Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/912565
december 2017 / the tasting panel / 87 december 2017 / the tasting panel / 87 the confines of the hospitality-focused event. "We want wine experts, hospital- ity professionals, and wine lovers to share their insights and experiences, so we can all build relationships, and, most importantly, collaborate." Throughout the three days, attend- ees can engage with world-renowned industry experts and top influencers through a series of seminars, wine tastings, and networking events. Workshops spotlighting New World wines, including several in-depth sessions specific to Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, will provide a space to discover and discuss these wines from a global perspective. Top vintners, winemakers, and Master Sommeliers from around the world will serve as panelists, including Master Sommelier Fred Dame, Matt Dees of Jonata, Bruce Neyers of Neyers Vineyards, Greg Harrington of Gramercy Cellars, Andy Peay of Peay Vineyards, and Justin Smith of Saxum. Panelists will share personal challenges, successes, and insights while encouraging attendees to participate in interactive discussions. Wine Speak will also feature an organized blind tasting of select Paso Robles wines conducted and scored by attending sommeliers and wine media. A "Taste of Paso Robles" Grand Tasting, meanwhile, will give guests the chance to mingle with a list of "who's who" in the Paso Robles wine and culinary scene. "The Grand Tasting will show- case the top wineries from the Paso Robles region, sharing some of their finest reserve and library bottlings in a casual and fun event," shares Higgins. "It will be a great opportunity to network, meet other like-minded wine friends, and experience the bounty of the Central Coast region." Another highlight of the event will certainly be the in-depth tech tours, which will offer a select group of participants unparalleled access to the most historic and significant wineries and vineyards in Paso Robles: Tablas Creek Vineyard, James Berry Vineyard, DAOU Vineyards & Winery, Ancient Peaks Winery, Denner Vineyards, Adelaida Vineyards & Winery, Halter Ranch, Villa Creek Cellars, and Booker Wines. Featuring a diverse range of topics and wines, Wine Speak Paso Robles is a premier educational experience enhanced by the incredible talent pool of knowledgeable wine and hospitality professionals. To connect and collabo- rate with the industry's brightest and most talented individuals from around the globe at this inaugural event, visit winespeakpaso.com for additional information and tickets. Ancient Peaks Winery VP of Operations Amanda Wittstrom Higgins. Master Sommelier and D.K. Restaurants Partner Chuck Furuya. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAOU WINERY