My European Adventure: Prowein

It was a bit overwhelming attending the largest wine convention in the world but it was such a great experience being new to the wine sector. Over 5000 vendors from countries around the world attended the convention and it was meant for business purposes. But it was neat as a student to talk business with industry professionals and learn about how they got involved. We had a really nice introduction to the convention by talking to a representative from Jacobs Creek in Australia. He was such a sweetheart and we tasted about 8 wines first up at 9am. Around lunch time we tasted small plates from a chef in California who was originally from New England so it was nice to have a piece of home and familiarity. We had amazing sliders, chowder, ribs, pulled pork, and sirloin. What an inspiring guy to because he was going straight to Stuttgart after the convention to cook for the troops. I also got to talk to a General Manager of a Family estate in Cali who used to live in Dover, New Hampshire (right next to UNH) so it was really really cool hearing his story. He let us taste his $200 bottle of wine too! The tastings continued for three days and I probably tried over 100 wines. Needless to say my taste buds were shot.

We were so lucky to be able to explore Dusseldorf while we were there. It was the cutest city and we are amazing food and drank lots of beer! I ate a LOT of sausage, pigs knuckle, sauerkraut, weener schnitzel, and pork medallions. By far my favorite country I have cisited and I am already stoked to go back and travel Germany with my family.

On our way back from ProWein we stopped at a family estate in Germany to do another wine tasting. The owners daughter actually graduated from the Wine Program at the Burgundy school in Dijon. She was so nice and we had probably 6 different wines and they were all absolutely delicious. She also prepared lunch for is and I even tried blood sausage!

Ahh until next time Germany!

Co op tasting in Alsace.