Sponsors
Gusbourne
“Making exceptional wine takes craftsmanship, respect for nature… and uncompromising attention to detail.” Andrew Weeber, Gusbourne Founder From the moment we planted our first vines in 2004, our vision has been to create the finest vintage wines using grapes exclusively from our own vineyards. We grow the highest quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes across the Gusbourne Estate, with 60 hectares in Appledore, Kent and 30 hectares next to the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex. These predominantly Burgundian clones yield smaller volumes of intensely flavourful fruit, which thrive in our unique microclimates. This exceptional produce is the vital first ingredient in making our award-winning sparkling wines, all crafted using the traditional method. Our debut vintages – Brut Reserve 2006 and Blanc de Blancs 2006 – were released in 2010 to critical acclaim, earning accolades from the world’s most exacting wine critics. Gusbourne sparkling and still wines continue to win prestigious national and international industry awards every year.
Taylor's
For many, Taylor’s is the archetypal Port house and its wines the quintessential Ports. Established over three centuries ago in 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest of the founding Port houses. It is dedicated entirely to the production of Port wine and in particular to its finest styles. Above all, Taylor’s is regarded as the benchmark for Vintage Port. Noted for their elegance and poise as well as for their restrained power and longevity, Taylor’s Vintage Ports are blended from the finest wines of the firm’s own quintas or estates, Vargellas, Terra Feita and Junco. These three iconic properties, each occupying a distinct geographic location and with their own unique character, are the cornerstone of the company’s success and the main source of its unique and inimitable house style. Taylor’s is also respected as a producer of wood aged ports and holds one of the largest reserves of rare cask aged wines from which its distinguished aged tawny Ports are drawn. The house is also known as the originator of Late Bottled Vintage, a style which the firm pioneered and of which it remains the leading producer. Above all, Taylor’s is an independent company in which some family members play a leading role in all areas of the firm’s activity. The firm’s long and unbroken family tradition has provided continuity and clarity of purpose, essential attributes of any great wine house. It has also allowed the skills and knowledge required to produce the finest ports to be constantly refined and added to in the light of experience as they are passed down from one generation to the next. Based in Oporto and the Douro Valley the company is closely involved in all stages of the production of its Ports, from the planting of the vineyard and the cultivation of the grapes to the making, ageing, blending and bottling of the wines. The family’s commitment to the future of Port is demonstrated in its single minded dedication to the highest standards in Port production, its continued investment in all aspects of the firm’s operations and its determination to preserve the unique environment of the Douro Valley through the promotion of sustainable and responsible viticulture.
Altair
Familia Torres
The roots of the Torres family in the Penedès can be traced back to the 17th century. Documents show that even in those days the ancestors of the Torres family were vintners and sold their wines on a small scale. Our Mission: "We are a team of individuals committed to one single objective: From the soil to the table, we create exceptional wines and distillates, with the aim of encouraging memorable experiences in every corner of the world”. As a family company, we pass on our values of excellence from one generation to the next, and we have a firm belief in social, environmental and economic sustainability, by combining the tradition we have inherited with the constant innovation to lead the future.
Almaviva
In 1997, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA, and Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle, Chairman of Viña Concha y Toro S.A., sealed a partnership agreement with a view to create an exceptional Franco-Chilean wine called Almaviva. Produced under the joint technical supervision of both partners, the first vintage achieved immediate international success upon its launch in 1998. Made from a blend of classic Bordeaux varieties, in which Cabernet Sauvignon predominates, Almaviva is the result of a felicitous encounter between two cultures. Chile offers its soil, its climate and its vineyards, while France contributes its winemaking savoir-faire and traditions. The result is an exceptionally elegant and complex wine. Its launch was a major milestone in the development of Chilean wines, both in Chile itself and in the international market.
Remírez de Ganuza
Since 1989, tireless innovation and a thirst for progress have cast Remírez de Ganuza as a leading light in the Rioja region. It began with a few carefully chosen vineyards in the foothills of Sierra Cantabria; a rich tapestry of old Tempranillo, Graciano, Viura, and Malvasía vines with excellent quality. In pursuit of pure fruit and terroir expression, Remírez de Ganuza sought new ways to vinify its wines. Their winemaking team designed Spain’s first grape selection table and brought in French oak barriques at a time when Rioja’s barrels were steadfastly American. By reimagining traditional methods, Remírez de Ganuza ushered in the modern era of Rioja winemaking. It has paved the way for greater oenological precision alongside sustainable, low-intervention viticulture. A bottle of Remírez de Ganuza presents itself as something rare and unique, it’s a wine that has been made with care and aged with patience – waiting to reveal what Rioja can achieve.
Gusbourne
“Making exceptional wine takes craftsmanship, respect for nature… and uncompromising attention to detail.” Andrew Weeber, Gusbourne Founder From the moment we planted our first vines in 2004, our vision has been to create the finest vintage wines using grapes exclusively from our own vineyards. We grow the highest quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes across the Gusbourne Estate, with 60 hectares in Appledore, Kent and 30 hectares next to the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex. These predominantly Burgundian clones yield smaller volumes of intensely flavourful fruit, which thrive in our unique microclimates. This exceptional produce is the vital first ingredient in making our award-winning sparkling wines, all crafted using the traditional method. Our debut vintages – Brut Reserve 2006 and Blanc de Blancs 2006 – were released in 2010 to critical acclaim, earning accolades from the world’s most exacting wine critics. Gusbourne sparkling and still wines continue to win prestigious national and international industry awards every year.
Taylor's
For many, Taylor’s is the archetypal Port house and its wines the quintessential Ports. Established over three centuries ago in 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest of the founding Port houses. It is dedicated entirely to the production of Port wine and in particular to its finest styles. Above all, Taylor’s is regarded as the benchmark for Vintage Port. Noted for their elegance and poise as well as for their restrained power and longevity, Taylor’s Vintage Ports are blended from the finest wines of the firm’s own quintas or estates, Vargellas, Terra Feita and Junco. These three iconic properties, each occupying a distinct geographic location and with their own unique character, are the cornerstone of the company’s success and the main source of its unique and inimitable house style. Taylor’s is also respected as a producer of wood aged ports and holds one of the largest reserves of rare cask aged wines from which its distinguished aged tawny Ports are drawn. The house is also known as the originator of Late Bottled Vintage, a style which the firm pioneered and of which it remains the leading producer. Above all, Taylor’s is an independent company in which some family members play a leading role in all areas of the firm’s activity. The firm’s long and unbroken family tradition has provided continuity and clarity of purpose, essential attributes of any great wine house. It has also allowed the skills and knowledge required to produce the finest ports to be constantly refined and added to in the light of experience as they are passed down from one generation to the next. Based in Oporto and the Douro Valley the company is closely involved in all stages of the production of its Ports, from the planting of the vineyard and the cultivation of the grapes to the making, ageing, blending and bottling of the wines. The family’s commitment to the future of Port is demonstrated in its single minded dedication to the highest standards in Port production, its continued investment in all aspects of the firm’s operations and its determination to preserve the unique environment of the Douro Valley through the promotion of sustainable and responsible viticulture.
Altair
Familia Torres
The roots of the Torres family in the Penedès can be traced back to the 17th century. Documents show that even in those days the ancestors of the Torres family were vintners and sold their wines on a small scale. Our Mission: "We are a team of individuals committed to one single objective: From the soil to the table, we create exceptional wines and distillates, with the aim of encouraging memorable experiences in every corner of the world”. As a family company, we pass on our values of excellence from one generation to the next, and we have a firm belief in social, environmental and economic sustainability, by combining the tradition we have inherited with the constant innovation to lead the future.
Almaviva
In 1997, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA, and Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle, Chairman of Viña Concha y Toro S.A., sealed a partnership agreement with a view to create an exceptional Franco-Chilean wine called Almaviva. Produced under the joint technical supervision of both partners, the first vintage achieved immediate international success upon its launch in 1998. Made from a blend of classic Bordeaux varieties, in which Cabernet Sauvignon predominates, Almaviva is the result of a felicitous encounter between two cultures. Chile offers its soil, its climate and its vineyards, while France contributes its winemaking savoir-faire and traditions. The result is an exceptionally elegant and complex wine. Its launch was a major milestone in the development of Chilean wines, both in Chile itself and in the international market.
Remírez de Ganuza
Since 1989, tireless innovation and a thirst for progress have cast Remírez de Ganuza as a leading light in the Rioja region. It began with a few carefully chosen vineyards in the foothills of Sierra Cantabria; a rich tapestry of old Tempranillo, Graciano, Viura, and Malvasía vines with excellent quality. In pursuit of pure fruit and terroir expression, Remírez de Ganuza sought new ways to vinify its wines. Their winemaking team designed Spain’s first grape selection table and brought in French oak barriques at a time when Rioja’s barrels were steadfastly American. By reimagining traditional methods, Remírez de Ganuza ushered in the modern era of Rioja winemaking. It has paved the way for greater oenological precision alongside sustainable, low-intervention viticulture. A bottle of Remírez de Ganuza presents itself as something rare and unique, it’s a wine that has been made with care and aged with patience – waiting to reveal what Rioja can achieve.
Partners
Texsom
TEXSOM was founded in 2005 as the Texas Sommelier Conference to help promote professional wine service standards, outline paths for further beverage education and certification, and raise public awareness about professional standards and certifications for sommeliers. What began as an opportunity for Texas sommeliers to learn and train evolved into an international event for beverage professionals from all tiers of the industry to network and grow.
Texsom
TEXSOM was founded in 2005 as the Texas Sommelier Conference to help promote professional wine service standards, outline paths for further beverage education and certification, and raise public awareness about professional standards and certifications for sommeliers. What began as an opportunity for Texas sommeliers to learn and train evolved into an international event for beverage professionals from all tiers of the industry to network and grow.