Missouri wines will be in the national spotlight April 1-3 when a large group of wine writers from across the country gather for the third "Drink Local Wine" event, scheduled for the Doubletree West Hotel at West Port Plaza. The organization, composed mostly of writers outside of California, met in Dallas in 2009 and in Virginia last year. It is led by Dave McIntyre, wine columnist for the Washington Post, and Jeff Siegel, whose WineCurmudgeon.com site is based in Dallas.
The conference will feature an open-to-the public "Twitter tasting," when more than 50 Missouri wines will be opened and tasters will be encouraged to make immediate online comments on Twitter and Facebook for later discussion. This event has been a huge success in Dallas, since most people seem to think that talking about wine is second only in enjoyment to drinking it. Panels are planned for the morning of April 2 with discussions led by winemakers and writers on such topics as "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Vinifera," pairings of Missouri food and wine and a look at getting more national recognition. On the slim chance the panel speakers and subjects are dry, well, the afternoon tasting should revive everyone.
The wine problems in Missouri are similar to those in most states--the lack of sufficient production to attempt national distribution and the many risks of even trying to expand and aim at national distribution in a soft economy, especially when many Missouri wineries sell most of their product on site. Speakers will include .Doug Frost, Kansas City-based sommelier, teacher and wine writer; McIntyre; and Michael Wangbickler, Sonoma, Cal., teacher and public relations consultant.
The goal for the weekend, according to Jeff Siegel, chairman of the gathering, is, "We want to make it as easy as possible to taste the wines of Missouri."
Mark the date and watch for updates here.
