2007 International Pinot Noir Celebration
The IPNC in McMinnville, Oregon, is the granddaddy of all Pinot Noir festivals, now celebrating its 21st
year. Set on the campus of bucolic Linfield College, this collegial celebration of Pinot Noir is eagerly
attended by pinotphiles, wine educators, winery owners and winemakers who freely mix, speak Pinot,
and dine outdoors with meals prepared by some of our country’s most prominent chefs. This year’s
event will be held on July 27-29.
A grower Champagne Seminar headlines the 2007 IPNC featuring noted wine personalities Eric
Asimov, Ghislain de Montgolfier, Rollin Soles, and Becky Wasserman. On July 27, there will be a
tasting of sparkling Pinot Noir titled “The Secret Life of Pinot Noir: A Walk on the Sparkling Side.” The
role of Pinot Noir in the wines of Champagne is often overlooked and this year’s celebration will
provide a fresh look at the diversity of this well-loved sparkler. America has developed quite a thirst
for grower Champagnes due largely to the fact that they are grown and vinified by hand, by producers
who carefully oversee the grapes’ evolution from vineyard to bottle. The process is similar to that
found in most small Pinot Noir wineries in Burgundy and Oregon, ensuring that the winemaker’s hand
is involved in each step along the way.
Oregon winemakers are also planning a toast to IPNC 2007 Master of Ceremonies Georg Riedel, who
will unveil his new Oregon Pinot Noir glass. Fifteen French winemakers will showcase their wines this
year, more domains than ever in IPNC’s history and more than any other Pinot festival.
The IPNC is known for its exceptional cuisine. Featured chefs include Stephanie and Rocky Maselli of
Marche Restaurant, Sue McCown of Coco la ti da, Mark Hosack of Hudson’s Bar and Grill, and John
Sundstrom of Lark. Of course, Frank Ostini of the Hitching Post will head up a
team for Saturday night’s Salmon Bake as he does every year.
Tickets for the IPNC are $795 per person and include all seminars, two grand
tastings, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on two days, and the Sunday brunch
finale. For tickets and details contact the IPNC at 800-775-IPNC or
www.ipnc.org. I hope to see you there!
