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Atlantic wine symposium attracts more than 200

May 28, 2012, Halifax, NS – More than 200 wine industry professionals are attending this year’s Atlantic Canada Wine Symposium (ACWS) from May 27-29, 2012, in Halifax at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel.

In the past five years, Atlantic Canada has experienced a significant growth in the wine industry with an increase from 20 to 35 operating wineries. The symposium offers an extraordinary opportunity for existing and interested industry professionals to learn more about current topics specific to the wine industry on the East Coast.

“The goal of the wine symposium is to raise the bar of the entire Atlantic Canada wine industry and create even stronger ownership and pride in our local products,” says Hans Christian Jost, chair of the ACWS committee and owner of Jost Vineyards. “It’s important that all stakeholders in the industry promote each other and excel in their field…which is why this year’s theme – Rising Tides – is so appropriate. When one winery succeeds, we all succeed. Excellence is easy to support and promote.”

This year’s symposium showcases 30 national and international speakers from university professors to industry marketing specialists and groundbreaking winemakers, including keynote speaker Bill Redelmeier, owner of Southbrook Vineyards in Niagara, Ontario. More than 35 presentations and workshops will include innovative information on environmentally friendly grape growing and winemaking techniques for cool climate regions, as well as effective business practices and marketing strategies.

Attending delegates of the ACWS include grape growers, winemakers, winery owners and managers, wine journalists, sommeliers, educators, industry suppliers and wine enthusiasts. The event also features countless invaluable networking opportunities with winery tours, receptions and lunches, wine tastings and a gala dinner, which is a rare occasion to showcase wines from all four Atlantic Provinces under one roof, paired with local cuisine.

“The future of the Atlantic Canada wine industry is bright,” says Jost. “There is a pulsing energy that feeds the drive to improve and it’s incredibly exciting. There is no better time than now to get involved.”

For more information about the ACWS and for a complete list of events and visiting speakers, please visit www.atlanticwinesymposium.ca.