Once again its time for the , which looks to be getting comfortable in its new time slot, the last week of February. This is fantastic news for wine fans torn between a good drop, playoff hockey and spring break. While there are dozens of events between February 27 and March 4, this weeks City Cellar focuses on the main event, the International Festival Tasting at the 麻豆传媒映画Convention Centre West (the fancy one!) on March 1, 2 and 3. Its $95 per night, which is a steal when you break it down by the numbers: 180 wineries from 15 countries pouring 800 different wines. Whether you go on the Thursday, Friday or the Saturday, you have three hours, from 7 to 10pm to make the most of it. Heres what you need to know:
Be Early
This advice is twofold. If you go on the Thursday, they sell out the room to 75 per cent capacity, ensuring more face-time with winery principals and a little more elbow room than these things usually allow. Whichever night you choose, get there well in advance of doors youll be spending a few minutes in line anyways, may as well not be missing out on the fun while youre doing so.
Have A Plan
If you have a plan, particular styles, wineries or countries you want to visit, and you actually stick to that plan, youll be the envy of all us industry pros who are way too easily distracted and end up with pangs of regret having missed out on key pours. Its a big room and almost impossible to fully tackle, so have a mission; whether its high-end reds, under-$20 gems for home, Eastern European oddities or what have you.
Spit
You do NOT want to be carried out of that room. If your aim is to get slaughtered, youre in the wrong place there are many more comfortable and cheaper places to do so. Spitting is ultra-common at these things, and I promise you wont look silly. The last thing you want to do is get inebriated because you were uncomfortable with the art. Take a few minutes before you head out and fill a sink at home with some water. Fill a cup with water and practise your spitting technique while avoiding splashback. Again, youll be ahead of many an industry veteran if you keep firm on this.
Heed Advice
The majority of principals in attendance have done back-breaking work in the vineyard and many an 18-hour day in the winery to produce something theyre proud of. Sure, you may love Pinot Noirs and dislike heavy reds, but if a winemaker insists you try something else before sipping on your first choice, take advantage of their knowledge and experience. The majority of time youll be delighted by the results. If not, see the above Spitting recommendation above.
Use Your Smartphone
If Im at a sit-down, seminar-oriented tasting, sure, Ill take many tasting notes. But there is much to be said for an extra free hand in festival-styled tastings. Like a wine? Take an iPhone or Blackberry photo and research it later. Youre way more likely to recall a wine with the visual anyways.
Dont Stink
Do not wear a strong scent, perfume, cologne, patchouli (it IS the 麻豆传媒映画Wine Festival) or anything of the like; it totally takes away from a wines aroma, which is key to tasting it fully. Also, once youre poured your sample, back away to the side so others can get a pour as well. Oh, and keep your elbows in. Ive actually left these things with bruises.
Go To Chile
Each year has a regional theme, this years being Chile. An unprecedented number of Chilean wineries will be pouring their wares and youll have an unparalleled opportunity to explore Chiles regionality and depth. From Miguel Torres to Aurelio Montes, there will be many a Chilean superstar in attendance, let them bend your ear.
Try Something New
Theres no point in diving into the craziness if youre just going to stick to the same-old same-old. This is the best opportunity youll have to try the best and brightest from around the world. Never had an Austrian wine? Its right next to Australia. Stuck on Spanish Riojas but not familiar with Mencia? Nows your chance. Stray off the path; its totally worth it.
Follow up on the 麻豆传媒映画Playhouse International Wine Festival at . As always, you can track me down at
