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Faces& Forums NEWSMAKERS Getting Into S The Rhone Zone Weekend of seminars followed by grand tasting an Francisco, Calif.—During the penultimate weekend of March, devotees of Rhone wines learned how U.S. winemakers are interpreting the multi- faceted French winegrape varieties. The 15th annual Celebration of American Rhone Wines included an entire weekend of events, starting with back-to-back tasting seminars: one for rare wines, the other pairing American Rhone wines with bacon. The 2007 Petite Sirah from Mount Akum Winery (see photo at right) won lavish praise after being paired with chocolate gelato and bacon jim- mies courtesy of Zazu Restaurant & Farm. A third seminar, held prior to the grand tasting, began with Patrick Comiskey of Wine & Spirits magazine leading a pledge of allegiance to Syrah. Comiskey moderated a seminar that showcased Syrah from 10 di- verse regions and climates including Virginia, Michigan and Oregon's Rogue River Valley. Winemakers discussed the varied benefits and challenges of their respective growing regions, paying particular attention to how these factors influence Syrah. Bill Easton of Domaine de la Terre Rouge in Fiddletown, Calif., said, "What we've learned is, for Syrah to really express itself, vines need to be eight to 10 years old." K D Organ of Chateau Ste Michelle said of her high-desert vineyard, "By picking time, the vines look horrible, but that's where we like them to be." —Kate Lavin 36 Wines & Vines MAY 2012 owner Jim sloate and winemaker Jason Welch (from left) represent Wesley ashley Wines. K d organ of chateau ste. michelle spoke at the syrah from diverse regions & climates event. bill easton brought 10 rhone wines from ama- dor county's domaine de la terre rouge. Joyal and laurie dishman show off mount akum Winery's new logo and label designs. robert Perkins and John lancaster pour red blends and varietal wines from skylark Wine co. rob folin of folin cellars represents one of two oregon wineries at the grand tasting. BRIDGET WILLIAMS