Wednesday, May 27, 2009

May 27, 2009

New York - May 26, 2009: When most people think of what to drink in China, they think of tea. Amanresorts may well change that perception. On November 13, 2009, Aman at Summer Palace plays host to a weekend of food, wine, and culture at the inaugural 2009 Aman Beijing Wine Classic. The first of what will become an annual event focusing on different wine regions around the globe will showcase California's most notable producers. California is a large player in importing wines to China and this is a unique opportunity for guests to see what Aman is about and experience the complexity of California's best wines and learn about the families behind them.

aspbentrance2Panel discussions, wine tastings, dinner and a silent auction are a few of the components that comprise this showcase and guests can select from a variety of ticket options - ranging from a 3-night stay at the resort and full festival participation to day passes for attendance at specific events.

WINE AND FOOD
Tastings include single vineyard and regional offerings as well as varietal comparisons and are hosted by the wine makers themselves in casual, interactive panel-style discussions. Culinary highlights include a dim sum lunch and a Kobe and Cult Cabernet dinner.

LECTURES AND WORKSHOPS
A wide range of lectures are on offer - ranging from the provocatively titled Anything but Chardonnay, to Quirky Whites & Reds, a comparison of Napa vs. Sonoma in California Chardonnay and Pinot Extravaganza, and Charbay Vodka & Whisky Cocktails. At the Imperial Culture Workshop, participants will spend the afternoon learning the intricate skill of Chinese calligraphy and paper cutting while enjoying a glass of "afternoon wine" - followed by a traditional tea ceremony underscoring the nuances of prized oolong tea.

AND MORE.....
Chinese culture is woven throughout the weekend, including morning Tai Chi classes on the grounds of the Summer Palace and a tour of the Summer Palace.

amanstilllifeThe 250-year-old Summer Palace was once an imperial retreat with elegant palaces, pavilions and gardens. Just steps from the gates of the palace, the Aman at Summer Palace was developed. Opened in September 2008, the resort, housed in a series of pavilions, some of which are over one hundred years old, combines the elegance and style of a bygone era with exquisite taste and every modern comfort.

The 2009 Beijing Wine Classic is the first event of its kind under the umbrella of Amanresorts' new wine and spirits program. The program sees Aman partnering with handpicked family and boutique producers from every corner of the globe to make available some of the world's most coveted wines and spirits at select Amanresorts properties worldwide. Exclusively for Amanresorts, a select group of producers have developed reserves and single-vineyard bottlings of their finest vintages. Other producers in the program have made their previously "off-limits" caves, private reserves and personal library selections available to Amanresorts.

Rates for the 2009 Beijing Wine Classic range from US$300 for two seminars, one lunch and access to all Aman facilities to a starting rate of US$3,600* for the Imperial Package, which includes two nights accommodation, attendance at six seminars, all breakfasts, lunches and dinners, a spa voucher and salon treatment, Pilates consultation, airport transfers to and from the resort, and access to all Aman at Summer Palace facilities.

For reservations, call (86) 10 -5987-9999 ext. 7601/7606, or email Cecilia Leong: cleong@amanresorts.com.

For more information on Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing, visit www.amanresorts.com.

ABOUT AMAN RESORTS
Amanresorts was founded by Adrian Zecha who envisioned a collection of intimate retreats in beautiful surroundings with the unassuming, warm hospitality of a gracious private residence. Amanpuri introduced the concept, and since its launch two decades ago, Amanresorts has grown to encompass 21 unparalleled resorts located in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, France, French Polynesia, Indonesia, India, Montenegro, Morocco, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Turks & Caicos Islands and the USA.

*double occupancy and subject to service charge and government tax

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