It is exciting to finally visit this city on the Rhein . I am here for an international trade show called Pro Wein that is the major European wine exhibition. California has a strong standing at the show. Our exhibit was set up by my friend Paul Molleman who represents the California Wine institute in Europe. I used to do events for the California Wine Institute while I was posted in Vienna and it was going to be good old times to see Paul again.
Since my first event did not start for a few hours after my arrival, it was a good time to see a bit of this lovely city. I took the Stadtbahn into the Altstadt (old city) walked around, enjoyed the beautiful old architecture, then found a great coffee shop called Kunst und Kultur (coffee and culture). Maybe the best cup of cappuccino ever. Perfect, creamy foam.
Tonight my friend Elizabeth Kamper who runs the noble Estherhazy winery in Austria hosted a dinner for several European producers and distributors. It was a great night. Many different languages around the table. CMD, an important importer, brought wines from their portfolio from around the world. I don’t want to tell you what was poured, but let me just say they were very well known and highly regarded and I am increasing convinced that California cabernets stand up extremely favorably to wines from anywhere. I sat with Elizabeth and the head of Hawesko, an important importer of California wine into Germany, and with the head of marketing for Lafitte Rothchild. We tallied a lot about wine traditions, but I forgot to ask the CLR fellow the question how Lafitte markets its wine –to whom and why. He did however, very much look like the person you would expect to be the representative of Lafitte. Charming, dressed in tweed, very British accent when he spoke English, and totally knowledgeable.
So, it is getting late. Another great evening enhanced and consecrated by great wine, but tomorrow is a work day.
Cheers! KathrynDiscover our collection of wines available internationally!2008 Hall Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc >Buy this wine2005 Hall Napa Valley Merlot >Buy this wine2005 Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon >Buy this wine2005 Hall "Kathryn Hall" Cabernet Sauvignon > Buy this wine
I like the way Atlanta parties. Those huge white tents where we poured our wines the day before were transformed last night into a beautiful banquet hall. Tables were decorated with tall, sleek, white vases stuffed with white orchids and long palms and the colored lights hanging above set an elegant mood. Gracious southern hospitality everywhere, and lots and lots of wine.
I didn’t think we would see anyone we knew other than the vintners, but as soon as we arrived we were greeted by our host at the auction last year. Next we ran into the Preisers who publish their guide to Napa – a must have for visitors to the valley. Then as we walked through the room we ran into the Carrolls, who were our hosts at the auction several years earlier. Tom Carroll, it turns out is taking on the position of western regional head for Tiffany, so they are moving to San Francisco! I took of picture of them with Richard. Hmmm, nice necklace...
The first hour was a champagne reception where bidders could look at the auction items. The 9 liter HALL "Kathryn Hall" Cabernet Sauvignon we donated really stood out on the table. Great idea, Mike. At dinner we sat with some great folks, who are longtime friends and who nevertheless welcomed us right into their group. Another memorable, wonderful evening enhanced by great wine. We made new friends and I am sure we will see each other again.
Then, what a nice surprise – my daughter Jennifer called to say she and her friend Kerrie who have been on Spring Break in St Maarten (not bad) missed their flight and were stopping over in Atlanta! The girls joined us for a post party glass of wine, then stayed with me at the hotel last night. We all drove together to the airport this morning.
I am off today for Dusseldorf. Plan to attend Pro Wein, the largest European wine trade fair. I have never been, so really have no idea what to expect. It is a long way and this morning came very early.
Cheers!Kathryn>Shop for the 2005 "Kathryn Hall" Cabernet Sauvignon>View Kathryn's complete photo gallery from this extraordinary evening.
We started our visit with a HALL wine dinner at Cindy Shera’s restaurant, The Shed. If you come to Atlanta, and want a local and hip feel, I recommend a meal here. The décor is modern and urban, the feel is comfortable and warm , and the food and presentations are great. We started with a Foie Gras Terrine with Baked Apple Jam on Cheese Toast. Our Sauvignon Blanc was a perfect companion – those fabulous pink grapefruit aromas and the lush palate stood up to the richness of the dish. Our second course was Cast Iron Seared Duck Breast, with Parsnip Puree and Spiced Cranberries, which we served with our Napa Valley Merlot. The ripe briar fruit of the merlot could not have been better highlighted. I was thrilled. Next came the Braised Beef Cheeks and Roasted Cippolini Onions that we served with the Kathryn Hall. You know how I love this wine, and the rich luscious dark fruit was simply awesome.
The most fun part for me was serving a splash of "Jack’s Masterpiece" Cabernet Sauvignon to our guests. Special note to Mike: everyone loved the wine. The fruit just sparkled. Of course I couldn’t say which worldwide wine critic is giving "Jack’s Masterpiece" the great rating that will be announced in June, but I could – and did - hint. (Jack is Mike’s son, if you didn’t know. Check out Mike and Jack’s video on our web site. It is darling.)
I 've posted some photos of the group last night. Lots of laughter, meeting new friends. Just what a great dinner with great wine should be.
We are on to the tasting today under the tents at Atlantic Station. Supporting one of America’s greatest art museums and sharing our wine. My kind of a day. Cheers!Kathyn HallWe invite you to celebrate with HALL at your own dinner party!2008 Hall Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc >Buy this wine2005 Hall Napa Valley Merlot >Buy this wine2005 Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon >Buy this wine2005 Hall "Kathryn Hall" Cabernet Sauvignon > Buy this wine