Volcanic Wines International Concludes Successful First Annual 'International Volcanic Wine Conference'

Volcanic Wines International (http://www.volcanicwinesinternational.com) held its first annual 'International Volcanic Wines Conference (IVWC)' on March 27, 2018 in New York City. Hosted by John Szabo, Master Sommelier and award-winning author, the event followed the global success of his definitive book on the subject, 'Volcanic Wines: Salt, Grit and Power,' published in 2016. Exclusively for qualifying wine trade and media, 300 industry professionals attended the event.

A first of its kind, the conference acted as a catalyst for the volcanic wine community, bringing together producers from all over the world and raising the profile of volcanic wines, defined as a unique category of wines produced under some of the most extreme viticultural conditions on the planet. During the conference, guests were able to sample wines from over 50 wineries from 16 different volcanic wine regions and engage with some of the world's leading volcanic wine experts during workshops.

"The conference was wildly successful and very educational, with guests able to taste quality wines from diverse volcanic soils," says John Szabo. "I am excited for what's to come, including regional events and next year's conference, and continuing our mission to elevate the volcanic wine category in the eyes, and palates, of industry professionals as well as wine lovers."

The IVWC began with an opening presentation hosted by John Szabo and expert panelists Dr. Georges Vougioukalakis, Volcanologist, and Dr. Kevin Pogue, Geology Professor at Whitman College. Throughout the afternoon, members of the wine trade and press participated in unique workshops highlighting different volcanic wine regions, as well as a grand tasting. Workshops included "Volcanic Italy... as seen through Aglianico and Garganega," sponsored by LLS, a member of The Winebow Group, "Soave: A Never-ending Volcanic Wine Story," sponsored by the Consorzio Tutela Vino Soave, "The Volcanic Wines of Santorini: 3700 years in the making," organized by Wines from Santorini & Wines of Greece and "Extreme Cabernet from Lake County's Extreme Volcanic Terroir," sponsored by the Lake County Winegrape Commission & Lake County Winery Association. During the tasting workshops, winemakers and experts from these regions delved deeply into the topic, exploring the unique characteristics that makes these volcanic wines special.

"The 2018 IVWC was the first educational event that showcased volcanic wines from a variety of regions together," explains Sofia Perpera, Director of the Greek Wine Bureau-North America. "The Santorini-focused workshop was a highlight for us, elevating these terrific volcanic wines to top-tier industry professionals. We look forward raising the profile of all volcanic wines in years to come!"

"The conference seminars explored what differentiates volcanic wines in the world of wine, and what unites them. It also gave participants an unprecedented opportunity to taste a vast collection of volcanic wines under a single roof, with producers at hand to further explain their unique attributes," says Szabo.
For more information and the latest updates, visit Volcanic Wines International's official website http://www.volcanicwinesinternational.com, and follow VWI's Facebook (Volcanic Wines International) and Instagram (@volcanicwines_int l) pages.

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About Volcanic Wines International (VWI)
The mission of Volcanic Wines International is to take the leading role in defining and establishing a Volcanic Wine Movement, and to provide educational and promotional opportunities for volcanic wine producers internationally. Volcanic Wines International also plans to establish the volcanic wine brand as a premium category of high quality wines with a true sense of place.

About John Szabo
John Szabo is a Toronto-based author and wine critic, and in 2004 was the first Canadian to add the Master Sommelier credential to his name. He was named 'Canada's best-known sommelier' in Meininger's Wine Business International, and he is a partner and a wine critic for WineAlign.com and freelances widely. In addition to Volcanic Wines, Salt, Grit and Power, his book titles include Pairing Food and Wine for Dummies and Sommelier Management. John also works as a restaurant consultant, and speaks and judges internationally, when he's not making a few dozen bottles of wine from his vineyard in Eger, Hungary.

About Colangelo & Partners
Colangelo & Partners (http://www.colangelopr.com) specializes in premium food, wine and spirits brands, and has long-established relationships with the key press that drive these business categories and help determine the industry leaders. Agency principals have years of experience in retail and distribution as well as communications, a rare combination that gives Colangelo & Partners invaluable insights into consumer purchasing behavior. The agency focuses on "closing the loop" between creative communications programs, distribution, promotion, publicity, and the consumer in order to maximize the efficiency of its communications programs and deliver measurable results. Founded in 2006, Colangelo & Partners was honored as one of the year's top integrated communications firms at the 2013 Agency Elite Awards and for one of the best digital marketing campaigns at the 2014 Digital PR Awards.

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