California Wine Institute (CWI) said on the 10th that it hosted "California Wine Night @Hangang," a consumer wine tasting event to mark "California Wine Day."
According to the association, California Wine Day was created to commemorate Sept. 9, when California became the 31st U.S. state in 1850. CWI had already designated September, the traditional grape harvest season, as "California Wine Month," holding related events around the world. Starting this year, Sept. 9 has been designated as a separate anniversary, with events being held in major overseas cities.
The event also involved the U.S. Embassy in Seoul as part of "Freedom 250," a program marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel said at the opening on the 9th, "In 1850, gold symbolized California, but now California means much more," adding, "Hollywood has led global popular culture, Silicon Valley gave birth to industries that changed the world, and vineyards turned once-ordinary valleys into world-class wine regions."
She added, "California wine is rooted in craftsmanship that spans centuries, yet it keeps evolving by embracing new technologies and techniques."
Steel also stressed that California wine can play a role in connecting Korea and the United States. Steel said, "California wine serves as a bridge linking the two economies on both sides of the Pacific," adding, "From semiconductors and shipbuilding to Hollywood and the Korean Wave, Korea and the United States are building the future together. Let's now add wine to that list."
The event was themed "A California wine journey on the Han River." The venue featured six booths introducing major California wine regions, including Napa, Sonoma, Lodi, Monterey, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara.
At each booth, sommeliers, including California Wine Sommelier Ambassadors such as Shin Dong-hyeok and Hong Gwang-hyeon, introduced the characteristics and wines of each region. Sixteen wine importers took part and showcased about 100 varieties of California wine. A stamp tour was also offered so visitors could sample wines while moving from region to region.
Programs promoting California's food and tourism accompanied the wine. CWI collaborated with Visit California to present local travel content, including wine regions. At the tourism board's booth, they ran social media follow events and more.
California's key agricultural products, almonds and prunes, were also featured. The Almond Board of California and the California Prune Board showcased related products and gave almonds and prunes to stamp tour participants.
Menus using pulled pork provided by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) were also prepared to be enjoyed with California red wines. About 250 people, including wine lovers, media, and influencers, attended the event.
CWI plans to continue California wine-related events in Korea throughout September. On the 10th, it will hold a tasting at Bottle Bunker Bistro and run related promotions at Bottle Bunker through the end of the month. It will also take part in "Wine & Busker," which will be held for three days starting on the 18th at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul.
A CWI official said, "We hope Korean consumers enjoy 'California Wine Month' in September and experience the diverse regions and styles of California wine."