Wines of Chile Tasting Garners Record Attendance
Wines of Chile USA’s recent Grand Tasting, held June 12 at New York’s Metropolitan Pavilion, drew record attendance for both the trade and consumer sessions. “It was a great opportunity to showcase the diversity of wines from Chile,” noted Lori Tieszen, executive director of New York-based Wines of Chile USA, “but even more important was the interest shown by attendees.”
More than 50 premium producers and 300-plus wines were showcased at the event, which also offered thematic tasting lounges representing the specialized terroir of Chile, among them Mountain Reds, featuring Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet blends from regions near the Andes; Coastal Whites, highlighting Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay; Cool Climate Reds, spotlighting Pinot Noir and Syrah; and Valley Reds, offering Carmenere and Carmenere blends cultivated from several valleys.
The day started with a trade seminar on practical ways to use social media tools to sell more wine and drive store and restaurant traffic. The seminar featured a panel discussion of industry experts headed by Jack Robertiello. Panelists included Steve Solomon, owner of Hearth Restaurant and Terroir Wine Bar, and Ben Wood of 67 Wines.
Later on, master sommelier Fred Dexheimer conducted a master class on Chilean Terroir, providing a virtual tour and explanation of the vast regional differences embodied by the wines. Claudio Cilveti was also in attendance, on his first visit to the United States as the newly appointed managing director of Wines of Chile.
“The country’s unique geography -- which is as varied in climate and terrain from east to west as it is north to south -- creates unlimited opportunities for the exploration of wines that truly reflect the land from which they are cultivated,” added Tieszen. “The tasting lounges allowed us to bring the various terroirs of Chile to life.”
Wines of Chile, an organization committed to promoting the quality and image of Chilean wine throughout the world, has offices in Santiago, London and New York, as well as representatives in Canada, Ireland, and Denmark.