The Willard InterContinental and Cafe du Parc celebrate Vendanges October 3rd

[Caterina]

The Willard InterContinental and Cafe du Parc celebrate Vendanges, the autumnal wine harvest festival as enjoyed throughout France. Locals and visitors will fill the colorful Willard courtyard venue on Friday, October 3, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to enjoy the offerings of French regional wine purveyors, authentic French dishes, long, family-style communal tables, French country music by Gibraltar, an eclectic French/North African band, dancing and grape-stomping. Guests can purchase tickets at the event to be redeemed at food and wine stations set up throughout the courtyard.

Just under 40 different styles of French wine, both white and red, will be presented and available for tasting. These wines will display the quality and value of the small producers of French wines who are themselves the wine makers. "Showcasing the small wine growers from regions throughout France will exhibit the innovative pioneer spirit and commitment to quality that makes for a unique wine experience in your glass," said Caterina Abbruzzetti, Sommelier, Willard InterContinental, Cafe du Parc and The Willard Room. "Participants will truly enjoy this festival that brings the opportunity to taste these French wines, made in limited quantities. These wines use a variety of indicators to define quality and they are to be enjoyed and complimented by the French artisan, regional food being offered on this festive day." Cafe du Parc's Chef de Cuisine, Christophe Marque, will offer authentic French edibles such as seafood, crepes, charcuterie, regional French cheeses and other authentic rustic French delights.

Cafe du Parc, the popular French bistro located next to the Willard InterContinental, opened in April 2007. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon petit plats, takeout lunch items and house specialty French pastries, Cafe du Parc embraces true classic bistro cuisine with accompanying French wines. Chef Christophe Marque leads Cafe du Parc's culinary brigade under the guidance consultancy of celebrated Michelin-starred French chef, Antoine Westermann. Call Cafe du Parc at: 202-942-7000, or visit our Website at

www.cafeduparc.com . The Willard InterContinental is located in the heart of the nation's capital on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House, the Smithsonian museums and the downtown business and theatre districts. The hotel epitomizes world- class hospitality as the hotel of choice for heads of state and leaders of the world's business, cultural, social and political elite. The hotel's 332 well appointed large guestrooms include 40 elegant suites. Dining options include The Willard Room fine dining restaurant and Cafe du Parc, the popular French bistro with seasonal outdoor seating and traditional Afternoon Tea in Peacock Alley. www.washington.intercontinental.com . Recently awarded the International Hotel & Restaurant Association's Environmental Award for Sustainability, the Willard has embarked on a Sustainability program entitled, "Willard InterContinental - The Next 100 Years." The holistic plan is comprised of numerous interwoven sustainable projects designed for a luxurious urban hospitality experience in harmony with social and ecological consciousness. Please visit

www.willarddc.com/sd , a useful guide to the Willard's sustainability programs