Join us for another delightful evening under the stars in Millennium Park. Learn about the world's most celebrated grape while you sip and nibble your way through 3 key winemaking regions guided by Master Sommelier, Joseph Spellman. Wednesday June 11th 5:30 - 7:30 pm The Park Grill [map] $30 AIWF members/ $35 non-members Call 312.521.7275 for reservations Called the "heartbreak" grape by winemakers, Pinot Noir is capricious and elusive, notoriously difficult to grow and maddeningly unpredictable to vinify. Anybody with any sense would foreswear Pinot forever... and yet it's so ethereally seductive, embodying all the mystery and magnificence of wine, that winemakers all over the world stubbornly pursue it. But few vineyards possess the unique combination of soil, climate and exposure that this demanding mistress requires. Our walk-around tasting will explore the incredible nuances one grape can express when grown in different regions and nurtured according to different philosophies. Compare and contrast the incredible bounty from. California-crisp Pinots from Carneros, lush Pinots from the Russian River, powerful Pinots from the Santa Rita Hills—with distinctive wines from Oregon's Willamette Valley and classic Burgundies from France. To complement this vinous tour de force, the wines will be paired with a selection of hors d'oeuvres that are evocative of each region. If you have a passion for Pinot Noir, there's no better place to indulge and explore the complexity, flexibility and downright deliciousness of your muse! Joseph Spellman, Master Sommelier Joe has worked in the wine world for 28 years, in Chicago's top restaurants including Charlie Trotter's, and in retail, wholesale and importing companies. He is the Chairman of the Court of Master Sommeliers, American Chapter, where he is a frequent instructor and examiner.