Sonoma County Winegrape Commission and Sonoma County Vintners are once again working with Full Circle Wine Solutions, Inc. to create a unique trade program for key influential buyers and sommeliers to learn more about the Sonoma County wine region and become strong advocates for Sonoma County in the marketplace. Each year, two markets are selected for the "SONOMA IN THE CITY" program. In 2012, SONOMA IN THE CITY will be in Chicago on March 27, 2012 and Los Angeles on April 24, 2012.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Tuesday, March 27, 2012.

BIN 36 - 339 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60654-4817

10 AM - 12 PM:  VIP Trade Only - Pinot Noir Trade Seminar (40-50 guests)
12 PM - 1:30PM: VIP Trade Only - AVA Showcase Trade Lunch Seminar (40-50 guests)
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM: GENERAL Trade Admission - Walkabout Grand Tasting (200-250 guests)
6 PM - 8:30 PM: CONSUMER Admission - Walkabout Grand Tasting (250-300 guests)

This registration form and participation fee of $175 is for the Grand Tasting events for Trade and Consumers. The wine selections for the Pinot Noir and Lunch seminars have been selected by Full Circle Wine Solutions, Inc.  A WINEMAKER, OWNER, OR WINERY PRINCIPAL MUST BE PRESENT FOR THE TRADE SESSION FROM 1:30 – 4:30 PM. Alternate winery staff can pour during consumer portion from 6 – 8:30 PM.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012.

Evening Consumer Events start at 6:00 PM (please feel free to schedule your own market account visits/press visits during the day if you are staying on for these auxiliary events).

We are planning auxiliary events to augment Sonoma County's presence in Chicago that week. There are consumer retail events at Poison Cup (3 wineries) and Eno Wine Room - Intercontinental (5 wineries) as well as an in-store tasting and demonstration at Williams Sonoma (5 wineries), and a VISA Signature winemaker dinner at Blackbird Restaurant (2 wineries) currently being planned. If you are interested in being considered for these events, please check the appropriate boxes on the registration form. We will confirm which wineries will be selected for participation by mid-February. PLEASE NOTE THAT A WINERY PRINCIPAL/WINEMAKER MUST BE AVAILABLE TO PRESENT WINES AT THE AUXILIARY EVENTS.

WINE CONSOLIDATION

Wines are being consolidated, except for barrel samples for the Pinot Noir Seminar which will be hand-carried by participating winemakers. 8 bottles of each wine being presented at the Tuesday events will be required. Participating wineries will need to send the wine to SCV offices in late February for wine shipment consolidation. More details will be comminucated once final list of wineries has been confirmed.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS 

Rooms available on a first come basis!

We have secured a limited number of rooms at Hotel Sax: 333 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL  60654 on March 26 and 27. Negotiated room rates are $209/night for a Double Deluxe, includes complimentary Wi-Fi.

Wineries may call the Hotel Sax Reservation Department at 877.569.3742 and request the “Sonoma in the City” Guestroom Block to ensure they receive the discounted rate. Reservations may be received until Sunday, February 26 at 3 PM to receive the discounted rate or until the group block is filled, whichever comes first.  

Alternative hotel options: 

Courtyard Marriott: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chiwb-courtyard-chicago-downtown-river-north/ - 0.2 miles from BIN 36

Amalfi: http://amalfihotelchicago1-px.trvlclick.com/ - 0.1 miles from BIN 36

Trump: http://www.trumpchicagohotel.com/ - 0.3 miles from BIN 36