SWE at SommCon
We’re thrilled to announce that SWE is partnering with SommCon for their annual conference! SommCon 2024 will take place from October 5 – 7, at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA. SommCon offers three immersive days of educational seminars, professional development sessions, and exceptional wine tastings. This event is an incredible opportunity for industry professionals to expand their knowledge, refine their skills, and connect with peers. Registration is open!
CSS and CSW Exams:
As a part of the SommCon schedule, the SWE will hold in-person CSW and CSS exams on Saturday, October 5th at 10:00am. Click here for information and to register.
Member Meetup
We’re also thrilled to announce our next SWE Member Meetup will take place at SommCon!
SWE will host a happy hour for SWE Members (and non-members interested in learning more) on Sunday, October 6th at 5:30pm. Join us for a chance to network, taste some wine, and learn more about what SWE is working on for the future! Click here to RSVP. If you have any questions about the exams or meetup, please email Ben Coffelt.
SWE’s Virtual Mini Conference
Saturday, October 19—A Deep Dive into Pinot Noir
The Society of Wine Educators (SWE) would like to invite you to our Virtual Mini Conference, dedicated entirely to the elegance and complexity of Pinot Noir. Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or just beginning your journey into the world of fine wines, this event promises to be a captivating experience.
Prepare to explore the rich history, diverse terroirs, and unique characteristics of Pinot Noir from renowned experts. You’ll gain insights into what makes this varietal so beloved, and perhaps even discover a new favorite bottle!
CONFERENCE AGENDA (all times central)
- Saturday, October 19—10:00 am: Pinot Noir in South Africa with Jim Clarke. Pinot Noir first came to South Africa in the 1920s, but it wasn’t until intrepid growers began exploring the Cape South Coast in the 1970s that the grape began to find its home and show off what it’s capable of in the Rainbow Nation. Today it’s still only found in small quantities, but punches far beyond its weight when it comes to reputation and critical regard. Wines of South Africa Country Manager Jim Clarke, author of the Classic Wine Library’s Wines of South Africa, will lead viewers through the story of Pinot Noir in South Africa, exploring its history, taking apart prominent regions where the grape excels, and highlighting the grape’s leading producers.
- Saturday, October 19—12:00 noon: Exploring Chile and the Future of World-Class Pinot Noir with Elijah B. Smith. While Chile gets a lot of attention for its Cabernet Sauvignon and brawny red blends, the country also contains a plethora of cooler-climate wine regions—including the well-known Casablanca Valley and the up-and-coming southern reaches—where Pinot Noir can shine. In this session, join Elijah B. Smith CWE on a tour of the many producers and regions of Chile that are primed to produce world-class Pinot Noir.
- Saturday, October 19—2:00 pm: Oregon—The Future of Premium Pinot Noir with Carrie Kalscheuer. Discover all the reasons—including the climate, location, soils, and resources—why Oregon enjoys its well-deserved reputation as a leading producer of premium Pinot Noir. We’ll look at the state’s viticultural history—including the rise of Oregon Pinot Noir—as well as its well-documented diversity in terms of terroir. Join In this session, join Carrie Kalscheuer (Chief Brand Officer of Ponzi Vineyards) for an in-depth look at Oregon’s commitment to sustainability, quality, and affordability.
- Saturday, October 19—4:00 pm: Pinot Noir Across Terroir with Tanya Morning Star. Discover the rich diversity of Bourgogne’s red wines with Tanya Morning Star, CWE. Pinot Noir is one of the most ancient and captivating grape varieties on the planet! Native to the famed region of Bourgogne in Eastern France, Pinot Noir is a true chameleon of the wine world, effortlessly adapting to its surroundings and crafting wines that sing with the unique essence of each terroir, from village to village, plot to plot. This grape has been beloved since Roman times, and for good reason – its ability to translate the land into a bottle of wine, from humble table wines to the world’s most prized bottles, is nothing short of magical. Join Tanya Morning Star for a deep dive into the heart and soul of one of the world’s most expressive grapes, uncovering Pinot Noir’s remarkable ability to shape-shift and tell the stories of its origins.
To secure your spot please contact Jane Nickles at jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org.
• This event is free-of-charge for members of SWE, but advance registration is required.
• If you have any questions, please contact Jane Nickles at jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org.
• Recorded versions of the conference sessions will be available on the member portal of the SWE website after the conclusion of the live event.
