Gewürztraminer Featured at the International White Wine Festival

An Aromatic Conversation

Gewürztraminer is one of the world’s most distinctive white wine varietals, loved for its intensely aromatic profile and vibrant flavors.  With a name that translates to “spiced Traminer” in German, this varietal is known for its exotic bouquet, rich texture, and versatility. Gewürztraminer typically features notes of lychee, rose petals, tropical fruits, and warm spices, and can be complimented by a subtle sweetness balanced by a crisp acidity.

Whether dry, off-dry, or sweet, wine lovers enjoy Gewürztraminer due to its bold character and food-friendly nature. It is a beautiful pairing for spicy cuisine like Thai,  aromatic cheeses, and richer foods like rabbit boudin.  The versatility of this wine is often underappreciated by most wine drinkers.

Chris Dowsett, a winemaker with over 40 years of experience, will host the Gewürztraminer varietal table, showcasing a curated selection of this aromatic grape from various producers. From his early days tending the oldest Gewürztraminer vines in Oregon’s Willamette Valley to crafting award-winning, dry Alsatian-style Gewürztraminer at Dowsett Family Winery in Washington, Chris brings a deep passion and expertise to the table. Don’t miss stopping by this table to explore Gewürztraminer’s distinctive varietal character and its global expressions!

Learn More About Gewürztraminer

Characteristics of Gewürztraminer

Chenin Blanc is loved by winemakers for its adaptability to a variety of climates and soils, which makes it one of the most expressive white wine grapes. Depending on where it is grown and how it is produced, Chenin Blanc can range from bone-dry to sweet, sparkling to still. Its hallmark traits often include vibrant acidity, a broad spectrum of fruit flavors, and a distinct mineral backbone. Notes of quince, green apple, honey, pear, and chamomile are common, with richer styles offering hints of tropical fruit, beeswax, and almond.

Regional Expressions

  1. Anderson Valley, California:
    Bold, aromatic wines with tropical fruit, rose petal, and spice notes, perfectly balanced by cool-climate acidity.
  2. Alsace, France:
    Intensely perfumed wines with flavors of lychee, honey, and ginger; home to legendary sweet styles like Vendanges Tardives.
  3. Germany:
    Elegant and delicate, with floral aromas, subtle minerality, and a touch of sweetness that shines in cooler regions.
  4. New Zealand:
    Bright and contemporary, with tropical fruit aromas, creamy textures, and vibrant acidity—perfect with Pacific Rim cuisine.

Discover Gewürztraminer at the International White Wine Festival

At the Gewürztraminer varietal table, attendees can immerse themselves in the vibrant aromas and flavors that make this grape so beloved and unforgettable. Guided by winemaker Lyle Dowsett joining us from Washington’s Columbia Gorge, guests will explore Gewürztraminer’s global story, tasting examples from Lyle’s own winery, the Dowsett Family Winery, and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the versatility of Gewürztraminer, its perfect home in the cool and coastal Anderson Valley, and why this aromatic gem continues to captivate wine lovers worldwide.

Look For Wineries Pouring Gewürztraminer at the International White Wine Festival

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