Press Release: ProWein 2009 Exhibitors' Supporting Events Program Announced

At ProWein 2009, International Trade Fair for Wines and Spirits, the comprehensive assortment offered by more than 3,000 exhibitors from around the globe will be complemented by a multi-faceted supporting events program. With the motto "By experts for experts", exhibitors will offer more than 150 tastings, moderated round table discussions and workshops. This year's topics will include light wines, 350 years of Silvaner as well as organic wines and wine as a meal accompaniment. ProWein will take place from March 29 -- 31, 2009 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The German Wine Institute (DWI) will focus on wines with a moderate alcohol content and will offer tastings with the theme "Light wines -- making a big splash" on all three days of the trade fair. In the California Wine Institute's show kitchen, typical U.S. dishes will be prepared and served with matching California wines. Further culinary highlights will include the "Wine and Sushi" theme by Pfalzwein and "Champagne and Chocolate" presentation by the Wine and Spirits Retailer Bulk Buying Association (GEV). In addition, there will be commented tastings of wines from all relevant growing regions in Spain, Austria, Greece, Italy, France, Portugal, New Zealand and Argentina as well as from Israel and Algeria. The Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) will offer the "WineWordExchange" in cooperation with the German Wine and Sommelier School and the German Sommelier Union. Lectures are planned on topics such as "Women in the wine industry" and "Sealing technology". The Meininger publishing house will concentrate on the topic "Marketing wines successfully with a concept" by presenting current results from wine market research and the latest developments in the consumer and sales markets. Afterward, renowned viticulturist and restaurateur Fritz Keller from the Franz Keller estate will explain how quality concepts work.

The complete exhibitors' supporting events program is online at http://www.prowein.com. For further information on visiting or exhibiting at ProWein 2009, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America, 150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2920, Chicago, IL 60601. Telephone: (312) 781-5180; Fax: (312) 781-5188; E-mail: info@mdna.com. Or visit the web site http://www.mdna.com