West Paces Group and Auburn U. Students Team Up for Epicurean Tour of California
Fifteen Students from the University's Hospitality Management Program Selected for May 8-14 Trip
Auburn, AL - May 3, 2011 - The Hospitality Management program students at Auburn University and members of The West Paces Hotel Group are about to embark on the Seventh Annual Epicurean Tour of Northern California May 8-14, 2011. Fifteen top students were selected to partake in a tremendous learning opportunity that was fully funded by various sponsoring organizations and Patron Sponsors. This educational tour is a unique opportunity enabling students and faculty to experience all the region has to offer and to learn from leaders in the industry first-hand.
The tour is based on initiatives that emphasize a mission to educate students in hospitality management, balancing theory with practical real world experience. Auburn University and The West Paces Hotel Group, a growing force in the hotel industry that was founded by legendary hotelier, Horst Schulze, share a long-term vision and commitment to this Hospitality Management program. “We firmly believe we are educating the future leaders of our industry,” said Horst Schulze, President of The West Paces Hotel Group.
The partnership between Auburn University and The West Paces Hotel Group was formed in 2003 and distinguishes the Hospitality Management program from similar ones at other universities. Its sole mission is to create a world-class curriculum, combining a comprehensive academic program with a practicum experience where students learn in a “real world” setting in the University-owned hotel on Auburn's campus.
Funding and contributions for the study tour include donations from individual donors as well as companies such as Sysco and Royal Cup Coffee. The California Wine Industry is represented as well by means of donations by Far Niente, Domaine Carneros, E. & J. Gallo Winery, Quintessa, Pisoni Vineyards, Miura Vineyards, Opus One, Franciscan Estates, Testarossa Winery, Talbott Vineyards, Robert Sinskey, Trinchero Family Estates, Southern Wine & Spirits, and Seguin-Moreau.
Students will meet with industry legends such as:
o Agustin Huneeus, Owner, Quintessa
o Cal Stamenov, Executive Chef, Bernardus Lodge
o Zac Miller, Enologist, Domaine Carneros
o Gary Pisoni, Owner of Pisoni Vineyards
o Beth Nickel, Proprietress, Far Niente
o Jay Turnipseed, Winemaker, Franciscan Estates
o Emmanuel Kemiji, Master Sommelier and Owner, Miura Vineyards
o Robert Sinskey, Vintner
o Richard Hill, VP Operations, Solage Resorts
o Thomas Keller, Chef/Proprietor, The French Laundry
o Michael Silacci, Director of Viticulture and Enology, Opus One
o Nick Peyton, Proprietor Cyrus
o Joe Shirley, Winemaker, Napa Cellars
o Rob & Diana Jensen, Proprietors, Testarossa Winery
o Dan Karlsen, Winemaker, Talbott Vineyards
o Matthew McDonald, Head Baker, Bouchon Bakery
o Andy Byars, Master Cooper, Seguin Moreau
o Barry Wiss, Certified Wine Educator and Vice President, Trinchero Family Estates
o Gene Tartaglia, Owner, BarBer's Q
o Joel and Duncan Gott, Owners, Gott's Roadside
In pre-trip preparation, students are given assignments that evaluated their knowledge of the California wine industry as a growing tourism destination. Students are also required to write a detailed report highlighting one of the sponsoring wineries. This report includes findings about the wineries' employee bases, products offered, ownership/organizational structure, quality control procedures, marketing strategy, key competitors and future development plans.
Centrally located near the shops and restaurants of downtown Auburn, AL, The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center is just a short walk from the excitement of Auburn University and a diverse array of cultural and entertainment attractions. Whether in town for the big game, a special party, or a productive business meeting, the hotel's 236 newly renovated guestrooms and suites offer true Southern hospitality in an ideal setting. For a true taste of Italy, visit Ariccia Trattoria & Bar, located inside the hotel. An open kitchen and outdoor terrace seating add character to this restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, Sunday Brunch, and offers take-out service. Ariccia features an espresso bar and unique wine list, and has a private dining room for special events. Located in Ariccia Trattoria & Bar, Piccolo is Auburn's only true lounge experience for specialty cocktails and a large variety of appetizers and desserts. The menu features a variety of small plates perfect for sharing, refreshing cocktails, and piccolo bottles of champagne. Live jazz performances take place on Fridays and Saturdays (except on home football game weekends). The property is managed by the Atlanta-based West Paces Hotel Group. For additional information or reservations, please call (800) 228-2876 or visit www.auhcc.com.
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