TexSom, the World’s Best Wine Conference and Tasting, is Under Way in Dallas

I have no idea what you call the world’s largest grouping of master sommeliers — I’m pretty sure they’d prefer “college” to “gaggle” — but dozens and dozens of them are gathering (or gagling) at the Four Seasons Resort in Las Colinas again right now for TexSom, the annual wine education summit that’s the single best two day seminar on wine in the universe. The best part of the two-day conference: it’s open to the public.

These seminars are interactive: master somms and wine experts talk about the wines while you sip them. If you’re into wine and want to know more about, say, how terroir affects wine, there’s a seminar Monday that covers that. Not convinced that different soils influence the flavor in your glass of Bordeaux? TexSom is the place to taste for yourself. These wine experts have walked the vineyards, touched the soil, sipped with the winemakers. And they aren’t afraid to call BS on PR speak or spit out the Kool-Aid.

I’ve attended every year, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. 

You can still register for the seminars or the Grand Tasting Monday night, which just happens to be the single best wine event in Dallas. Four Season’s food, plus more than 200 top-notch wines. Here’s the Grand Tasting lineup — Monday night, August 12.

Adobe Road Winery

2009 Adobe Road Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

2009 Adobe Road Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2009 Adobe Road “Kemp Vineyard” Syrah Dry Creek Valley

2008 Adobe Road “Beckstoffer George III Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Alexander Valley Vineyards

2008 Alexander Valley Vineyards “Schoolhouse RSV” Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

2009 Alexander Valley Vineyards “Cyrus” Alexander Valley

2010 Alexander Valley Vineyards  “Sin Zin” Zinfandel Alexander Valley

2011 Alexander Valley Vineyards Chardonnay Alexander Valley

Ambiente Wine Imports

1994 Rioja Viña Tondonia Red Gran Reserva, R. Lopez de Heredia

2009 Frank Family “Rutherford Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2012 Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado Txakolina Spain

2011 Caldaro “Companer” Gewurtzraminer Alto Adige

Austrian Trade Commission

2010 Hirsch Grüner Veltliner “Lamm” Grüner Veltliner 

2010 Bründlmayer Grüner Veltliner “Berg Vogelsang” Grüner Veltliner 

2011 Schloss Gobelsberg Riesling “Heiligenstein” Riesling

2011 Nikolaihof Grüner Veltliner “Hefeabzug” Grüner Veltliner

Aveniu Brands

NV Cava Brut “Anna de Codorníu”, Codorníu

NV Cava Brut Rosé “Anna de Codorníu”, Codorníu

2008 Rioja Reserva Bilbainas, Viña Pomal

2009 Ribera del Duero Crianza, Legaris

Baxter Winery

2009 Baxter “Valenti Vineyard” Syrah Mendocino Ridge

2009 Baxter “Black Label” Pinot Noir Mendocino

2010 Baxter “Valenti Vineyard” Pinot Noir Mendocino Ridge

2011 Baxter “Oppenlander Vineyard” Chardonnay Mendocino

Bending Branch Winery

2010 Bending Branch “Texas Tannat” Texas Hill Country

2010 Bending Branch “Newsom Vineyards” Tempranillo Texas Hill Country

2010 Bending Branch “Newsom Vineyards” Cabernet Sauvignon Texas Hill Country

2012 Bending Branch Picpoul Blanc Estate Grown Texas Hill Country

Bespoke Collection

2010 Blackbird Vineyards “Paramour” Oak Knoll District

2010 Blackbird Vineyards “Arise” Oak Knoll District

2011 Recuerdo Torrontés La Rioja

2012 Blackbird “Arriviste” Rosé Oak Knoll District

C. Donatiello Winery

2011 C. Donatiello Chardonnay Russian River Valley

2011 C. Donatiello Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2011 C. Donatiello “Peters Vineyard” Chardonnay Russian River Valley

2011 C. Donatiello “Tina Marie” Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Cape Classics

2009 Thelema Mountain Vineyards “Mountain Red” Stellenbosch

2011 Raats Family Wines “Red Jasper” Stellenbosch

2012 Bayten Sauvignon Blanc Constantia

2013 De Morgenzon “DMZ” Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé Stellebosch

Chianti Classico

2008 Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva

2009 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva Coltassala

2010 Felsina Chianti Classico Berardenga

2009 Querciabella Chianti Classico

Cliff Lede Vineyards and Breggo Cellars

2010 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District

2012 Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

2010 Breggo Pinot Noir Anderson Valley

2012 Breggo Pinot Gris Anderson Valley

Constellation Brands

2006 Brunello di Montalcino “Greppone Mazzi”, Ruffino

2009 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley

2011 Saved Red Wine Napa Valley

2012 Franciscan Estate “Equilibrium” White Wine Napa Valley

Copain Wines

2010 Copain “Les Voisin” Syrah Yorkville Highlands

2010 Copain Kiser “En Bas” Pinot Noir Anderson Valley

2010 Copain “Tous Ensemble” Pinot Noir Anderson Valley

2011 Copain “Tous Ensemble” Chardonnay Mendocino County

Delectatio Wines

NV Prosecco Treviso Valdellövo Extra Dry Anno Zero

NV Valdellovo Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Col Fondo

2004 Barolo Negretti Bricco Ambrogio Piedmont

2009 Barbera d’Alba Negretti Piedmont

Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines

2010 Provenance Vineyards “Rutherford” Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2010 Domaine Tollot-Beaut Chorey Côte de Beaune

2011 Chalone Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir Chalone

2011 Vocoret et Fils Chablis

Duchman Family Wines

2011 Duchman Family Winery “Bingham Family Vineyard” Trebbiano Texas High Plains

2011 Duchman Family Winery “Bingham Family Vineyard” Viognier Texas High Plains

2011 Duchman Family  Winery Tempranillo Texas High Plains

2011 Duchman Family  Winery “Bingham Family Vineyard” Dolcetto Texas High Plains

Ehlers Estate

2010 Ehlers Estate Merlot St. Helena

2010 Ehlers Estate “One Twenty Over Eighty” Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena

2010 Ehlers Estate “1886” Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena

2012 Ehlers Estate Sauvignon Blanc St. Helena

Emeritus Vineyards

2011 Emeritus Vineyards “Hallberg Ranch Estate” Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Ernest Vineyards

2012 Ernest Vineyards “Dutton Ranch Rued” Chardonnay Russian River Valley

2012 Ernest Vineyards “The Bombardier” Chardonnay Russian River Valley

2012 Ernest Vineyards “The Jester” Chardonnay Russian River Valley

Farm Collective Napa Valley

2010 T-Vine Cellars “Frediani Vineyard Calistoga Granache” Calistoga

2010 T-Vine Cellars Napa Valley Zinfandel Napa Valley

2010 Farm Collective Napa Valley Red Wine Napa Valley

2010 Regusci Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District

Fisher Vineyards

2006 Fisher Vineyards “Wedding Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Coast

2009 Fisher Vineyards “Mountain Estate Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Coast

2009 Fisher Vineyards “Coach Insignia” Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Coast

2010 Fisher Vineyards “Mountain Estate Vineyard” Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

Franciacorta U.S.A.

NV Franciacorta Brut Rosé, Montenisa

NV Franciacorta Brut, Ronco Calino

2006 Franciacorta Cuvée Pas Operé, Bellavista

2008 Franciacorta Saten, Contadi Castaldi

Frederick Wildman and Sons, LTD

NV Champagne Brut, Pol Roger

2007 Amarone della Valpolicella, Santi

2009 Paul Jaboulet Crozes Hermitage, Les Jalet

2009 Luigi Bosca Malbec Mendoza

Frias Family Vineyard

2010 Frias Family “Spring Mountain Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2012 Frias Family Rosé Napa Valley

2011 Frias Family Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

Hahn Family Wines

2011 Lucienne “Lone Oak Vineyard” Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

2011 Lucienne “Smith Vineyard” Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

2011 Lucienne “Doctor’s Vineyard” Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

2011 Hahn “SLH Estate” Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands

Hanzell Vineyards

2010 Hanzell Vineyards Chardonnay Sonoma Valley

2011 Hanzell Vineyards “Sebella” Chardonnay Sonoma Valley

Hiatus Cellars

2008 Thirteen Appellations “Fourteen” Meritage Napa Valley

2008 Hiatus Cellars Red Wine Napa Valley

2009 V12 Vineyards “444” Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2010 Hiatus Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Hope Family Wines

NV Troublemaker Red Blend Central Coast

2010 Treana Red Paso Robles

2011 Treana White Central Coast

2011 Austin Hope Grenache Paso Robles

Jorge Ordonéz Selections -Fine Estates from Spain

2010 Alto Moncayo Moncayo

2011 Jorge Ordonéz Zerran Tinto Montsant Catalonia

2011 Bodega Borsao Garnacha Tres Picos

2012 Jorge Ordonéz Botani Muscat de Alejandria

Kistler Vineyards

2011 Kistler Chardonnay “Les Npoisetiers”

2011 Kistler Chardonnay “McCrea Vineyard”

2011 Kistler Russian River Pinot Noir

2011 Kistler Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

La Cigale Wines

NV Champagne Paul Goerg Blanc de Blancs Premier Cr

2009 Domaine Philippe et Vincent Jaboulet Cornas

2010 Domaine La Soumade Rasteau “Cuvée Prestige”

2011 Cordero di Montezemolo Langhe Nebbiolo

Lange Twins Winery and Vineyards

2011 LangeTwins Estate Reserve Chardonnay Clarksburg

2010 LangeTwins Centennial Zinfandel Lodi

2009 LangeTwins Midnight Reserve Lodi

2010 Caricature Red Wine Lodi

Long Meadow Ranch Winery

2009 Long Meadow Ranch “Ranch House Red” Napa Valley

2009 Long Meadow Ranch  “E.J. Church” Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2009 Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2012 Long Meadow Ranch Sauvignon Blanc Rutherford

Maison Louis Latour 

2009 Domaine Louis Latour Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Les Chaillots

2009 Domaine Louis Latour Beaune 1er Cru Les Vignes Franches

2009 Domaine Louis Latour Corton-Grancey Grand Cru

2010 Domaine Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

Miner Family Winery 

2009 Miner Family “Stagecoach Vineyard” “The Oracle” Napa Valley

2009 Miner Family “Wild Yeast” Chardonnay Napa Valley

2009 Miner Family “Stagecoach Vineyard” “La Diligence” Syrah Napa Valley

Moet Hennessy, U.S.A.

2007 Cheval des Andes Mendoza

2008 Numanthia Numanthia

2009 Terrazas Single Vineyard “Las Compuertas” Malbec

2009 Terrazas Single Vineyard “Los Aromos” Cabernet Sauvignon

Old Bridge Cellars

2008 d’Arenberg “Dead Arm” Shiraz McLaren Vale

2009 Leeuwin Estate “Art Series” Chardonnay Margaret River

2010 Joe Dobbes  “Grand Assemblage” Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

2011 Bordeaux Blanc Château de Sours

Patz and Hall Wine Co. 

2011 Patz and Hall  Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

2011 Patz and Hall Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2011 Patz and Hall “Hyde Vineyard” Chardonnay Carneros

2011 Patz and Hall “Pisoni Vineyard” Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

Paul Hobbs Winery

2011 Paul Hobbs “Crossbarn” Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2011 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Russian River Valley

2011 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2012 Paul Hobbs “Crossbarn” Chardonnay  Sonoma Coast

Pedernales Cellars

2010 Texas Tempranillo

2011 Pedernales GSM

2012 Texas Muscat

2012 Texas Viognier

Penfold’s

2008 Penfolds Shiraz St Henri South Australia

2009 Penfolds Shiraz “RWT” Barossa Valley

2011 Penfolds Chardonnay Bin 311 Henty

2011 Penfolds Bin 138 “SGM” Barossa Valley

Opus One

2010 Opus One

Premium Port Wines

NV Graham’s Six Grapes Port Portugal

NV Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port Portugal

1994 Graham’s 1994 Vintage Port Portugal

2004 Chryseia Duoro Portugal

RdV Vineyards and Barboursville Vineyards

2007 Barboursville Vineyards “Octagon” Red Virginia

2009 RdV Vineyards  “Rendezvous” Red Virginia

2009 RdV Vineyards “Lost Mountain” Red Virginia

2010 Barboursville Vineyards Cabernet Franc Virginia

Revana Family Partners – Alexana Winery

2011 Alexana “Revana Estate Vineyard” Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

2012 Alexana “Revana Estate Vineyard” Riesling Willamette Valley

2010 Revana Family “Revana Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Reynolds Family Winery

NV Naughty Inky Napa Valley

2008 Reynolds Family Persistence Napa Valley

2008 Reynolds Family Reserve Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District

2009 Reynolds Family Los Carneros Pinot Noir Los Carneros

Serendipity Wines

NV Champagne Brut, Jacquart Mosaïque

2008 Domaine Serene “Evenstad Reserve” Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

2010 Garage Wine Co. “Lot 32” Carignan Old Vine Maule Valley Chile

2012 Sauvignon Blanc “Ronco delle Mele” Venica & Venica, Fruili-Venezia

Spire  Collection 

2009 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder

2010 La Jota Vineyards “Howell Mountain” Merlot Napa Valley

2012 Galerie Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

Staglin Family Vineyard

2008 Staglin Family Vineyard Cabernet Napa Valley

2009 Staglin Family Vineyard “Salus” Cabernet Napa Valley

2010 Staglin Family Vineyard Chardonnay Napa Valley

2011 Staglin Family Vineyard “Salus” Chardonnay Napa Valley

Stark Advantage

2007 Charnu Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2009 Moffett Vineyards “Howell Mountain” Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2010 Switchback Ridge “Peterson Family Vineyard” Cabernet Napa Valley

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

1999 Champagne Brut, Nicolas Feuillate “Palmes d’Or Champagne”

2010 Antica Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2012 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Mimi’ Chardonnay Horse Haven Hills

2012 ANEW Riesling Columbia Valley

Terroir Selections – Mayacamas, Sandhi, Wind Gap & Maison L’Oree

1991 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
2010 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Aux Sentiers, Maison L’Oree
2011 Wind Gap “Sceales Vineyard” Old-Vine Grenache

2011 Sandhi Wines “Rita’s Crown” Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills

Texas Monthly

2011 Pedernales Cellars Texas Tempranillo Texas Hill Country

2012 Duchman Family Winery “Bingham Family Vineyard” Trebbiano Texas High Plains

2012 Brennan Vineyards Lily Texas High Plains

2012 McPherson Cellars Roussanne Texas High Plains

The Hess Collection

2007 Peter Lehmann “Wigan” Riesling Eden Valley

2008 Peter Lehmann “Mentor” Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa

2009 Peter Lehmann “Stonewall” Shiraz Barossa

2010 Peter Lehmann “Futures” Shiraz Barossa

Trefethen Family Vineyards

2010 Trefethen “Dragon’s Tooth” Red Wine Oak Knoll District

2010 Trefethen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Oak Knoll District

2011 Trefethen Estate Chardonnay Oak Knoll District

2012 Trefethen Estate Dry Riesling Oak Knoll District

Vine Street Imports

2008 Bindi “Composition” Chardonnay Macedon Ranges

2010 Dandelion Vineyards “Pride of the Fleurieu” Cabernet Sauvignon Fleurieu Peninsula

2011 Pyren Vineyards “Broken Quart” Shiraz Warrenmang Valley

2012 Ochota Barrels “The Green Room” McLaren Vale

Vineyard Brands

NV Champagne Blanc de Blancs, Delamotte

2009 Château de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Rhone

2011 Château de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Rhone

2011 Peregrine Pinot Noir Central Otago

Winebow

2010 Galardi Terra di Lavoro Roccamonfina IGT, Campania

2010 Montevetrano di Silvia Imparato Colli di Salerno IGT, Campania

2011 Wieninger Nussberg Alte Reben Gemischter Satz, Vienna

2012 Prager Hinter der Burg Grüner Veltliner Federspiel, Wachau

ZD Wines

2009 ZD “Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2010 ZD Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2011 ZD “Founder’s Reserve” Pinot Noir Napa Valley

2011 ZD Chardonnay Napa Valley