Burgundy has been known to inspire the deepest passions in those who have experienced the beauty of the region and finesse of its wines. This year, fortunate guests will be invited to New York to share in the joie de vivre of an event described by Wine & Spirits as "...a chance to taste more great Burgundy than many taste in a year, or a lifetime..." as you meet its elite winemakers, savor their wines, complemented with cuisine from America's leading chefs. La Paulée de New York has proved so popular with the Burgundian vignerons that we needed to make room for more -- in 2005 we will be showcasing the wines of 16 winemakers.

La Paulée de New York is my homage to La Paulée de Meursault, a convivial fête shared by growers and their guests. This winter, I was summoned to Mersault by the mayor (Jean-Claude Monnier, who will attend as our special guest) and President of La Paulée de Meursault -- they wanted to formally endorse our humble attempt to recreate the spirit of the original. Among other things, this means the charity auction benefitting Citymeals-on-Wheels will include highly coveted seats at La Paulée de Meursault.

Guests will delight in the newest releases and older vintage wines of the growers from sixteen of the most sought after domaines of Burgundy. Wine service will be led by over three dozen of our nation's most noted sommeliers.

Of course, we couldn't feature the world's finest wines without bringing our guests cuisine from the finest chefs. Renowned chefs Daniel Boulud of Restaurant Daniel and Michel Richard of Washington, D.C.'s Citronelle will lead a host of celebrated chefs.

Saturday, the La Paulée event day begins at noon with the Grand Tasting at the elegant W New York hotel, featuring the winemakers' latest wine releases. Because great wines demand great food, the Grand Tasting will feature Petits Plats from a dozen fine restaurants. We are especially delighted to be hosting Pierre & Fabienne Escoffier of Beaune's beloved "Ma Cuisine." They will be bringing a taste of one of the Burgundy lover's favorite "hangouts."

Joining them will be Mario Batali and David Pasternak's new Bistro du Vent, BLT Steak, Café Boulud, Cru, Lucca, Montrachet, Nobu, Pulse, Tribeca Grill, and Veritas.

The evening begins with a Taittinger Champagne reception, and culminates in a Gala Dinner featuring the cuisine of chefs Daniel Boulud, Michel Richard, Matt Duren of Heartbeat, Chris Gesualdi of Montrachet, and Stephen Lewandowski of Tribeca Grill.

In the true spirit of La Paulée, guests are invited to bring with them their own Burgundian wine treasures to share with this intimate group, as Les Cadets de Bourgogne, a troupe of traditional Burgundian singers, serenades them.

The evening will be capped by an exciting charity auction benefiting Citymeals-on-Wheels, led by glamorous winemaker/auctioneer Ann Colgin.

We invite you to New York to share in the bonhomie only found in Burgundy as you meet its most sought after winemakers, experience superb wines, and feast on the cuisine of some of the world's leading chefs.