Join the Rhone Rangers in Washington DC to Celebrate Rhone-Style Wines Crafted in America

    ALBION, CA, May 07, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- For two days in June, wine enthusiasts are invited to join the Rhone Rangers for a variety of tasting events, the largest on the East Coast, focusing on American Rhone wines. More than 400 consumers and members of the trade are expected to attend for the opportunity to taste more than 80 of the best Rhone-style wines made in America. Tickets are now available at: WWW.RHONERANGERS.ORG.

On June 18th the Rhone Rangers will return to Washington DC to showcase American Rhone Wines. "It's great to be coming back," said Barbara Smith, president of the Rhone Rangers board of directors. "We look forward to returning to this exciting city of wine and food aficionados. More than 20 producers will be joining us in the nation's capital." All events on Thursday, June 18 take place at The Long View Gallery, 1234 9th St NW, Washington DC. On Friday, June 19, there will be an informal winemaker dinner party at Willow Restaurant, 4301 Fairfax Drive, Arlington VA. Ten wineries will participate and each winemaker will have a small plate designed by the co-chefs specifically to pair with their wine.

EVENT DETAILS

Thursday, June 18, 10:30 AM, Seminar: "American Rhone Wines for Summer Sipping," Long View Gallery, Washington DC.
This seminar, open to trade, media and consumers, will highlight Rhone varieties that can quench your thirst during the warm summers in Washington, including Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, white blends, and the summertime favorite, rose. The seminar will be moderated by David White, founder and editor of Terroirist (blog) and a freelance writer for The World of Fine Wines, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post. Tickets, $35/each, are available online at www.rhonerangers.org.

Thursday, June 18, 1:30-4 PM, Trade & Media Tasting, Long View Gallery, Washington DC.
Twenty wineries will pour more than 80 wines for the wine trade and media. Tickets are complimentary for those who directly influence the purchase of wine including sommeliers and restaurant food & beverage buyers, chef-restaurant owners, wine writers, wine retailers, and wine wholesalers, distributors and brokers. To register, visit www.rhonerangers.org.

Thursday, June 18, 5:30 - 9 PM, Consumer Tasting, Long View Gallery, Washington DC.
Grand Tasting VIP Admission. Wine lovers can secure early entry to the Grand Tasting by purchasing VIP tickets. More than 80 wines will be available to taste as well as a selection of appetizers. VIP tickets are $90 and are only available online at www.rhonerangers.org.

Thursday, June 18, 7 - 9 PM Grand Tasting General Admission. Sample from more than 80 wines poured by Rhone Ranger member wineries during this two hour tasting experience. Tickets are available in advance for $55 at www.rhonerangers.org. Space permitting, tickets may also be available at the door $65.

Friday, June 19, 5:30 - 9:30 PM Winemaker Dinner Party at Willow Restaurant, Arlington VA. Join Tracy O'Grady and Kate Jensen, co-chefs and proprietors of Willow Restaurant, as they create small plates to complement ten wines poured by ten different Rhone Ranger winemakers. Tickets are available in advance for $95 plus tax & gratuity at www.rhonerangers.org.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online.
For more information go to www.rhonerangers.org or call 800 467-0163.
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Seminar, $35
- Trade & Media Tasting, complimentary for invited/credentialed trade
- Consumer Tasting, VIP, $90
- Consumer Tasting, General Admission, $55 advance ($65 on event day)
- Winemaker Dinner, Willow Restaurant, $95 plus tax & gratuity
- Participating Wineries in the Trade & Media and Consumer Tastings include: Blenheim Vineyards, Bonny Doon Vineyard, Caliza Winery, Cornerstone Cellars, Derby Wine Estates, Four Lanterns, Frick Winery, Hearst Ranch, Kenneth Volk Vineyards, Margerum, Pomar Junction, Qupe, Ridge Vineyards, Stinson Vineyards, Sunset Hills, Tablas Creek, Tarara Winery, Two Shepherds, Vina Robles and Zenaida Cellars.

About the Rhone Rangers

The Rhone Rangers are a group of roughly 150 wineries dedicated to making wines from the 22 grape varieties originally made famous in France's Rhone Valley. These varieties range from the better-known Syrah and Viognier to the up-and-coming Mourvedre, Grenache and Roussanne, to obscure (but delicious) grapes like Counoise and Picpoul.

The Rhone Rangers started from a small gathering of American vintners who began meeting informally in the 1980s. As their numbers expanded, the group organized under the name "Rhone Rangers." The Rhone Rangers is a non-profit organization focused on promoting the enjoyment of Rhone varietal wines produced in the United States. These grapes include the 22 traditional varieties approved by the French government for the Cotes du Rhone, as well as Durif (Petite Sirah). In order for a winery to join the Rhone Rangers, they must produce at least one wine that contains 75% of any single approved varietal (or combination of these varietals).

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