If the FT Wine Tasting 2001 is in July or August, I should be able to attend regardless of its location. However, I agree that many destinations in Europe are very expensive and crowded during the summer months. And, from the U.S. at least, the inventory of upgrades and/or ff mileage award seats is substantially reduced during this heavy travel time.

"Off season" Down Under is still my 1st choice but I'm game for just about anywhere.