Back to 2008 Daily Schedule (Itinerary)



Andrea Robinson (formerly Andrea Immer), energetic wine educator and Master Sommelier will be the IPNC Master of Ceremonies. With eight books, two television programs and several wine columns to her credit, Andrea will lead a tasting and discussion which will include some of the world's superlative Pinot noir producers such as Frederic Lafarge (Domaine Michel Lafarge of Burgundy, France), Tony Rynders (Domaine Serene of Oregon), Ted Casteel (Bethel Heights of Oregon), Ted Lemon (Littorai of California), Blair Walters (Felton Road of New Zealand), and Michael Dhillon (Bindi of Australia). Guests will be exposed to the diverse array of sustainable approaches these progressive winemakers have employed in their vineyards.

Next, host Jasper Morris, wine expert and writer, along with pre-eminent producer Dominique Lafon, of the legendary estate Domaine des Comtes Lafon, will guide guests through a distinctive tasting of wines from Dominique's own cellar. Dominique will share his personal journey as a leader in implementing major viticultural changes in Burgundy, favoring biodynamic and organic farming as a means of producing the highest quality wines while being respectful of the environment. This rare opportunity will teach guests how, for Domaine des Comtes Lafon, sustainability and supreme quality are inseparable.



Photo courtesy of Ponzi Vineyards
Travel through the vine-covered countryside to a nearby Willamette Valley winery. Enjoy a guided stroll through the vineyard and winery, and learn about the many avenues winegrowers take toward sustainability. Producers from other Pinot Noir growing regions will be on hand to add their perspectives to the dialogue. Try your hand at scoring the vineyard's sustainability based on the parameters set forth by the innovative L.I.V.E. (Low Impact Viticulture and Enology) program. Afterward, enjoy an intimate winery lunch, prepared by one of our featured Guest Chefs. Local fare will be paired with a selection of wines from your host wineries.

IN KEEPING WITH THE IPNC TRADITION, YOUR VINEYARD AND WINERY LUNCH DESTINATION WILL REMAIN A SECRET UNTIL YOU BOARD YOUR BUS AND YOUR BUS IS EN ROUTE.

GROUP ACTIVITIES Guests are divided into two groups for the morning seminars and lunch, reuniting for the afternoon activities and dinners. On Friday, Group A will go on the Bus Tour, while Group B will remain on campus. On Saturday, the groups will switch so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy every part of the program. Group requests must be received by May 31.





2007 Morning Seminar - 'The Secret Life of Pinot Noir'
To see a video of last year's morning seminar, 'The Secret Life of Pinot Noir: Pinot Takes a Walk on the Sparkling Side,' click here. (You will be redirected to a page outside of the IPNC website.)