I have recently discovered a fabulous summer event here in Austria. If you know anyone traveling here, for example for the Salzburger Festspiele, let them know about the Baroque Costume Celebration in the Imperial Festival Palace Hof just 60 km east of Vienna on the border to Slovakia.

This is Austria’s largest rural palace complex and it has recently been restored to its former splendor and intended purpose as a venue for magnificent celebrations. The Imperial Festival Palace Hof is a magnificent Baroque ensemble with an exquisite palace, terraced garden and idyllic manor farm. You can explore the world of Prince Eugene and Empress Maria Theresa through a Baroque Costume Celebration on August 13th, 2011. Stunning costumes for the entire family are provided for rent. The programme starts at 6 PM with a musical welcome in the Palace’s Court of Honour. Music, dance performances, acrobatic stunts, equestrian art and carriage rides are offered well into the night. At dusk 6,000 candles are lit in the formal garden where you will enjoy culinary treats, including freshly baked bread from the wood stove, selected game dishes, and tempting desserts. Refreshing beverages and the region’s famous white wine, Grüner Veltliner from the Weinviertel appellation are offered from the Fountain Grotto. The evening culminates with spectacular fireworks.

The IMW 2010/2011 academic year is under way! I met with three other students here in the Tirol this last weekend for tasting training. We did a blind tasting paper of 12 wines based on a past exam and tasted under exam conditions. I’ve sent my paper to my mentor with the request that he take a look at it and give me some suggestions for improvement. Our first theory assignment is due on December 7. I have chosen the topic: Examine the advantages and disadvantages of indigeous and cultured yeast in the production of wine.

I’ve been suffering a bout of insomnia lately, but finally had a good night’s sleep last night. this what I felt like this morning:

Reminiscing a bit and seeing parallels of my MW studies to the gymnastic trainings of my youth…

Dr. Wolfgang Hamm speaks to a group of students of the Institute Masters of Wine on carbon neutral wine production at the Stift Klosterneuburg winery in Austria.

I am an independent wine writer, wine critic, and wine blogger and write for wine guides and publications both in print and in internet – in English and in German. Yes, producers and merchants do send me free samples. My policy is to accept no more than one bottle per particular wine per year. I will not commit myself to write about any unsolicited wines whatsoever, but will – if they fit my whim or a blind tasting or an article that I am writing. Anyone who would like to send me multiple bottles of vintage Champagne, DRC, Lafite or other fine, rare blue chip wines are welcome to apply for an exception to this rule.