Download a PDF version of this Press Release

"CELEBRATE FRANCE!" AT THE 2010 FOOD NETWORK/SOUTH BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
All the best in French food, wine, spirits and "joie de vivre" under one roof

New York, NY, January 28, 2010 – The French Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries will participate in The Food Network/South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami from February 25th to February 28th. Honored guest Mr. Pierre Vimont, French Ambassador to the United States will officially open the "Celebrate France!" Pavilion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, February 26th. The "Celebrate France!" Pavilion will showcase an array of French gastronomic specialties and gourmet products presented by participating sponsors. The 2,500 square foot pavilion will also feature "Le Tasting Bar" with wine and cheese pairing seminars hosted by renowned wine writer and educator, W.R. Tish.

The pavilion welcomes all trade, press and consumers to experience the authenticity and diversity of French gastronomy. Serge Lozach, Managing Director, Sopexa USA explained, "Our goal is to put the spotlight back on quality French products without being too formal. We want to show people that French foods, wines and spirits are easily accessible, delicious and unpretentious."

Sponsors of this year's "Celebrate France!" Pavilion include: Ile de France, who will present a selection of brie, goat, triple-crème, blue and sheep's milk cheese specialties; Les Vins Georges Duboeuf will showcase their new line of luscious varietal wines, Patch Block; Maison Marques et Domaines, Champagne Louis Roederer, Chateau de Pez and Domaine Ott Clos Mirielle; Chateau d'Esclans; Henriot, Henriot, William Fèvre and Bouchard; Chartreuse, Palm Bay International, Remy Pannier and Jean Luc Colombo; Pasternak Wine Imports, Lucien Albrecht, Les Deux Rives and Les Petits Grains from St. Jean de Minervois, Volvic; Voli Vodka and W Wine Boutique.

Visitors will have the opportunity to taste and discuss these wines with some of the winemakers and estate representatives themselves, including Sacha Lichine, owner and winemaker of the famous Côtes de Provence estate, Chateau d'Esclans. Mr. Lichine will be pouring his rosés at the "Celebrate France!" Pavilion, joined by fellow winemaker extraordinaire, Patrick Léon, formerly of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild. Frédéric Rouzaud, great-grandson of Madame Camille Olry-Roederer and President of the family owned Champagne Louis Roederer will be on-hand to discuss the over 200 year-old champagne house and its plans for the future. Marie Albrecht of the famed Lucien Albrecht in Alsace will be in attendance as well to discuss her family's estate and their future plans. Guests are also encouraged to taste these wines with W.R. Tish's Ile de France cheese pairing suggestions at "Le Tasting Bar" which will be open for the duration of the festival.

For more information on this year's The Food Network/South Beach Wine & Food Festival, please visit www.sobewineandfoodfest.com.

About The French Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries:
The French Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is committed to raising the profile of French agri-food products in the U.S. through participation in leading food and wine events, such as Miami Wine Fair, New York Wine Show and Fancy Food Show. The French ministry was also involved in last year's Food Network/New York City Wine & Food Festival and the annual French Cocktail Hour Day – Apéritif à la Française – an educational and festive celebration of the French ritual of l'apéritif, on the first Thursday in June.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
April Sack
Director of Public Relations
T: +1 212-386-7438
Email: april.sack@sopexa.com

JoLynn Howe
Public Relations Sr. Account Executive
T: +1 212-386-7416
Email: jolynn.howe@sopexa.com