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2004 Conference: Philadelphia

Annual Meeting and Conference, May 7-9, 2004

Our brochures, tastings and publicity at the time: 

Schedule  Summary of Events   Hotel Info
Friday Reception  Sunday Brunch  Saturday Banquet
Fitz-Ritter Wines   Nik Weiss Wines

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                                             Schedule

Friday

             Reception, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Paris Foyer, Second Floor

 Saturday

             Board of Directors Annual Meeting, 8:30 to 10 a.m., Nice Room, Third    Floor

             Alice Fitz Seminar, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Montpellier Room, Third Floor

             Executive Committee ‑ working lunch 12 to 1:30 p.m., Chez Collette, First  Floor

             Nik Weiss Seminar, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Montpellier Room, Third Floor

             Membership Meeting, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Montpellier Room, Third Floor

             Board ‑ reconvene 5 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., Montpellier Room, Third Floor

             Banquet, Reception, 6:30 – 7:00 p.m., Toulose Room, Third Floor

                            Dinner, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Versailles Room, Third Floor

 Sunday

             Brunch, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Marseilles Room, Third Floor  

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German Wine Society 2004 Conference

 Summary of Events  

Reception: Rudi Wiest, Cellars International, (http://www.germanwine.net), imports a distinguished, award winning portfolio of wines. The list of fine German wine estates represented includes Monchhof, Wegeler, Dr. F Weins‑Prum Schloss Lieser, Reinhold Haart, Milz, Karthauserhof, von Hovel, Bert Simon, Zilliken, Robert Weil, Franz Kunstler, Reichstaat von Buhl, Gunderloch and Schafer Froehlich. Join us for a relaxed, at‑your‑own‑pace walk‑around tasting, featuring a selection of 8 to 10 wines from this distinguished portfolio and delicious hot and cold appetizers specifically paired to the wines. Come early and go on to dinner on your own, or stay and chat with the representatives of Rudi's local importer, Maximum Wines, who will be pouring that evening.

 Alice Fitz Seminar: Located in Bad Duerkheim, in the Pfalz, Weingut Fitz‑Ritter (http://www.fitz-ritter.de) has been in the Fitz family since it was founded over two centuries ago and is run today in the 8th generation by winemaker Konrad Fitz and his American wife, Alice, who is responsible for marketing and export. Synonymous with quality and value, the estate was voted International Winery of the Year in 2002 by Wine and Spirits Magazine; the winery's 2002 Riesling Spaetlese Ungsteiner Herrenberg is one of the 12 wines on Bruce Sanderson's recommended list in the March 31, 2004, issue of the Wine Spectator. In addition to her other accomplishments, Alice generously contributes her time and efforts on the German Wine Society's National Board of Directors. The tasting will include both "core"estate items, plus some surprises chosen by Alice especially for this event.

 Nik Weiss Seminar: One of the hottest "new" estates around right now is St. Urbans‑Hof in Leiwen, (http://www.weingut-st-urbans-hof.de/) thanks to the efforts of owner/winemaker Nik Weiss. David Schildknecht's review of this estate's 2002 vintage in the International Wine Cellar is loaded with (for David!) rare one‑ and two‑star indications. In the March 31, 2004, issue of the Wine Spectator, three of Bruce Sanderson's 12 recommended wines (25 percent!) are from St. Urbans‑Hof. Nik's seminar will discuss the differences between wines from the Mosel and the Saar. Don't miss this great opportunity to meet one of Germany's rising stars.

 Banquet: An elegant, multi‑course meal from the outstanding kitchens of Head Chef Sylvain Harribey, paired with wines chosen from the renowned Valckenberg Imports (http://www.valckenberg.com), presented by Nancy Peach, Director, Sales and Marketing, Northeast. The distinguished portfolio includes the wines of J.J. Pruem, Dr. Loosen, Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt, Schloss Wallhausen, Maximin Gruenhaus, Johannishof Eser, Baron zu Knyphausen, Schloss Castel, Graf von Neipperg, Heyl zu Hermsheim, Bassermann‑Jordan, Schloss Saarstein, and Dr. Thanisch.

 Brunch: David Schildknecht is a longtime friend of the German Wine Society and a perennial favorite speaker. From his days in retail wine sales in Washington, D.C., to his distinguished career as a wine journalist, David has educated and entertained us with his amazing command of vineyard, vintage and producer information. Currently the German wine reviewer for Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, his opinions are some of the most sought‑after by German wine enthusiasts and trade professionals. David will present a selection of Sekt and Kabinett wine pairings to accompany our elegant brunch.

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Headquarters for Conference:

The Philadelphia Sofitel

120 South 17th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

 The Philadelphia Sofitel (http://www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fichehotel/gb/sof/2741/fiche_hotel.shtml) is a deluxe‑class hotel located in the heart of downtown and eight miles from Philadelphia International Airport. The Sofitel Philadelphia is conveniently situated on the site of the old Philadelphia Stock Exchange in the heart of the business district and within walking distance of the historic district. This hotel is a short distance to Betsy Ross House, Independence Hall, Avenue of the Arts, and the museum district. An ideal base for business and leisure travelers, this hotel provides you with a home away from home. The hotel offers attractive guest rooms with the latest amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The staff is at your service from the moment you arrive, catering to your every need. The hotel is minutes to fine dining, shopping and entertainment.

 Room rates are $149.00 per night, plus applicable tax, single or double, provided reservations are made by April 27, 2004. Third and fourth persons in a room with two double beds are an additional $20 per person per night. To receive this rate, you must specify that you are with the German Wine Society when making your reservation. Reservation requests received after the cut‑off date will be on a space and rate availability basis. To make your reservation, call 215/569‑8300. Hotel check‑in is 3 p.m. and check‑out is 12 noon.

 The Sofitel is easily accessible by train using Amtrack, Septa or the Patco Highspeedline, and is also convenient to the Greyhound bus terminal. Valet parking is available at the hotel, and there is indoor parking across the street from the Sofitel, in the lot in the middle of the block near 17th and Sansom Streets. The Sofitel validates parking for this lot.

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FRIDAY Reception

 Friday, May 7, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Paris Foyer, Second Floor, Sofitel

A casual, walk around tasting with butlered hot and cold appetizers and the wines of

Rudi Weist Cellars International, poured by Jeff Kreitzman and Rita Kochanski of Maximum Wine Imports

 Appetizers

Mini Maryland Crab Cakes

Roasted Peppered Scallops on Lemon Grass Stick

Chicken Breast Satay with Caramelized Pineapple and Thai Curry Sauce

Smoked Salmon Yukon Gold Potato Cake, Crème Fraiche

Tuna Tartare Seasoned with Lemon and Olive Oil on Sesame Crisp

Honey Duck Breast atop Jicama Remoulade

Blinis with Maine Lobster Medallions, Fennel Compote

Herbed Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts Mille Feuille

Wines

 2002 “Armand” Kabinett, von Buhl (89 points Wine Spectator, Recommended David Schildknecht)

2002 Hochheimer Reichestal Riesling Kabinett, Kunstler (88 points Wine Spectator, 1 star, David Schildknecht)

2002 Robert Weil Riesling Kabinett (88 Points Wine Advocate, 1 star David Schildknecht)

2002 Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhold Haart (89 points Wine Spectator, potential 2 stars David Schildknecht)

2002 “Diva” Spatlese, Gunderloch (Recommended, David Schildknecht)

2002 Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese, Monchof (92 points Wine Spectator)

2002 Eitlesbacher Karhtauserhofberg Riesling Spatlese (90 points Wine Spectator, 2 stars David Schildknecht)

2002 Niederberg Helden Riesling Auslese **, Schloss Lieser (93 points Wine Spectator, potential 2 stars David Schildknecht)

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 Brunch

Sunday, May 9, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Marsellies Room, Third Floor

 Speaker – David Schildknecht, one of the foremost German wine authorities in the USA, wine journalist and reviewer for Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

The menu

Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice, Grapefruit, Cranberry, Apple and Tomato Juice

           1997 Forster Pechstein Riesling Sekt, von Buhl
           1999 Bacharacher Fustental Riesling Brut Sekt, Ratzenberger

Mixed Seasonal Berries with Yogurt Dressing

2001 “Jean Baptiste” Riesling Kabinett, Gunderloch (88 points Wine Spectator, 1 star David Schildknecht)

2002 “Jean Baptiste” Riesling Kabinett, Gunderloch (2 stars David Schildknecht)

Fluffly Scrambled Eggs with Chives, Butter Cheese Blintzes with Blueberry Compote

2002 Oestricher Lenchen Riesling Kabinett halbtrocken, Sprietzer (potential 2 stars David Schildknecht)

2002 Oestricher Lenchen Riesling Kabinett, Sprietzer (92 points Wine Spectator, potential 2 stars David Schildknecht)

Honey Cured Ham, Fingerling Potatoes

                     Flaky Croissants, Orance Brioche, Ficelle, Pains au Chocolat, Butter,

Lenotre Orange Marmalade and Fruit Preserves

 Freshly Brewed Coffee, Decaffinated Coffee and Harney & Sons Teas

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Banquet Saturday, May 8

Speaker: Nancy Peach, Director, Sales and Marketing, Northeast, Valckenberg Imports

Reception 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Toulouse Room, Third Floor

Welcome wine: 2002 Kloster Eberbach Riesling Qba ( 86 points Wine Spectator)

Dinner 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Versailles Room, 3rd floor  

1st Course: Chilled Poached Salmon with Cucumber & Caper Sauce

 2002 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett, J.J. Prum (90 points Wine Spectator, 89 points Wine Advocate, 1 star David Schildknecht)

 2002 Forster Jesuitengarten Riesling Kabinett, von Basserman-Jordan (85 points Wine Advocate, 89 points Wine Spectator, 1 star David Schildknecht)

2nd Course: Baby Spinach with Crumbled Feta and Roasted Pine Nuts, 
Raspberry Vinaigrette

2001 Heyl zu Herrensheim Red Slate Riesling

2002 Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett, Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt (89 points Wine Spectator)

3rd Course: Chicken Breast Wrapped in Brek Dough Stuffed with Ginger,

Asparagus, Red Peppers and Goat Cheese, Lemongrass Essance

2002 Rudeshiemer Berg Rottland Riesling Spatlese, Johannishof Eser (94 points Wine Spectator, 91 points Wine Advocate, potential 2 stars David Schildknecht)

2002 Herrenberg Riesling Auslese, Maximim Grunhaus (1 star David Schildknecht)

4th Course: Tangy Lemon & Zestful Chibouste filled into a Sweet Short Dough Crust

2002 Valckenberg Chardonnay Eiswein

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 Alice Fitz Wine Seminar
Saturday, May 8^th 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Montpelier Room, Third Floor

NV Durkheimer Hochbenn Brut Sekt

2001 Cabernet Dorsa trocken (barrique)

2002 Dürkheimer Spielberg Chardonnay Spätlese trocken

2002 Dürkheimer Abtsfronhof "Prestige" Gewürztraminer Spätlese trocken

2003 Dürkheimer Abtsfronhof Riesling Spätlese halbtrocken (88 points Wine Spectator)

2003 Dürkheimer Hochbenn Riesling Kabinett

2003 Fitz-Ritter Gewürztraminer Spätlese

2002 Ungsteiner Herrenberg Riesling Auslese "Prestige"

2001 Durkheimer Hochbenn Riesling Eiswein

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 NIK WEIS: Wine Seminar: Comparison of the Mosel and Saar

Saturday, May 8, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., Montpelier Room, 3^rd floor

Speaker: Nik Weiss, Weingut St-Urbanshof

2002 St-Urbanshof Estate Riesling

2003 Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett

2003 Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Kabinett

2003 Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Spatlese

2003 Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Spatlese

2001 Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Auslese (93 points Wine Spectator, 1 star David Schildknecht)  

2001 Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Auslese (95 points Wine Spectator, 1 star David Schildknecht)  

2002 Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Eiswein (91 points Wine Spectator)

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