Schuler's Sponsors Fastest Growing Tasters Guild Chapter in the Nation

Schuler's Restaurant & Pub has been selected by Tasters Guild International (TGI) as its "Affiliate of the Year" for 2005.

Joe Borrello, president of Tasters Guild announced the selection at the 19th annual gala dinner and wine judging in Grand Rapids, site of the organization's national office. "Schuler's was chosen for its continuous efforts in promoting education, appreciation and the responsible use of wine with food through its support of Tasters Guild International," Borrello emphasized.

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"We have over 86 affiliates and 44 chapters," Borrello pointed out. "Schuler's formed a TGI chapter last October and already has over 124 members and is the fastest growing in the nation. Central Maryland received the chapter of the year award. It has over 300 members. The Louis M. Martini Winery of St. Helena, California, claimed the winery of the year award, among the 89 wineries represented in the membership," Borrello indicated.

"Tasters Guild sets the standard for wine education and with it's reach all across the United States, we are particularly pleased to be recognized for contributing to its growth," Hans Schuler, president and CEO of the restaurant stated.

"We first signed up as a TGI affiliate in 2004 with the goal to provide an environment where our guests can mate great wines with our outstanding cuisine and find the pleasure in pairing these two elements. To this end, we have offered special wine dinners, cooking classes, education classes, and walk-in wine tastings in the last few years," Schuler continued.

Keith Kehlbeck, the Marshall chapter director, got the ball rolling when he volunteered to form a TGI group in Marshall because Schuler's guests kept telling him they wanted to be a part of an organization that offered travel and wine education and yet have a local connection. "Schuler's stepped up to the plate and offered to host the meetings and we were off to the races," Kehlbeck reported.

"The Kalamazoo TGI chapter has been particularly helpful in mentoring us and encouraging our members to participate in its monthly gatherings as well as Joe Borrello in Grand Rapids, who taught Wine 101 and 202 classes at Schuler's last year. Our growth has taken place, because the members experienced real value in the many activities available to them. The next event is set for May 17 to explore quality Chianti wines. It is a Walk-in from 6:00 to 7:30 and TGI members pay $15 and non-members $20. We welcome all to attend and reservations are not necessary," Kehlbeck concluded.