The annual meeting of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture will feature a number of firsts when it convenes June 23-26 in Napa.

     For one thing, it will be the first time in the event's 60-year history that Napa Valley has hosted. For another, it will mark the inaugural International Cabernet Symposium (on June 26), after other annual meeting activities have concluded. Two other full-day symposia, on rootstocks and high-Brix winemaking, also are on the agenda.

     At the International Cabernet Symposium, nine speakers from Bordeaux, California, Australia and Oregon will discuss their practices, creative ideas and concerns regarding the growing, crafting and aging of wines based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

     Headlining winemakers include Californians Paul Draper of Ridge Vineyards, Tod Mostero of Dominus Estate and Frederick Ammons of The Napa Valley Reserve; Tony Soter of Oregon, and Kees van Leeuwen of Chateau Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux.