Following on the success of the International Riesling Symposium 2011 in the Rheingau region, top producers of Pinot Noir from around the world will be meeting in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler in the Ahr valley on 25th and 26th February 2012 to celebrate the International Pinot Noir Symposium.

The symposium is intended to provide a platform and also to reflect current trends, giving participants in the wine industry, the on- and off-trade an opportunity to taste and compare the specific wealth of variation found in Pinot Noir, depending on its origin, climate, and handling in the cellar. Respected lecturers will be presenting the latest trens, and invite participants to join in lectures and discussions. They will be reporting on their experiences in the cultivation and production of the variety, special things to be considered in marketing and promoting the wines, and will also show up the market perspectives for the future for Pinot Noir in the international markets.

A gala dinner takes place on the evening of the 25th of February, with two-star chef Hans Stefan Steinheuer and his team treating guests to an exceptional menu. Each course will be acompanied by two outstanding Pinot Noir wines. In the course of the evening, the „Grand Pinot Noir Award“ will be presented by Kurt Beck, prime minister of the state of Rheinland-Pfalz, and the gala evening will be rounded off by a late night party.

The 1. International Pinot Noir Symposium is being organised by the International Wine Institute (IWI) and by the shapefruit agency. (CS with information provided by IWI and VDP)