C O M M U N I T Y , C A M A R A D E R I E & C O L L A B O R AT I O N W WW.W I N ES P E A K PAS O.CO M
A Letter from Our Founders, We have so many people to thank for believing in the mission of Wine Speak Paso Robles. This event would not have been possible without you—our incredible speakers, panelists, wineries, sponsors, guests and the entire community. This has been an incredible journey and we are so thankful that you have joined us for this event. Wine Speak Paso Robles is the story of two friends—Chuck Furuya of DK Restaurants in Oahu, Hawaii and Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins of Ancient Peaks Winery in Santa Margarita, California—who wanted to bring the wine community together for a time of learning and sharing. Chuck is a wine icon who has helped transform the wine community in Hawaii while cultivating worldwide recognition for Hawaiian cuisine. He is also a dedicated teacher who has served on the Court of Master Sommeliers’ education committee for several years. Amanda is a 4th-generation Paso Robles native with deep roots in the wine industry and a burning desire to share Paso Robles wines with the world. Their friendship between began with mutual passion for the wines of Paso Robles—and a love for sharing them with others. It is in this spirit that they created Wine Speak Paso Robles. “Imagine the possibilities when you dream big. We hope you make new friends, learn from one another, and continue to elevate our wine community. Our wish is that you leave this experience inspired.”
Chuck Furuya and Amanda Wittstrom-Higgins
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS JANUARY 9TH 8:30-11:00AM - NEW WORLD SYRAH SEMINAR L O C AT I O N : ATA S C A D E R O H I S T O R I C C I T Y H A L L , 4 T H F L O O R . 6 5 0 0 PA L M A AV E , ATA S C A D E R O , C A 9 3 4 2 2
The goal of this session will be to share, collaborate and discover Syrah from a global perspective. Panelists will discuss personal challenges, successes, trials and the future of this great varietal, which some might suggest is under appreciated. We invite the audience to participate in an interactive discussion as we delve deeply into this classic RhĂ´ne variety to assess its status in the New World and its future in the global wine landscape.
PA N E L I STS : Sergio Carlei Winemaker at Carlei Wines (Victoria, Australia)
Andy Peay Peay Vineyards (West Sonoma Coast, California)
Bruce Neyers Owner, Neyers Winery (Napa Valley, California)
Greg Harrington, MS Founder and Winemaker at Gramercy Cellars (Walla Walla, Washington)
JANUARY 9TH (CONTINUED)
1 1 : 0 0 A M - 1 2 : 3 0 P M - L U N C H : Lunch will be out on the town. A map will be provided. 12:30-3:00PM - NEW WORLD CABERNET SAUVIGNON SEMINAR L O C AT I O N : ATA S C A D E R O H I S T O R I C C I T Y H A L L , 4 T H F L O O R . 6 5 0 0 PA L M A AV E , ATA S C A D E R O , C A 9 3 4 2 2
The goal of this session will be to share, collaborate and discover Cabernet Sauvignon from a global perspective. Panelists will discuss personal challenges, successes, trials and rich legacy of this iconic varietal. We invite the audience to participate in an interactive discussion as we delve deeply into this key varietal and its future in the global wine landscape.
PA N E L I STS : Sergio Carlei Winemaker, Carlei Wines (Victoria, Australia)
Bruce Neyers Owner, Neyers Winery (Napa Valley, California)
Greg Harrington, MS, Founder and Winemaker, Gramercy Cellars (Walla Walla, Washington)
3:00-6:00PM - BREAK 6 : 0 0 - 9 : 0 0 P M - “ B YO B ” C A S U A L N I G H T K I C KO F F TA S T I N G L O C AT I O N : T H E C A R LT O N R E S TA U R A N T , 6 0 0 5 E L C A M I N O R E A L , ATA S C A D E R O , C A 9 3 4 2 2
“BYOB” – Bring your own bottle that inspires others. Let’s get together, hang out, and have some fun! Join the luminaries of Wine Speak for a casual night of fine food, special wines and industry camaraderie at the Historic Carlton Hotel. We ask that you bring an inspiring bottle of wine to share in the effort to foster camaraderie and make new friends.
S M A L L P L AT E S P R O V I D E D B Y T H E F O L LO W I N G : CHEF CHARLIE
JUST BAKED BAKERY
ROSALINA / THE RANGE
THOMAS HILL ORGANICS
JANUARY 10TH 9:00-11:00AM - CENTRAL COAST SYRAH SEMINAR L O C AT I O N : ATA S C A D E R O H I S T O R I C C I T Y H A L L , 4 T H F L O O R . 6 5 0 0 PA L M A AV E , ATA S C A D E R O , C A 9 3 4 2 2
The goal of this session will be to share, collaborate and discover Syrah’s grown in AVAs across the Central Coast. Panelists will discuss personal challenges, successes, trials and the future of this great varietal, which some might suggest is underappreciated. We invite the audience to participate in an interactive discussion as we delve deeply into this this varietal and assess its status in the New World and its future in the global wine landscape. Each producer will bring a wine to share with the audience.
PA N E L I STS : Matt Dees Winemaker, Jonata, (Ballard Canyon, California)
Justin Smith Owner, Saxum (Paso Robles, California)
Adam Tolmach Owner and Winemaker, Ojai Vineyard (Santa Maria Valley, California)
1 1 : 0 0 - 1 2 : 3 0 P M - L U N C H : Lunch will be out on the town. A map will be provided. 12:30-3:00PM - CENTRAL COAST CABERNET SAUVIGNON SEMINAR L O C AT I O N : ATA S C A D E R O H I S T O R I C C I T Y H A L L , 4 T H F L O O R . 6 5 0 0 PA L M A AV E , ATA S C A D E R O , C A 9 3 4 2 2
The goal of this session will be to share, collaborate and discover Cabernet Sauvignon’s grown in AVAs across the Central Coast. Panelists will discuss personal challenges, successes, trials and rich legacy of this iconic varietal. We invite the audience to participate in an interactive discussion as we delve deeply into this key varietal and its future in the global wine landscape.
PA N E L I STS : Matt Dees Winemaker, Jonata, (Ballard Canyon, California)
Tyler Thomas Winemaker, Star Lane Vineyard (Happy Canyon, California)
Guillaume Fabre Winemaker & Owner, Clos Solene Winery (Paso Robles, California)
Mike Sinor Director of Winemaking, Ancient Peaks Winery (Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles, California)
JANUARY 10TH (CONTINUED)
3:00-6:00PM - BREAK 6 : 0 0 - 9 : 0 0 P M - “ TA S T E O F PA S O R O B L E S ” G R A N D TA S T I N G L O C AT I O N : PAV I L I O N O N T H E L A K E AT T H E ATA S C A D E R O L A K E PA R K . 9 3 1 5 P I S M O AV E , ATA S C A D E R O , C A 9 3 4 2 2
Join a “who’s who” list of Paso Robles wineries and local eateries where our favorite chefs will present wine friendly small plates and winemakers will showcase some of their finest reserve and library bottling. This is truly a unique networking opportunity to hang out, eat great food, taste great wines and meet other like-minded wine friends at this casual and fun event. Below are the participating wineries.
ALONG WITH S M A L L P L AT E S PROVIDED BY THE FOLLOWING: 15C Gourmet Cheese Bar El Compadre Authentic El Pastor Tacos Back Porch Bakery Artisan Bread Just Baked Bakery Dessert Bar Mersea’s Raw Oyster Bar Rosalina / The Range Spanish Bites
JANUARY 11TH H O S P I TA L I T Y D AY
9 : 0 0 - 1 0 : 3 0 A M - A B C ’ S F O R TA S T I N G R O O M S TA F F & R E S TA U R A N T S E R V E R S L O C AT I O N : PAV I L I O N O N T H E L A K E AT T H E ATA S C A D E R O L A K E PA R K . 9 3 1 5 P I S M O AV E , ATA S C A D E R O , C A 9 3 4 2 2
Led by lively and passionate Master Sommelier, Chuck Furuya, this seminar will provide insights into Paso Robles’ place in the global wine experience—and how to serve local wines with expertise and authority. This seminar includes an illuminating comparative wine tasting featuring some of the world’s most notable producers.
10:30-11:00AM - BREAK 1 1 : 0 0 -1 2 : 3 0 P M - “ S O YO U WA N T TO B E A W I N E P R O F E S S I O N A L? ” S E M I N A R L O C AT I O N : PAV I L I O N O N T H E L A K E AT T H E ATA S C A D E R O L A K E PA R K . 9 3 1 5 P I S M O AV E , ATA S C A D E R O , C A 9 3 4 2 2
We have assembled quite a prestigious panel of iconic sommeliers to inspire the next generation of prospective wine professionals. The focus will be on understanding the craft and how to develop essential skills for advancing your career in wine. PA N E L I STS : Fred Dame, MS Vice-President Of Prestige Accounts At American Wine & Spirits/Former Chairman Of The Court Of Master Sommeliers
Mark Shishido Wine Director, Alan Wong’s Restaurant
Nunzio Alioto, MS Former Chairman of the Court of Master Sommeliers
Chuck Furuya, MS DK Restaurants (Honolulu Hawaii)/ Co-Founder of Wine Speak Paso Robles
1 2 : 3 0 - 2 : 3 0 P M - L U N C H : Lunch will be out on the town. A map will be provided. 2 : 3 0 - 4 : 0 0 P M - T H E P H I LO S O P H Y O F A LO H A : B U I L D I N G G R E AT C U S TO M E R S E R V I C E S E M I N A R L O C AT I O N : PAV I L I O N O N T H E L A K E AT T H E ATA S C A D E R O L A K E PA R K . 9 3 1 5 P I S M O AV E , ATA S C A D E R O , C A 9 3 4 2 2
With a focus on exceptional customer service, this session shares insights into the award-winning hospitality culture that has made Hawaiian Airlines a leading choice for leisure travelers coming to Hawaii. Led by Renee Awana, Hawaiian Airlines’ Managing Director of Product Development, you’ll learn the tools and techniques used to create memorable guest experiences that translate into brand advocates and loyal customers - and be able to apply them to your own training and service initiatives. PA N E L I STS : Renee Awana Alisa Onishi Chuck Furuya MS, Managing Director Director of Brand DK Restaurants of Product Management & (Honolulu Hawaii)/ Development, Development, Co-Founder of Wine Hawaiian Airlines Hawaiian Airlines Speak Paso Robles
T H A N K YO U TO O U R G E N E R O U S S P O N S O R S
AVENUE | TWELVE UNIQUE VINTAGE RENTALS
@W I N ES P E A K PAS O