The International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC) was held this past weekend in McMinnville, Oregon. The IPNC is marketed as "three days of seminars, tastings, tours and one-of-a-kind meals with sixty international Pinot noir winemakers, all within the beautiful backdrop of Oregon wine country."

Although I wasn't able to attend this year's event, it was almost like being there after reading Alder's daily posts on Vinography.com. Alder has clearly set the benchmark for covering a wine event. His focus on the people encountered and stories shared makes for some great reading and wonderful insights.

Alder's reporting style makes you feel like you're right beside him experiencing the event firsthand. Read his post entitled, The Secret Life of Pinot Noir, and see for yourself. Wine journalists and bloggers would do well to emulate his approach to covering events like this.

In addition, Eric Asimov of The Pour offers a useful overview of the event, which he attended, serving as a panelist on the champagne seminar. Eric also shares his experiences tasting some older vintages of Oregon and French pinot noirs.

After reading these accounts and others of the event, I have already started planning my Oregon vacation next summer so I can attend IPNC 2008. Hope to see you there next year!