We stayed in Dallas, Texas for the first day of TEXSOM, the 2009 Texas Sommelier Conference. The conference, hosted at Four Seasons, included numerous seminars and lunch. First day seminars included discussions of Pinot Noir, Sake, Austria, Rioja and Northern Rhone. During each segment eight wines were presented for tasting while each wine was described in detail from descriptors to geographical location.

Each presentation was enlightening. Most of the speakers also used a Powerpoint presentation to emphasize their remarks. Guests were seated at long tables, with eight Riedel glasses, a water glass and a pitcher of water. For each presentation sommelier students, at the beginning of the presentations, poured eight wines. Space was available for note taking or small computers.

TEXSOM was a delightful experience. Wonderful presentations, guests and a great opportunity to taste wines from different regions of the world provided guests with information on how terroir influences wine.

If you enjoy wine and have the opportunity to attend TEXSOM or any other conference such as this make sure you do, as you will enjoy the experience. It is well worth the price of $25 per session or $75 for all of the sessions.

There are many wine learning opportunities. If you enjoy wines, you may enjoy searching the Internet for such events. Check out TEXSOM for 2010.

Cheers! Kathy