Wine Events

Winemaker Dinner

Axel Heinz, Winemaker
Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia, Bolgheri, Tuscany

7 p.m. Monday, April 25, 2011
At Carlos’ Restaurant, Highland Park

The phenomenon of “Super Tuscan” wines exploded onto the scene with stunning disruptions to the then complacent (sic Chianti) Tuscan wine traditions, a mere 25 years ago. Innovators such as the Antinori and Frescobaldi families recognized early on that the traditional indigenous methods could not rise up to international quality norms. After retaining many top consultants in viticulture and enology from around the world, they invested fortunes to plant the most ideal grape varieties for their top sites. Within a decade, wines such as Sassicaia, Solaia and Ornellaia ranked along side of the best estates of Bordeaux.

This evening, we will have the privilege of welcoming the brilliant winemaker of Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia. Signori Axel Heinz, a native German, will preview the wonderful 2008 vintage along with other very exclusive wines of the estate. This event is the only one open to consumers during his American tour. I can assure you a most amazing and amusing evening! A few ribald President Berluscuoni jokes should also add some rib-tickling laughter to the evening.

Carlos’ team will create a true Tuscan/Bolgherian menu to complement each wine con gusto.

Price: $160 per Person incl. taxes and gratuities (a $400 value).

Welcome & Cheers!

Johnson Ho

My name is Johnson Ho. For over 50 years I have traveled more than one million miles around the world to learn the art of fine living with class and culture. My knowledge-driven Chinese upbringing, prestigious German schooling and American scientific education have provided me with the gravitas for a superb appreciation of the epicurean arts. By “standing on the shoulders of the giants of history”, my understanding of nature, nurture and harmony distinguishes my expertise. I dispell wine myths constantly, and provide culturally rich and relevant perspectives to my clients’ wine enlightenment.

Over 30 years ago, I observed how American consumers had to struggle when looking for optimal wine selections in typical liquor stores that lacked real expertise. That inspired me to pioneer many helpful concepts for fine wine retailing. Numerous top publications have featured my innovative techniques since 1978. When I conceived and launched Pantheon Wine Shoppe in 2006, I set the stage for another new genre of wine merchandising: a world class wine selection enhanced by private personal tutorials for serious oenophiles. This personalized approach has proven to be incredibly successful. The brightest and most successful professionals in greater Chicago quickly embraced Pantheon as their favorite wine oasis. It has quickly grown into a quality leader in the market.

For the many wine lovers unable to frequent our shop, we have started recording a series of our wine tasting sessions. They are just like the convivial rendez-vous that top business executives, wealthy socialites and passionate connoisseurs have enjoyed in our salon for years. If you want to add class, culture and confidence to your wine appreciation, our serendipitous wine tasting kits will assist you in identifying your personal preferences. From proper pronunciation to serving advice, our comprehensive programs enlighten, enrich and empower your wine appreciation with cultivated panache. My fascinating insights and often hilarious anecdotes turn each session into true infotainment. Market Watch Magazine recognized this by naming me “The Windy City’s Wizard of Wine” in 2000.

Now you, too, can stand on the shoulders of the giants to explore L’Art de Vivre, the art of fine living, enhanced by La Joie du Vin, the joy of wine.

Come for a taste and leave with a joyous peace of mind.


	Wine Events Winemaker Dinner Axel Heinz, Winemaker Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia, Bolgheri, Tuscany 7 p.m. Monday, April 25, 2011 At Carlos’ Restaurant, Highland Park The phenomenon of “Super Tuscan” wines exploded onto the scene with stunning disruptions to the then complacent (sic Chianti) Tuscan wine traditions, a mere 25 years ago. Innovators such as the Antinori and Frescobaldi families recognized early on that the traditional indigenous methods could not rise up to international quality norms. After retaining many top consultants in viticulture and enology from around the world, they invested fortunes to plant the most ideal grape varieties for their top sites. Within a decade, wines such as Sassicaia, Solaia and Ornellaia ranked along side of the best estates of Bordeaux. This evening, we will have the privilege of welcoming the brilliant winemaker of Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia. Signori Axel Heinz, a native German, will preview the wonderful 2008 vintage along with other very exclusive wines of the estate. This event is the only one open to consumers during his American tour. I can assure you a most amazing and amusing evening! A few ribald President Berluscuoni jokes should also add some rib-tickling laughter to the evening. Carlos’ team will create a true Tuscan/Bolgherian menu to complement each wine con gusto. Price: $160 per Person incl. taxes and gratuities (a $400 value).	Welcome & Cheers! My name is Johnson Ho. For over 50 years I have traveled more than one million miles around the world to learn the art of fine living with class and culture. My knowledge-driven Chinese upbringing, prestigious German schooling and American scientific education have provided me with the gravitas for a superb appreciation of the epicurean arts. By “standing on the shoulders of the giants of history”, my understanding of nature, nurture and harmony distinguishes my expertise. I dispell wine myths constantly, and provide culturally rich and relevant perspectives to my clients’ wine enlightenment. Over 30 years ago, I observed how American consumers had to struggle when looking for optimal wine selections in typical liquor stores that lacked real expertise. That inspired me to pioneer many helpful concepts for fine wine retailing. Numerous top publications have featured my innovative techniques since 1978. When I conceived and launched Pantheon Wine Shoppe in 2006, I set the stage for another new genre of wine merchandising: a world class wine selection enhanced by private personal tutorials for serious oenophiles. This personalized approach has proven to be incredibly successful. The brightest and most successful professionals in greater Chicago quickly embraced Pantheon as their favorite wine oasis. It has quickly grown into a quality leader in the market. For the many wine lovers unable to frequent our shop, we have started recording a series of our wine tasting sessions. They are just like the convivial rendez-vous that top business executives, wealthy socialites and passionate connoisseurs have enjoyed in our salon for years. If you want to add class, culture and confidence to your wine appreciation, our serendipitous wine tasting kits will assist you in identifying your personal preferences. From proper pronunciation to serving advice, our comprehensive programs enlighten, enrich and empower your wine appreciation with cultivated panache. My fascinating insights and often hilarious anecdotes turn each session into true infotainment. Market Watch Magazine recognized this by naming me “The Windy City’s Wizard of Wine” in 2000. Now you, too, can stand on the shoulders of the giants to explore L’Art de Vivre, the art of fine living, enhanced by La Joie du Vin, the joy of wine. Come for a taste and leave with a joyous peace of mind.

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