History

In 2008, the members of the Oakville Winegrowers Association of Napa Valley felt that the wine world needed a symposium event dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon. To date, no organization or symposium had existed to provide for the exchange of viticultural and enological information among the Cabernet Sauvignon producers of the world.  Their first step was to take a trip to France to engage in a technical exchange of ideas and best practices with the top vintners and growers in Bordeaux. It was an enlightening experience and planted the seeds for the first International Cabernet Symposium, a fledgling effort that took place in Napa Valley in June of 2010. With over 50 vintners participating over a four-day period, the event successfully brought together some of the best producers of Cabernet Sauvignon from the most acclaimed growing regions throughout the world.

Click here to view the 2014 Symposium Program
 
Click here to view the 2012 Symposium Program

Click here to view the 2010 Symposium Program

In today’s changing and challenging world, the greatest error that we can make is to assume that there is no need to share information.  More than ever, we must work together to share ideas and best practices. The International Cabernet Symposium was created to provide an intimate environment where viticulturists and winemakers could present their work and discuss their wine styles and philosophies.  The audience is equally essential to the success of the symposium.  Attendees are encouraged to actively participate throughout the entire program – asking questions and presenting their ideas, philosophies and wines.

Organization

With the 2012 Symposium, the organizing committee expanded beyond the members of the Oakville Winegrowers to include vintners from other Cabernet producing appellations throughout Napa Valley and the world. In 2015, an independent non-profit corporation was formed. The International Cabernet Symposium Steering Committee is comprised of wine industry professionals whose core focus is producing world class Cabernet Sauvignon and related varietal wines. The Steering Committee is supported by a Board of Directors of international producers representing the best growing regions for Cabernet Sauvignon throughout the world.

Steering Committee Members

Colgin Cellars - Paul Roberts, Estate Director
Cain Vineyard & Winery - Christopher Howell, General Manager, Winemaker
Far Niente - Nicole Marchesi, Winemaker, Mary Grace, Vice President, Marketing
Groth Vineyards & Winery - Michael Weis, Winemaker
Opus One - Michael Silacci, Winemaker
Pine Ridge Winery - Michael Beaulac, General Manager & Winemaker
Quintessa - Meaghan Becker, Director of Marketing
Staglin Family Vineyard - Shannon Staglin, President
Gargiulo Vineyards - Kristof Anderson, Winemaker
Vinescape - Aaron Fishleder, President

Board of Directors

California
Opus One - David Pearson, President and CEO
Staglin Family Vineyards - Shari Staglin, Owner
Far Niente - Larry Maguire, President and CEO
Opus One - Michael Silacci, Winemaker
Spottswoode Winery - Beth Novak Milliken, Owner

Washington
Betz Family Vineyards - Bob Betz, Winemaker

France
Chateau Palmer - Thomas Duroux, General Manager

Italy
Tenuta del Ornellaia - Axel Heinz, Winemaker

Argentina
Bodega Catena Zapata - Laura Catena, MD | Managing Director