, you will be able to sample some outstanding wines perfect for the holidays and talk with representatives from the major wholesalers to give you strategies for tasting and offer valuable buying advice for your holiday entertaining. Don't miss this great opportunity to taste familiar as well as recently released wines in an exciting, classy and educational  atmosphere. See inside for details on the classes. Sign
up now for first choice!

 1. New World Red Wine & Old World Cheese - Instructor: Guy Bower
We'll taste an array of the hottest Red Wines from New World producers thoughtfully paired with some of the finest cheeses of the Old World. Wines will include those from the United States, Spain, South Africa, Argentina
and Chile - these are hot hot hot! When paired with rich, aged cheeses; the character, flavor and finesse of both are enhanced. This unique opportunity allows attendees to compare and contrast the nuances of both the wines and the cheese and provides educational aspects of both. A true demonstration of terrior for both wine and cheese!

Bio: Guy Bower, host of the Good Life Radio show for more than 15 years, is a certified wine judge, wine instructor at WSU, wine writer and longtime member of the Society of Wine Educators. He founded the Wichita Chapter of The American Institute of Wine & Food, was instrumental in starting the Midwest Winefest and the Midwest Beerfest and his goal is "Food, Wine & Fun without snobbery." Enjoy The Good Life with Guy every Saturday, 9-10 a.m. on KNSS Newsradio 1330.

2. The Wines of Veneto - Instructor: Chet Hansen
The Wines of Veneto will cover wines from picturesque Venice with its romantic gondolas on the canals to the legendary home of Romeo and Juliet of Verona. We will taste Prosecco, a sparkling wine made in the tradition of methode champenoise, Pinot Grigio, Valpolicella, and the Amarone which was harvested when the fruit was almost raisin-like and the way "Ripaso" enriches a wine.

Bio: Chet's varied careers have included being a soldier to a recording artist. He has represented talents including comedians Steve Martin and George Carlin, and singer songwriters Randy Newman, Tom Waits and Carole King. Chet now finds joy in traveling to Italy frequently to find very, very small, family owned vineyards that make wonderful wine, but not enough of it to stir the interests of the major import companies. The best of the
best of these he brings back so we can discover what travelers to Italy have known for years; the best wines usually never get out of Italy ...until now.

3. Take the Challenge! - Instructor: Jeff Miller
In this class, you will have an opportunity to test your ability to determine flavors and aromas associated with fine wines. It will also include a "Sauce and Wine Tasting;" a comparison of how different sauces affect the flavor and mouthfeel of different wines.

Bio: Jeff Miller is a Certified Specialist of Wine and is in charge of Sales Training and Development for the Midwest Region of Glazer's Family of Companies. He has been working in the Adult Beverage Industry for 22 years and enjoys great wine, loves to cook and when he gets the chance, plays golf and rides bikes.

4. Discover the Grapes of Meritage - Instructor: Jamie Stratton
Here, we'll taste the five varietals that comprise the blend of a red Meritage wine. We will discuss the personalities of each and what they lend to the final blend. For those of you who don't know: Meritage is a compound of the words "merit" and "heritage," and over the years since the category was established, some outstanding wines have been produced including the Joseph Phelps "Insignia," and many others.

Bio: Jamie Stratton is the Wine Director of Jacob Liquor Exchange and is a published wine writer, wine educator and wine afficionado well known for his passion for the grape!

5. Bubbles and Ice - Instructor: Chef Larry Walker
It's the beginning of the holiday season and what's a more perfect addition to your holiday dinner or party than a great bottle of sparkling wine or Champagne to start the meal and a sparkling wine-flavored sorbet to finish it off. Hilton Executive Chef Larry Walker will demonstrate how to make the perfect sorbet which you will sample along with two lovely sparkling wines.

Bio: Hilton Airport Executive Chef Larry Walker trained in classical French cooking under Chef Damian Lehman and has worked in the food industry for more than 20 years; as an executive chef for the past 10 years. He also caters with Lehman under the Dueling Chefs name doing wedding cakes, ice sculptures and charity fundraisers. He loves to cook and of course, "drink the vino." His other passion is fishing around the United States.

Important notes
* Cost for the classes and tasting is $40. If you can't attend a class, tasting only is $25.

* The Hilton Airport will be offering a discount for their "Prime Rib" Buffet for Festival attendees for Nov. 12 only. It's a great way to finish the evening.

* Also, if you plan on making a night of it, the Hilton has discounted room rates. Please call 945-5272 for room reservations ONLY.

* Upcoming events: