Classes

  • How to Taste

    Sight, nose, palate... ever heard these terms before? They are the keys to unlocking the joy of tasting and appreciating the sensory experience wine provides. However, it’s not always easy to put words to those crazy aromas found in wine. Take command of your wine journey with this fun and accessible tasting class exploring the art of tasting wine designed for beginners but will refresh even the most experienced palate.

  • From Vineyard to Bottle

    Explore the winemaking process in its entirety, from its birthplace in the vineyards to the bottle sitting at your table. Learn about the process of how a grape evolves on the vine in the most favorable growing conditions around the world. We will touch on climate, geography and soil-type as we taste through a range of wines from sparkling, still, to the sublimely sweet; highlight the winemaking and aging process along the way.

  • Learn Langhe

    Located along the northwestern corner of Italy is the Langhe region of Piemonte, home to the majestic wines of Barolo and Barbaresco. Dive a little deeper, and a whole world of everyday whites and reds are at your disposal. In this tasting, participants will discover the everyday gems Barbera, Dolcetto and Freisa alongside notable wines from Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, and Dogliani.

  • Sparkling Wines Around the World

    It all began in northern France, where Benedictine monks toiled away for generations, in both vineyard and cellar, to create the sparkling elixir we all love today. In this fun tasting, we travel to Spain, Italy, Germany, US, Hungary and France to discover value sparklers from both historic families and the upstarts!

  • Donne del Vino Italiano

    There are producers who work alone in obscurity, straining the boundaries of established winemaking to elevate their region’s identity. It is astounding to learn in the depths of a patriarchal society, where women are expected to take care of the home and family, there are those who persevered despite those hardships. In this very special tasting, I will delve into the stories of 7 female winemakers from Piemonte, Veneto, Trentino, Tuscany and Basilicata who have broken that patriarchal mold.

  • Toscana

    Tuscany looms large in Italy with its storied history of craftsmanship, architecture and culture. Beneath such deep history and prestige, like a strong undercurrent, is a steady stream of quality wines coming from every corner of the region. In this tasting, we dive into Chianti Classico, Montalcino, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Grosseto and the IGT Toscana movement. Participants will gain an understanding of geography, soil, grapes and winemakers who changed Italian wine forever.

  • Nebbiolo

    There are few places in the winemaking world where a single grape has gained acclaim across multiple appellations, producing nuanced wines that speak loudly and uncompromisingly: “this is where I am from!” Shrouded in a bit of mystery, are the wines made from the grape Nebbiolo. Produced in only a handful of sub-regions
    exclusively located in northwestern Italy, Nebbiolo wines inspire a fervent
    following born of patience and a sense of wonder. In this immersive tasting, attendees will gain a clear picture of Nebbiolo, its temperament, and the conditions necessary for its growth in the Langhe, Alto-Piemonte and Valtellina.

  • Terra Vulcanico

    Volcanic wine seems to occupy a class of their own. Produced either within a volcanic
    event or in the shadow of one long past, there is something unique about their
    expression in the glass. In this immersive tasting experience, attendees will sit back, sip and learn all about where volcanoes come from and the effect they have on grapes grown within striking distance. Etna, Lipari, Veneto, Basilicata and more... we will dive into these important regions and discover the effects that volcanic soils, both
    active and ancient, have on these important wines.

  • Sicilia!

    With European, Mediterranean and
    Arabic Cultures all converging in a wild and bountiful landscape full of
    indigenous vines, old towns and one very active volcano, Sicily is one of the
    most exciting regions for wine and food. Sicily is making viticulturally leaps
    and bounds, from Marsala to Etna, it can be hard to keep up! In this tasting,
    we dive into Sicily's history and geography against a backdrop of 7 wines from
    across the island.

  • Regions of Italy

    Steeped in ancient history, the world of Italian wine is vast and complex. From the cool dry alpine whites of the north, to the earthy volcanic reds of the south, Italy produces an array of fun and unique wines from hundreds of native grapes. In this whirlwind tour we discover Tuscany, Piedmont, Sicily, Campania, Friuli, Alto Adige, and the Veneto.

  • Tour France

    From the Abby’s of Burgundy to the manicured estates of Bordeaux, generations of vignerons have inspired countless winemakers across the world to follow in their footsteps. In this class, we take a tour through France’s benchmark wine regions of Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Loire, Rhone and Provence, to discover France’s viticultural history.

  • Northern Spain

    Covering much of the Iberian Peninsula, from the French Pyrenees to the Andalucian coast, Spain is a country chock full of intense and expressive wines. In this class, we focus exclusively on the northerly appellations, stretching from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, covering Galacia, Bierzo, Ribera del Duero, Basque, Rioja, and the Mediterranean coast.

  • Portraits of Pinot

    From Burgundy to New Zealand to the breezy coast of central California, this prodigious grape is among the most popular in the world. In this fun blind-tasting, participants will travel around the world to discover Pinot's from the US, South America, New Zealand, Germany and its birthplace in France.

  • Rhone Valley Retrospective

    Home to a range of wines forged by its rugged topography, climate and soils, the Rhone Valley is an intense place for viticulture. In this tasting, we journey from Lyon to Avignon to discover the history, climate and the ancient culture of winemaking in Condrieu, St Joseph, Côte Rôtie, Tavel, Crozes-Hermitage, Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape!

  • Native Grapes of Italy

    Italy is home to more native grape cultivars than any other winemaking country in the world! When the Phoenicians arrived prior to the Romans in 7th Century BC, they dubbed the area 'Enotria' or 'land of the vine' for its incredible varietal diversity from region to region. In this tasting, I will introduce a collection of exciting native cultivars from across the boot alongside mainstays that have enduring throughout Italian history.