The 2024 American Wine Society National Conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina/ USA with Annette and Christian Schiller: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Annette Schiller, President of ombiasy WineTours and member of the American Wine Society, led 2 wine tastings at the 2024 National Conference of the American Wine Society: "Discovery of the Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Regions of France" and "Germany’s Perfect Home for Pinot Grapes" 

In addition, Annette and Christian Schiller poured a selection of German wines at the Showcase of Wines event during the second evening. 

The 57th American Wine Society National Conference was held on November 1-3, 2024 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Attendance was at around 700 wine lovers from all over the USA. 

Last year, the American Wine Society National Conference took place in St. Louis/ Missouri. See: The 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens 

All of the pictures in this posting are mine. 

The American Wine Society

The American Wine Society was founded in 1967 as a non-profit, educational, consumer-oriented organization for those interested in learning more about all aspects of wine. On October 7, 1967, around 200 grape growers, home winemakers, and wine lovers gathered at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s vineyard on Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, NY for the AWS’ initial meeting.

In December of the same year, the thirteen charter members, led by Founder Dr. Konstantin Frank, met to determine the organization structure of AWS and elect officers. Now in its 49th year, the American Wine Society is the largest consumer based wine education organization in North America. Membership is open to anyone interested in wine and over 21 years of age.

In the early days, AWS members were located primarily in the eastern part of the country. As the society grew , we established chapters throughout the eastern U.S., then into the south and Midwest, and finally into western states. Today, the American Wine Society has over 5,000 members in 45 states and 120 chapters across the U.S.

Each November the Society hosts a three-day national conference with two full days of nearly 50 educational seminars to choose from. Winery owners, wine educators, and renowned wine makers are selected to present sessions during this national event. In addition, a program educating members to become AWS certified wine judges is conducted on the day preceding the seminars.

Thursday and Friday were the days of wine judging. There were full-day courses for those who want to become a certified AWS Wine Judge. This is a 3-year program. Also, the Amateur and Commercial Wine Competitions took place on Thursday and earlier in the week.

Saturday and Sunday was filled with about 50 wine seminars, led by winery owners, wine educators, and renowned winemakers. The breakfasts, lunches, dinners and after-dinner gatherings provided ample opportunities to network with other AWS members.

Postings on schiller-wine

This is the first in a series of postings related to the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina:

The 2024 American Wine Society National Conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina/ USA with Annette and Christian Schiller: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Discovery of the Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Regions of France - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours

Germany’s Perfect Home for Pinot Grapes - Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, led by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours

German Wines at the American Wine Society: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2024 American Wine Society National Conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina,with Annette and Christian Schiller

Late-night Tasting of older French and Californian Wines, with about 20 Wine Ffriends, including, Notably, Joel Peterson, the Godfather of Zinfandel, at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina  

Exploring Wines of the Lone Star State - Texas: Seminar at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, led by Graydon Vandament, President of the AWS Northern Virginia Chapter

The Joy of Wine - Celebrating Wine with Wine Friends: The Grand Banquet at the American Wine Society National Conference 2024 in in Winston-Salem

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Annette and I went by car to Winston-Salem, with the wine for 2 presentations and 1 walk-around tasting. First thing after arriving at around 4 pm was to deliver the wines to the stock-room.

While checking-in, we bumped into Bill Stefan, AWS President 2022-2024, Eric Feldhake, AWS President 2024 - 2026 and Graydon Vandament, NoVa Chapter Chair.

Thursday was Halloween.

Friday, November 1, 2024

7:00 am – 5:00 pm *Wine Judge Certification

8:00 am – 5:00 pm *WineSmarts Level 1 and 2

9:00 am – 5:00 pm *Pre-Conference Winery Tours 

10:00 am – 3:00 pm Regional Ambassador / Volunteer Leadership Team / Committee Chair / Chapter Chair (Leadership) Meetings

12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Registration Desk Open

Ombiasy Table

We set up our ombiasy WineTours table in the afternoon.

Neighbor: Tim Hanni, MW

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm First-Timers Orientation

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm The Grapevine – (Leadership Social)

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm *Presidential Reception presented by CRU 100 and sponsored by Union Grand Crus Bordeaux

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm North Carolina Wineries sponsored Welcome Reception

We talked quite a bit to Joel Peterson, the "Godfather of Zindfandel", who has been coming to the AWS conferences for years now; this time, he was accompagnied by his wife. I think we go back to the 2016 conference in California, the first AWS national conference for Joel and us. 

See: The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

10:00 pm – 12:00 am Hospitality Suite Open 

Late-night Tasting

Annette and I enjoyed an impressive late-night tasting of older French and Californian wines, with about 20 wine friends, including, notably, Joel Peterson.

Saturday, November 2, 2024

7:00 am – 6:00 pm Registration Desk Open (closed during meals)

7:30 am - 8:45 am Sparkling Wine Breakfast sponsored by Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery

8:45 am – 6:00 pm Exhibits Open

ombiasy WineTours Table

8:45 am – 6:00 pm AWSEF Silent Auction Open

8:30 am – 12:00 pm *Wine Judge Certification Program

9:00 am – 10:15 am Sessions A

11:00 am – 12:15 pm Sessions B

Discovery of the Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Regions of France

B Sessions: Saturday, Nov. 2: 11:00 – 12:15 

Session: B3 Room: Piedmont 3

Presenter: Annette Schiller Owner of ombiasy PR & Wine Tours

Abstract: In 2020 France was number-one worldwide in wine production (International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), 2023). There are 11 wine regions and 363 appellations in France. The image of France as producer of high-prized, highly sought-after wines from the five most-known regions: Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhône, Loire and Champagne, is spread across the globe. But what about the other regions? These regions do not get the same fame and press coverage but deserve just as much recognition. We will explore six undiscovered and overlooked wine regions that showcase unique wines, with excellent quality and value across the board. We will start in the Lorraine, move to the Jura, travel to Cahors, take the boat to Corsica, explore the Garonne and Lot, and finish in the Pyrenees mountains of the Basques country, in Irouleguy.

See also: Tasting of 5 Off-the-beaten-path Wines from France at the Washington Wine and Cheese Seminar, led by Annette Schiller (May 28, 2024)

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Luncheon & Business Meeting sponsored by Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery

Tim Hanni, MW, joined Annette and me at our table.

2:15 pm – 3:30 pm Sessions C

4:15 pm – 5:30 pm Sessions D

5:45 pm – 6:45 pm Amateur Wine Competition Awards

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Showcase of Wines

Annette and I had a table where we poured 6 wines from Germany.

10:00 pm – 12:00 am Hospitality Suite Open

Late-night Tasting

Annette and I enjoyed another impressive late-night tasting, this time mostly wines from Italy, California  and Bordeaux, with about 20 wine friends.

Sunday, November 3, 2024

7:00 am – 3:00 pm Registration Desk Open

7:30 am – 8:45 am Breakfast & AWSEF Annual Meeting

8:45 am – 4:00 pm Exhibits Open

ombiasy WineTours Table

9:00 am – 10:15 am Sessions E

"Exploring Wines of the Lone Star State" - Most entertaining and educational presentation of the wines of Texas at the National Convention of the American Wine Society by Graydon Vandament, President of the AWS Northern Virginia Chapter.

11:00 am – 12:15 pm Sessions F

12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Awards Luncheon / Best in Class Wine Competition Awards Sponsored by Union Grand Crus Bordeaux

2:45 pm – 4:00 pm Sessions G

Germany’s Perfect Home for Pinot Grapes

Presenter: Annette Schiller, Owner of ombiasy PR & Wine Tours

G Sessions: Sunday, Nov. 3: 2:45 – 4:00

Session: G1 Room: Piedmont 1

Abstract: The 13 wine-growing regions in Germany are spread across the country like a picture. Only in these different regions can the different grape varieties find what they need: the right soils and sheltered locations facing the sun. Germany has been known in the U.S. mostly for its delicious Rieslings. However, because of Germany’s latitude, ranging from 48.5° to 51°, the Pinot grapes also discovered perfect growing conditions here. This session will examine examples of the top 3 Pinot grapes: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot.

See also: Exploring the Pinot Grapes of Germany: Red, Grey, White - Wine Tasting at the American Wine Society (NoLoCo Chapter), led by Annette Schiller (July 2024)

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm NOW, YOU BE THE JUDGE!

Private Pre-Grand Banquet Reception

7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Grand Banquet

10:00 pm – 12:00 am Music, Dancing and Hospitality Suite Open

Private Cigar After-Party

Next Day: Leaving

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2023 in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot, with Annette Schiller

A Journey Through The Loire Valley - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Towards the Freedom to Make the Right Wine - Seminar at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Annette Schiller`s 3 Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Sparkling Wines, Austria, Bordeaux

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2018 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in in Buffalo, New York State

The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, with Annette and Christian Schiller

"Abbey Wines”: The Importance of the Monasteries for the Development of Viticulture - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Burgundy Pinot Noir and German Pinot Noir: Differences and Similarities - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA, led by Annette Schiller

A Journey through the Rhône Valley - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2017 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

The 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Showcase of Wines at the 2017 National Conference of the American Wine Society: Annette and Christian Schiller Present German/ VDP/ Loosen Bros. USA Wines

A Journey through the Vineyards of Alsace - A Tasting Seminar at the National Conference 2017 of the American Wine Society, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Burgundy: What makes it so Special? - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

German Wines in the 21st Century - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2016 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in California

The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

The New Germany: Red, Sparkling and Dry - Tasting at the American Wine Society 2016 National Conference in Los Angeles, USA, led by Annette Schiller

The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA

The Insider’s View of Charles Krug Winery - Peter Mondavi Jr., Co-Proprietor, Charles Krug Winery

Château Climens, Premier Cru Barsac and Savory Dishes…who knew? - Bérénice Lurton, Owner of Château Climens and Tony Lawrence, Global Food & Wine Pairing Specialist