Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts

Unless we get some really compelling reason soon why these dates don't work, I am pleased to announced that the SEVENTEENTH annual convention of Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts will be held on the following dates in either San Francisco, Napa, and/or Sonoma:

Thursday, March 23, 2016
Friday, March 24, 2016
Saturday, March 25, 2016 (convention dinner)
Sunday, March 26, 2016.

The previous conventions (can someone double check this for me, I'm going from memory):

2001: Chicago
2002: Napa
2003: NYC
2004: Chicago
2005: France
2006: Sonoma
2007: Washington, D.C.
2008: Miami
2009: Washington, D.C.
2010: Chicago
2011: San Francisco
2012: Washington, D.C.
2013: Dallas
2014: Washington, D.C.
2015: France
2016: Washington, D.C.
2017: California

In recent years we have been limiting attendance to around 40, although we may have a little flexibility, depending on the venues involved.

Make your plans soon! More details to come.

BD

Lucie and I are in!

I'm in (hopefully)

Linda and I are in.

Jim How + 1.

Danielle and I are in.

Normally, I'm in. But we'll be betwwen 1 and 4. Please avoid Napa as I had some problem with my trousers in 2002...

Nic

I'm already excited!

Blanquito + hermano are in!

Comte and MEK? Joining the fun?

If you come, I can set up stuff in hipster Denver and the mountains before or after too, if that helps make the trip worth it.

Wow I can still barely remember Chicago #1. Oh where have you gone Joltin Joe Whuzzupio?

I'll be there.

Ha you don't you remember Chicago '01 AKR because you weren't there, first time we met you was Napa '02, the weekend of Nic and the whoopie pie incident....

Maybe I'm thinking of Chicago 2004. Which year was it at Bin #33?

'04

Marjorie and me plan to participate.

Chris Bublitz

Nice.

I plan on coming. Hopefully Jill will join.

Count me in.
My wife doesn't like Bordeaux but she likes vacations. She's a maybe.

Well done.

Potential attendees so far:

JimHow + 1
Stefan & Lucie
Blanquito + hermano
Chris & Marjorie
SF Ed & Lisa
MicgaelP & Nalan
Jacques & Jill
Nicolas & Marie-Claude
Chris + 1
AKR + 1
WilliamP + Linda
Claret
Danny + Danielle
Tim

Lisa and I are in!

SF Ed

So does it look like this is on? I'm arranging to book my March travel now.

Yes! Those are the dates, glad you can make it Timmy!

Nalan and I confirm our attendance on the prescribed dates, regardless of whether it's SF, Napa and/or Sonoma.

I plan to attend with Lisa.

hm$

Potential attendees so far:

JimHow + 1
Stefan & Lucie
Blanquito + hermano
Chris & Marjorie
SF Ed & Lisa
MicgaelP & Nalan
Jacques & Jill
Nicolas & Marie-Claude
Chris + 1
AKR + 1
WilliamP + Linda
Claret
Danny + Danielle
Tim
hm$ + Lisa

Total = 28

When do we need to pick a final location? To set up stuff that needs longer lead times like dinner venues, winery visits, etc? Do we have a deadline?

As you can see, I'm looking forward to this!

Personally, I'd vote San Fran for the Convention, but with a day trip to Sonoma on Friday perhaps (rent a passenger van or two, and hit some choice wineries). I've done this once before, with an early start you can do a lot and be back by 4 or so. But I'm good with any of the 3 final options.

Indeed.
I'll go with the flow.
I'd just like to keep the usual structure in place as much as possible, BD champagne reception, Thursday and Friday night dinners, and Saturday night dinner in a room segregated from the rest of the restaurant.

That is the key input we need from the group - center on SF, Napa or Sonoma?

I prefer SF because I live here, but for all the out of town folks, where do you want us to be headquartered? Or do we stay in SF one night, and Sonoma or Napa another?

SF Ed

If it is to be San Francisco we should sort it out soon, as there are two conventions that weekend in the Moscone Center.

My preference would be to stay closer to the grapes.

Blanquito wrote:Comte and MEK? Joining the fun?

If you come, I can set up stuff in hipster Denver and the mountains before or after too, if that helps make the trip worth it.

Never say never Patrick! And thanks for the kind offer. Anything is possible...

The only downside is that I might not be able to transport wine with me this time. Unless I mail a couple bottles to someone, although not sure how the international thing works for mailing from France.

If anyone is swinging by Paris or London, though, let me know. Alternatively if anyone is swinging by Philadelphia, I can have them pick up something from my cave there.

Cheers,

Tim

The Vintner Inn in Sonoma is having specials through March per Travelzoo.

I just joined this group and would like to know what happens at your convention - events, etc, what to bring, dress, anything would be helpful. thanks

Jim could you put MEK and me down subject to confirmation, which is work-related and partly family related. Obviously we would love to come.

That would be awesome Ian, I'll add you to the list when I get home.

Made4wine. I'm am the least qualified to answer but I will. Dress- we are a very informal group so it depends on the venue for the Big Dinner. Nicer venue, dress appropriately (within reason). We are not here to impress each other. Having said that, Peter did come in a Tux once. As far as wines, in my experience there are two wine events at the Big Dinner. Each attendee brings a bottle for each event. First is either the cocktail party where you bring a bubbly or a themed wine (such as 2000 Bordeaux vs. 2000 Cali). Again, we are not taking names. If you don't have wine that fits the theme, bring what interests you. At the actual dinner, there are usually 10 BWErs to a table or less so you just bring a Bordeaux or two that speaks to you and in turn will speak to you table mates. It's a very friendly event.

Usually before the big event we visit wineries and meet in smaller groups for tastings and dinners.

thank you very much for your help - sounds like it is down my alley !!!

Peter ( made4wine)

Well summarized, Bill. To me, it's a great getaway weekend.