ach year during the last full weekend of July, wine and food luminaries from all corners of the globe congregate in McMinnville, Oregon for the International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC). As the first event designed to pay homage to the Pinot grape, the IPNC is recognized worldwide for a unique combination of outstanding wine and food, enlightened discussions, and a relaxed and friendly ambiance. IPNC guests have the unique chance to taste, learn, and celebrate with over 60 of the world's premier Pinot noir producers, 40 of the Northwest's top chefs, as well as esteemed journalists and fellow wine devotees.

Topics Covered

The topics of soil and geology will be at the heart of the 23rd annual IPNC. Prolific author, broadcaster, wine educator and Master of Wine, Jancis Robinson, will travel from London to be the 2009 IPNC Master of Ceremonies. In the morning seminar entitled "Down to Earth: Digging Deeper into Oregon's Soils," Jancis Robinson will lead guests in a discussion and tasting of ten Pinot noir wines made by five of Oregon's finest winemakers as a part of an experiment intended to further explore the question of how soil, geology and the winemaker's approach impact the expression of their Pinot noir. For the afternoon seminar, entitled "Tour de Chambolle Musigny," journalist David Schildknecht (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and The World of Fine Wine), will introduce you to François Millet, winemaker of Burgundy's noble and historic Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé. Guests will have the rare opportunity to take a virtual tour the village of Chambolle-Musigny, learning about the soils, geology and terroir from a man who walks the vineyards regulalry. The seminar will conclude with an exlusive side-by-side comparison of famed Grand Crus Bonnes Mares and Musingy Vielles Vignes.

Other Activities

Other weekend activities will include alfresco tastings, rosé lunches, a pairing of white wine and world cheeses, the Grand Dinner, the Northwest Salmon Bake, an author book signing, a Pétanque tournament including Burgundian and domestic Pinot producers, and a Vineyard Tour and Winery Lunch at one of fourteen secret Willamette Valley winery destinations.

Getting Tickets

Tickets are currently available and can be purchased online www.ipnc.org or through the IPNC office (800.777.IPNC). Don't miss this exciting weekend in Oregon Wine Country.

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