IPNC stands for International Pinot Noir Celebration, which is scheduled for this July. But, that's not really what this is about - it's about the glass, man. Yup, the ol' wine glass is getting a make-over and the IPNC is going to take it out of the closet and show it off this July. Supposedly it's a done deal, but we have to wait (hmmm...bummer) to see this baby.

From Legendary Glassmaker Georg Riedel Joins With The International Pinot Noir Celebration to Create Unique Oregon Pinot Noir Glass:

After two years of research, comparative tastings, and evaluation of prototype glasses, Oregon winemakers and Georg Riedel have arrived at a new shape of wine glass designed especially for Oregon Pinot noir. What began as a wishful conversation between IPNC Executive Director Amy Wesselman and Georg Riedel has now been given form, literally, and the first shipment of the new tulip-shaped glass is currently on its way from Kufstein, Austria.

Winemakers, wine writers, and sommeliers played a key role in the development of the glass through a series of workshops. [...] The glasses Riedel had designed for Pinot Noir all outperformed the other styles. But tasters were left with a conundrum. The Vinum Extreme glass did a great job of focusing the beautiful, fruity aromas of Oregon Pinot. But on the palate, the Grand Cru Burgundy glass was the clear winner, showing off the velvety texture of Oregon Pinot noir and softening the edges of younger wines. "Is it possible to design a glass that accentuates aromas, like the Vinum Extreme, but also delivers on the palate, like the Grand Cru Burgundy?" Ms. Wesselman tentatively asked Mr. Riedel. Mr. Riedel replied that he would need to develop additional prototypes to answer that question.

Ms. Wesselman shipped a selection of some of Oregon's best Pinot noirs to Austria for Mr. Riedel to work with in his own facility. Six months later, an answer was delivered in the form of a large-bowled, tulip-shaped glass that flares out gently at the top. This glass was presented along with 11 others in a workshop similar to the first. Tasters agreed that the slightly narrower opening of this glass seemed to focus aromas. Its flared lip reproduced the mouth-feel tasters had experienced with the Grand Cru Burgundy glass. Every single workshop participant agreed that the new glass offered Oregon Pinot noir lovers the best of both worlds.

Georg Riedel will officially unveil the new glass at this summer's International Pinot Noir Celebration, where he will preside as Master of Ceremonies. The IPNC will be held in McMinnville, Oregon on July 27 - 29, 2007.