Wine Forum of Oklahoma set for April on OSU campus

Monday, February 7, 2011

Oklahoma State University’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration and College of Human Environmental Sciences are making plans for the second Wine Forum of Oklahoma, April 8-9, 2011, on the Stillwater campus.

The two-day event will explore the wine and beef cultures of North and South America through the eyes, expertise, and products of vintners, chefs and authors from both continents. Cowboys and Gauchos will feature Argentina’s star chef Francis Mallman as the keynote speaker and celebrity chef.  Mallman, who is known for cooking with wood fire and cast iron the way the gauchos of Argentina did, will present “My Argentina” and sign his cookbook “Seven Fires: Grilling the Argentine Way” on Saturday afternoon.

Friday’s events will highlight the gaucho and cowboy legacies beginning with a presentation by OSU history professor Michael Smith on the history and culture of Argentine gauchos.  Then award-winning, Tulsa author Michael Wallis will be speaking on cowboys and the West, subjects he has written on extensively.  After his presentation, he will be available for book signings.

Friday evening vintners and chefs come together on for the Grand Tasting from 6:30 to 8:30 in the Wes Watkins Center on the OSU Campus.

Saturday evening’s gala dinner and auction conclude the event. Funds raised from the Wine Forum of Oklahoma will provide scholarships for students in OSU’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration.

Other featured events include wine tastings with Randa Warren, Guy Stout and Christie Dufault, cooking demonstrations, and OSU Cooperative Extension viticulture specialist Dr. Eric Stafne. Jeannette and Dick Sias, owners of Joullian Vineyards in California’s Carmel Valley, are the honorary chairs of this year’s Wine Forum of Oklahoma.

Experiential learning distinguishes the Wine Forum of Oklahoma from other wine events.  Providing a high quality education to students while extending knowledge to the community continues the mission of OSU.  Marilynn and Carl Thoma, OSU alumni and owners of Van Duzer Vineyards initiated the Wine Forum of Oklahoma as a way to provide vintners and educators an opportunity to share knowledge and appreciation of wine. 

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and details for the event, please call 405-744-7600 or visit the website at www.wineforumofoklahoma.com.