Pinehurst Resort is exposing the international boom at its Wine and Food Festival this Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept. 4.
Nearly 100 labels from around the world will be offered during its daily tastings, combined with educational seminars, demonstrations, entertainment and fun dining events all weekend long.
"Our 18th year of this event offers a global perspective," said Pinehurst Food and Beverage Director Ed Peckels. "We've known that France, Italy and Napa lead the way in wine and food pairing for years. But the latest interest in winemaking has produced exceptional new quality both here and abroad. We look forward to exploring all of them with our guests."
Former White House Executive Pastry Chef Roland Mesnier and Restaurateur and Educator Chef John Ash head the list of culinary experts who will provide the perfect foil to the exceptional wine offering. Ash won the coveted James Beard award in 2005 and wrote "John Ash Cooking One-on-One: Private Lessons in Simple Contemporary Food from a Master Teacher" in 2004.
Wine experts in attendance include Jan Schrem, owner of Clos Pegase, winemaker Nichole Birdsall of Bonterra, principal owner Quincy Steele of Steele Winery and national wine educators George Foote, Hoke Harden and Master of Ceremonies Luis Torres.
The weekend kicks off Thursday with a "Tour of Italy" tasting. Friday's International Passport Dinner allows guests to pair wines with seven international food stations, ranging from the Pacific Rim to the spice of the Mid East. Saturday's Spanish Wine and Tapas luncheon offers a bit of education, followed by the Black, White and Wine Gourmet Gala featuring the Gary Lewis Swing Band.
The Wine and Food Showdown closing Sunday evening will offer a chef's competition from the best of the Americas -- guests decide the winner.
Seminar topics range from the Renaissance of Riesling from Chateau Ste. Michele and Wine and Art: presenting Bachus the Rascal by Clos Pegase. Among the many other featured wineries are Moet & Chandon, Rodney Strong, Saintsbury, Shannon Ridge, Kim Crawford, Hogue, Trinchero, DaVinci, Banfi, Trefethen and Bridlewood, as well as Biltmore Estates and Shelton from North Carolina's growing wine region.
Rates start at $270 per person per night, including accommodations, breakfast, dinner and all daily events, seminars, tastings and demonstrations.
An exclusive Wine Mart will allow guests to take their favorites home.
A list of featured wineries, schedule and guest biographies can be found on www.pinehurst. com. Reservations can be made by calling 800-487-4653.
