The Seventh Annual Petite Sirah Symposium has moved to a new location.

On Tuesday, August 4, 2009 the Seventh Annual Petite Sirah Symposium for grape growers and winemakers has moved from Foppiano Vineyards to Concannon Vineyard in Livermore Valley.

This change in venue is very poignant, because Jim Concannon was the very first winemaker to varietally label Petite Sirah. It’s very appropriate that the Petite Symposium has found this new home. Concannon Vineyard has just finalized an over $30 million renovation, with part of that project being dedicated to a new learning center. Because of Jim Concannon’s contribution to the cultivar, he’s recognized within the PS I Love You group as Petite Sirah’s Godfather. This is such a perfect location and venue.

Each year, on behalf of Petite Sirah, this event gathers the best and the brightest Petite Sirah growers, winemakers, and producers. Topics traditionally include aspects of wine growing, wine making, and the marketing of Petite Sirah. Because this year’s event is going to be held at a much larger venue, the program has been expanded to include a media PS tasting after lunch in Concannon’s new barrel room. The Symposium is still going strong as it approaches its seventh year of fostering the best expression of this noble variety.

The day will include lunch, prior to the afternoon media event. This informal gathering of wine principles is also a highlight of the day, as growers and producers explore each others’ Petite Sirahs.

For all of you wine writers, bloggers, or trade people who want to explore the depths of PS out there, you’ll have about 40 winemakers all pouring their Petites for you, and another 40 wine growers, all available to talk with you about their passion… Petite Sirah. This is one event you don’t want to miss. Just let me know that you’re interested, and I’ll send you more details. This is an incredible opportunity for anyone who wants to have so many winemakers and growers in one location for interviews and tastings, without any other distractions… Just one-on-one with many, many masters. It’s win-win, or wine-wine… Whatever works for you!