The fourth annual Celebrate NC Wines! has a new format that we believe you will enjoy…one that is unique among the many excellent wine events emerging across North Carolina.
The afternoon begins with a wine symposium led by NC State University and industry experts who will share secrets, history, tastes and scents around the theme of “Old World Wisdom and New World Wines.” The symposium is followed by a gala reception and wine dinner featuring a gourmet menu based on the cuisine of our home state, carefully paired with the best of North Carolina wines.
The event will benefit wine and grape research at NC State University. Identifying grape varieties which consistently produce quality fruit and wine is just one of the many research endeavors led by faculty in NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Funds raised will create an endowment to provide ongoing research and outreach efforts to support this growing industry. In turn, this will help fuel the economic potential this emerging North Carolina industry brings to our rural communities and tourist trade.
Schedule of Events
Registration
12 noon – 1:00 p.m.
(Late registration available throughout the day)
Wine Symposium
1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Old World Wisdom & New World Wines
Learn from internationally known experts in entertaining sessions including food and wine tasting.
Wine & Food Pairings…Tasting is Believing
Dr. MaryAnne Drake, NC State University
Old World Wisdom & New World Wines
Dr. Sara Spayd, NC State University
The Nose Knows – How to Tell When Wine Goes Bad
Dr. Trevor Phister, NC State University
A Wine Lover’s North Carolina Travelogue
Margo Metzger, NC Wine and Grape Council
Don’t Judge a Wine by its Closure
Wes Ward, Nomacorc
Gala Reception
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Wine fanciers will enjoy skillful pairings of foods and wines. Each buffet table will be hosted by food and wine experts who can answer questions about wines and pairings.
Fabulous Wine Banquet
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate the best of North Carolina wines with a sumptuous four-course meal featuring North Carolina culinary specialties, including local beef, crab and farmstead cheese.
Collectors Delight: Auction and Wine Ordering Opportunities!
12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wines served during educational seminars, reception and dinner will be available for order. Additional wines, including valuable collectables, will be for sale in the auction.
Hosted by:
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University
NC Agricultural Foundation, Inc.
NC Wine and Grape Council