Has the price of gas put a damper on your travel plans? Don’t despair, but rather join us for an evening exploring stunning Austria and its wine, food and culture, without the expense of traveling there. Plus you’ll get to experience emerging wines rarely found in the US market. Our annual international dinner this year is truly a taste of Austria hosted by our own Austrian member, Helmut Stieglitz and wife Bev, at the North Bellevue Community Center. Dieter Klippstein of Triage wines, along with several of his colleagues, will also be on hand to talk with you and answer questions about this spectacular selection of wines that will be available for both tasting and purchase. Entertainment will also be provided by the Enzian Schuhplattler dancers.

According to the World Atlas of Wine, "No country in Europe has ... upgraded its standards of wine production so dramatically since the mid-1980s as Austria... Those fortunate wine drinkers who have been exposed to Austria's new wave of intensely pure, dry (trocken) wines know that in many ways they have more in common with Alsace than Germany while having their own distinct, finely etched personality." At this event, you will be introduced to a large number of wines that, until recently, rarely left Austria due to low production volumes. There is rarely an opportunity like this to have access to such a large selection of Austrian wines covering many unusual varietals and regions!

Austria is a land of great history, beautifully breathtaking scenery, outstanding cultural and culinary offerings, and last but not least, wines with very individual characters. Austria is a multi-ethnic melting pot that includes over eight million people, who are German-speaking, but not Germans. It is a country of those who speak Viennese with a special, softer, Germanic accent, are bilingual, and speak Austrian/German with either a Hungarian, Serbo-Croat, Czech, or Northern Italian/Tirolean accent. The ethnic mix has greatly influenced the Austrian cuisine, which is unique and international in scope and variety. Come join us to sample some of the very wonderful wines and food of this country.

The evening will begin with Austria's favorite grape, the Gruner Veltliner, which pairs well with so many different foods and will accompany the appetizer selection. Each table will share a one-liter bottle of the lovely and refreshing 2006 Berger Gruner Veltliner, from the Kamptal Kremstal region. Served with the main course will be a one-liter bottle of the 2006 Berger Zweigelt. The Zweigelt, Austria's principal red grape, now accounts for nearly half of Austria's red wine. To accompany your dessert of Linzer Torte and Apple Twists, we have selected the 2006 Kracher Beerenauslese Cuvee. Kracher is justifiably regardd amongst the greatest dessert winemakers in the world, and Alois Kracher's passion for his vines is irrepressible! This cuvee, made from specially-selected grapes of the perfect ripeness, is golden yellow, with inviting aromas of honey, vanilla, pineapple, peach, and a hint of lemon zest.

$50 Members
$60 Non-Members

Tickets with Paypal deadline is Thursday, May 15, at 10 p.m. For questions about ticketing, you can contact Joanne at (425) 775-7901.

For advance reservations by mail, send a check, payable to Seattle Wine Society, to:

Joanne Thorssell,
21212 Fourth Ave. W.
Bothell, WA 98021 Postmarked by Monday, May 12.

North Bellevue
Community Center
4063 148th Avenue NE
Bellevue WA

Ticket price includes a full dinner with three wines; a souvenir Seattle Wine Society glass; four scrip for sampling from among 20 additional Austrian wines; and entertainment by traditional Austrian dancers!

Want the member price? For $25 you get a whole year of great event discounts. Click Here to join!