Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/913027
{ upcoming events } 42 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017/2018 WINE SPEAK PASO ROBLES is the wine industry's newest premier industry summit, coming to California's Central Coast January 9-11, 2018. Built around the ideas of community and collaboration, the inaugural event will bring sommeliers, wine industry leaders, and hospitality profes - sionals together for three days of intimate educational, professional development, and networking opportunities. Created by Master Sommelier and D.K. Restaurants Partner Chuck Furuya and Ancient Peaks Winery VP of Operations Amanda Wittstrom Higgins, Wine Speak Paso Robles aims to advance professional knowledge and performance throughout the wine industry by offering exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences. "Our goal is to create an opportunity for the wine community to get together for a time of learning, sharing, and camaraderie," shares Furuya, who also hopes to spark innovation that extends beyond the confines of the hospitality-focused event. "We want wine experts, hospitality professionals, and wine lovers to share their insights and experi - ences, so we can all build relationships, and, most importantly, collaborate." Throughout the three days, attendees can engage with world-renowned indus - try experts and top influencers through a series of seminars, wine tastings, and networking events. Workshops spotlight- ing 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, winemak - ers, and Master Sommeliers from around the world will serve as panelists, includ- ing 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 orga - nized 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 showcase 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 cer - tainly 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 con - nect and collaborate with the industry's brightest and most talented individuals from around the globe at this inaugural event, visit winespeakpaso.com for addi - tional information and tickets. INAUGURAL WINE SPEAK PASO ROBLES SUMMIT OFFERS CHANCE TO TAP INTO INDUSTRY EXPERTS by Hana-Lee Sedgwick Community and Camaraderie on the Central Coast At left, Ancient Peaks Winery VP of Operations Amanda Wittstrom Higgins. At right, Master Sommelier and D.K. Restaurants Partner Chuck Furuya. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAOU VINEYARDS AND WINERY