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The dreary weather did not dampen the spirits flowing at The Atlanta Wine Show. Atlanta wine lovers came to The Fox Theatre to enjoy wine tastings and culinary samplings from Atlanta's finest restaurants. Winemakers from all over the world, including Germany, Austria, Italy, and Australia, had representatives on hand eager to inform festival attendees about their particular wines. Some brand new international wines, not available yet on the American market, were available for sampling.
Local Northeast Georgia winemakers were also well represented at the festival, including Crane Creek Vineyards, Frogtown Cellars, Habersham Winery, Three Sisters Vineyards, Wolf Mountain Vineyards, and Chateau Elan Winery. Many of these local vineyards are relatively new to the winemaking industry, but are rapidly earning accolades and awards for their high quality wines. Cabernet Franc seemed to be in abundance, and it was excellent, as was many of the other blends I tried at the show. Georgia wines are really coming into their own, a far cry from the sweet Muscat wine that is generally associated with the Georgia region. In fact, there is a great deal of variety in Georgia produced wines, and that applies to both red and white wines. As the winemaking process in Georgia becomes more sophisticated, the friendly, family owned wine estates still thrive. This is not the place for wine snobs, but for those that appreciate the hard work and dedication that creating good wine takes.
Also in attendance were some of Atlanta's finest restaurants, with culinary delicacies to compliment the fine wine being poured. Local restaurants included Ami, Cavu, Gilbert's Mediterannean Cafe, which is one of my personal favorites, as well as Sambuca Jazz Cafe, and Cafe Tu Tu Tango, among many other Atlanta dining landmarks.
Two wine seminars were offered throughout the festival. One was an exploration of the California wine region, and the other provided an education on Viognier, which has seen a rise in popularity throughout the world in the past decade.
Other upcoming wine and gourmet culinary shows include Wine South 2003 and A Taste of Atlanta. More Atlanta area wine events can be found at Local Wine Events Atlanta.
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