Wine safety is important

Intro to Wine 101 at Vinea

Vinea City of Wine, Omni Beverage Company & Fido present

Intro to Wine 101

A Beginner's Guide to the History, Styles, and Methods of Wine and Winemaking

No expertise required!

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Wednesdays from May 20 - June 24 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Come to one class or attend all six classes.

One class - $25 / Three Classes - $60 / All Six - $100

Classes held at Fido - 1812 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212 - in Hillsboro Village

Email events@cafefido.com for more info or to RSVP

Week One - Evolution of Wine - May 20
5,000 years ago - Middle East (Persia, Egypt, etc)
2,000 years ago - Roman Empire, wine expansion across Europe
1,000 years ago - Middle Ages, monks reinventing wine
300 years ago - European colonisation, wine to the world
30 years ago - Euro-centric industry
Today - Global industry

Food Focus:
Traditional heritage inspiring today's modern industry. The concept of fusion in food has the same foundations, evolution through traditional inspiration.

Week Two - The Vineyard - May 27
Where are the vineyards? (latitude connection globally)
Stages of growth of vines
Climate
Soil
Ripeness
Varietal
Fruit-driven vs Terrior-driven
Trial and error

Food Focus:
Terroir, sense of place, character, inspiration, personal philosophies.

Week Three - The Winery - June 3
Vintage/harvest
Crush
White vs Red - difference in fermentation
Malolactic fermentation
Tools - Oak Barrels / Stainless Steel tanks, etc
Balance - Fruit, acid, sugar, tannin, oak

Food Focus:
Playing with elements to achieve harmony. Showcase this with food as well, same concepts apply, different medium.

Week Four - Fruit - June 10
Practical laying out of a whole heap of different fruits and presenting the concept of taking flavors and using them as descriptors to help communicate thoughts on wine.
Describing wine as you would describe a personality.
Character
Building a basic vocabulary to communicate wine.
Freeing up the experience of "talking in wine speak" and giving them a sense of confidence to say whatever comes to mind.

Food Focus:
key flavors matching well with certain food styles (ie Sauv Blanc and sushi! Oh Man!!)

Week Five - Structure - June 17
Fruit
Acid
Sugar
Tannin
Oak
More in-depth session on this.
Helping people look into a wine's components and make a genuine assessment of its individual parts and how they work together.

Food Focus:
Showcase the same concept with food: breakdown the individual structural elements (flavor, texture, etc) and how they work together.


Week Six - Blending - June 24
The Art of Blending
Single Varietal Blending ("barrel selection")
Multiple Varietal Blending (Bordeaux)
Look at the structural differences of individual varieties and see how they can either complement each other or destroy each other when blended together.

Food Focus:
Blending components with food, how to apply the same idea in the kitchen.

Free pinot noir wine tasting today at Corrieri's

From 2pm until 5pm at Corrieri's Formaggeria (1100 Caruthers Avenue, behind Vinea) to sample pinot noirs from California, New Zealand, Argentina, and Oregon.
And now a little about the wines.

Cycles Gladiator (California) - $13.99
A versatile wine: Try it paired with grilled fish with risotto, or enjoy with Chinese takeout such as egg rolls with plum sauce or Kung Pao Chicken.

Alfredo Rocca Mendoza (Argentina) - $13.99
An understated pinot noir with a bright garnet color. Wonderful aromas of black cherry, vanilla and roasted aromas that will stimulate your appetite! A nice complexity without overwhelming senses of oak.

Heron (California) - $15.99
Dark, rich and smooth, this pinot noir has it all. Made in California from French-sourced grapes, the wine shows dark red fruit with red and black licorice hints, plus some vanilla from barrel aging.

Lobster Key Marlborough (New Zealand) - $20.99
Dry with medium body, bright acidity and soft tannins, this Kiwi red offers flavors of cherries, black raspberries, vanilla, spice and smoky oak. Enjoy it with roast pork, lamb, grilled salmon and cheese.

Spindrift Willamette (Oregon) - $21.99
There's plenty of ripe fruit here, and it is not a light-weight at all. Balanced by fresh, lively acidity, with very little wood and soft tannins. This wine very drinkable now and it will continue to cellar for years to come.

Saturday, January 17 at Corrieri's Formaggeria
2 - 5pm
1100 Caruthers Avenue (behind Vinea)

Jazz Cafe at the Standard- September 25

The Standard Restaurant having ended its popular summer long food and wine pairing is pleased to announce the start of a new Thursday night event they are calling The Jazz Café. The Café, to begin on September 25th at 7:00 will feature a live Jazz trio headlining Annie Sellick. The $20 ticket price includes a 2 hour concert and 2 wine and food pairings unique to each week’s event.

For more information or to make reservations please call The Standard at 615-254-1277.

Upcoming Events at The Standard at the Smith House

Wine Dinner
Sept. 18 at 6:00pm

Bourbon and Bacon (with Old Rip Van Winkle)
Oct. 1

Masquerade ball
Nov. 1

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Chef Joe Shaw will be at the Farmers Market each Saturday at 11:00am until the end of February. Stop in to get a cooking lesson and also taste some delicious food.

Be sure to buy your fruits and vegetables fresh and from a local grower.
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Visit The Standard at the Smith House for more information.

Wine tasting at the Standard at the Smith House- August 28

The pairing of the food and wine was delicious. There is one more tasting coming up, so don't miss it. It will only be $15 and will be Thursday, September 4.



Get more info at their website.

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Free wine tasting at Corrieri's Formaggeria- June 7 @ 2-5pm

The wine tasting will be located at
Corrieri's Formaggeria
1110 Caruthers Avenue, behind Vinea
Vinea's Website

Free Wine Tasting today at Vinea

Today from 2-5 at Corrieri's Formaggeria (1110 Caruthers Avenue, behind Vinea) to enjoy excellent wines from Sicily.

MandraRossa produces estate-bottled wines near the historic town of Menfi, in Sicily's southwestern corner.

These wines continue the ancient tradition of winemaking on Sicily, and showcase the great quality of wines produced from a variety of grapes.

Taste a range of MandraRossa wines, all perfect for summer grilling. And they're all great values at $10.99 each.

- Chardonnay -
Full-bodied, textured and dry with balanced acidity. This wine offers a structured palate with peach, apple and lemon characteristics and a fresh acidity.

Enjoy with chicken, pork, salmon and mild cheeses.

- Pinot Grigio-Grecanico -
An excellent full-bodied white wine. Fresh fruit flavors, reminiscent of melon,
papaya, grapefruit and lime, lead to a crisp, dry, uplifting finish.

Serve with shellfish, fish steaks, pan-fried chicken and veal. Also a masterful pairing with robust, slightly spicy pasta dishes in the Sicilian style, as well as artichoke and asparagus dishes. An excellent and original match with Asian and Asian-inspired cuisine.

- Fiano -
Medium bodied and dry with elegant balance. The fruit and citrus aromas on the nose evolve on the palate in an array of fruit flavors.

This wine is a perfect wine for grilling season! Enjoy with chicken, fish and grilled vegetables.

- Nero d'Avola -
This native grape produces "the Godfather of Sicilian red wines." Smooth, with black cherry and licorice.

Try this with rich pasta dishes, grilled red meats, and spicy cheeses.

- Shiraz -
This wine offers jammy fruit and nice tannins with a smooth finish.

Break out your favorite Sicilian recipe for this one! Great with pizza, grilled tuna steaks, and pastas with red sauce.

Wine Tasting at Vinea; Saturday March 22 from 2-5pm

Free Wine Tasting at Corrieri's- Saturday March 15

We're focusing this week on excellent Italian wines from Sicily and Tuscany. Each of these wines captures the history and rich winemaking tradition of these areas, and is an excellent value.

Taste them with us at Corrieri's Formaggeria (12th Avenue South on Caruthers Avenue behind Vinea) from 2 - 5 this Saturday. See you then!

Planeta, La Segreta Bianco - $15.99
Primarily a blend of Grecanico and Chardonnay, with a bit of Viogner and Fiano. This wine is lively and versatile, ideal as an aperitif or at parties.

Planeta, La Segreta Rosso - $17.99
50% Nero d'Avola, blended with Merlot,
Syrah, and Cabernet Franc.
Fruity, vibrant, and spicy. The spirit of Sicily!

Fonterutoli, Poggio alla Badiola IGT - $15.99
A blend of 75% Sangiovese - the grape of Tuscany - and 25% Merlot, with intense fruit aromas
and a long, smooth finish.

Zisola, Sicilia IGT - $19.99
Made from 100% Nero d'Avola, Sicily's indigenous grape, this wine features rich blackberry and dark cherry flavors with subtle spiciness.

Fonterutoli, "Siepi" Toscana IGT - $99.99
50% Merlot, 50% Sangiovese from a single vineyard. Aging for over a year in new oak before blending produces a lush, velvety texture.
- Available for pre-order -

Planeta, Syrah - $37.99
100% Syrah from southeastern Sicily.
A spicy nose - look for pepper, cloves and rosemary
- leads to rich fruit in the mouth.
- Available for pre-order -

German and Austrian Wine Tasting at Vinea; March 1 from 2-5pm

Rieslings from Germany

The two Rieslings from Germany are from the same producer, and each offers a different take on dryness that will change your perception of these wines as overly-sweet.

Selbach Riesling Kabinett - $16.99
Dry, and loaded with lots of fruit.

Selbach Dry Riesling - $15.99
Okay, this one is really dry! Nice minerality.

And from Austria

Not to be outdone, Austria is home to some excellent producers. Our featured Austrian's offer a Riesling and a Gruner Veltliner.

Gobelsburg Riesling 'Gobelsburger' - $19.99
Our importer wonders whether "there is a better Riesling at this price on earth?" So do we!

Hirsch Gruner Veltliner 'Veltliner #1' - $17.99
We'll end with a different varietal, grown in a similar region. Rich and ripe - not unlike a Riesling, but different enough to make your choice difficult!

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Vinea Wine Shop

Located at 2410 12th Avenue South between MAFIAoZA'S & Corrieri's Formaggeria

HOURS:

Monday - Saturday, 9AM - 11PM

Featured Wines This Week; Episode One

Upcoming Wine Tastings in Nashville

West End Discount Liquors University Club Wine Tasting
The International Wine Tasting and Auction to benefit the Tennessee Foreign language Institute. That's on Thursday, November 8 from 5:30 until 8:30 pm at the University Club at Vanderbilt. Over 100 wines to taste and heavy hors d'oevres......Just $50.00 per person for one of the best wine events of the year292-0730 is the number to call for reservations.

http://westmeadewines.com/


12!
This is our celebrated event, 12 wines for $15! The 12 wines are FROM THIS ISSUE! It is the wines of Burgundy which is some high end juice! It's a great way to taste what you read and it is the best bargain in town.
When: Thursday, Novermber 8, 6pm-8pmWhere: Bistro 215 (In Green Hills between the mall and the movie theater)
Cost: $15!!
Call 385-3636 for more details

Cru Beaujolais tasting with Yann Bourigault of Georges Duboeuf
On Monday, November 12, you will have the opportunity to taste Cru Beaujolais from the Georges Duboeuf portfolio for only $10!! Yann Bourigault, Director of Exports for Georges Duboeuf will be on hand to be our master of ceremonies and information guru. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Bourigault this summer and we invited him back for this occasion! Village Wines, Ombi and WJ Deutsch are our co-hosts. You'll be suprised how diverse Beaujolais wine can be and yet still not break your pocketbook.

When: Monday, Nov 12 from 6pm-8pm
What: 8 Cru Beaujolais wines with Yann Bourigault
Where: Ombi Bar and Restaurant-2214 Elliston Place, Nashville
Cost: $10More info: 320-5350 (Ombi) or 383-2102 (Village Wines)

Visit Nashville Wine Press to read about wine and upcoming events.

Celebrate 10 Years of the Trace

LET'S CELEBRATETHE TRACE RESTAURANT 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Wednesday October 17th & Thursday, October 18th

We want to thank you with a very special menu.The majority of the items in the restaurant will be $10. Yes, I said $10.

All entrees $10.

Two martinis for $10.

Glasses of high end wine for $10.

Two apps for $10.

Come and help us celebrate 10 years of the Trace.

Reservations suggested.

MONDAY NIGHT- SERVICE INDUSTRY NIGHT
All service employees of restaurants, bars, etc. receive the Trace Employee Discount on their whole tab on Monday Night.

Sunday Nights

Buy one Get one Free Entree

Daily Drink Specials

4 - 7 pm
Domestic Beer $2

House Wines $5

Well Drinks $5

Absolut and Stoli Drinks $5

House Martinis $5

Dates of Interest

October 11, 2007

Australian Wine Tasting

6:30-8 pm

$20

Hours

Sunday - Thursday 4pm - 12am

Friday & Saturday 4pm - 2am

Grand Opening of the Arrington Winery and Vineyard

This past Saturday night we went out to Arrington Winery and Vineyards for the grand opening. They were offering all sorts of tastings and Pat McLaughlin did a concert with Kix Brooks jumping on stage to jam with him towards the end of the concert. It's a beautiful place with a friendly staff and some really good wines. It is located in a nice, rural area outside of Nashville which makes the drive out there beautiful.

It was a really great experience.



Some of the wines we tasted:

Syrah 2004- This was my favorite, it was outstanding and just was a delightful experience for my tastebuds.

Merlot 2005- A really nice delicious wine.

Red Fox Red (non-vintage)- A fun wine that tasted so good.

Sweet Liberty (sweet wine Muscat)- Really nice wine with a nice taste of honeysuckle in it.

Gewurztraminer (semi-sweet)- A white wine with a delicious taste and finish.

Desert Rose (dry rosé non-vintage)- A nice wine.

Raspberry (sweet)- Another good wine.


Arrington Vineyards
6211 Patton Road
Arrington, TN 37014
(615) 395-0102

Vinea Wine Tasting- Saturday June 16

Welcome back everyone...We have word of a possible wine tasting at Vinea this weekend. Mark Johnson is on location and lets send it over to him to find out what is going on.

Take it away Mark!

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Hello Fellow Lovers of Wine!

Two terrific opportunities this week for great wine: The ever-popular Wednesday Wine Class, and the Saturday Wine Tasting. That's right, you heard me - it's back! Free tasting and great company.First up for Wednesday, we are having such a great time with these classes, and this week promises to be no exception! Pinot Grigio - Soft Tropical white wine will be the juice we study.

The featured wines are Cavit, Zenato, Kris, Botega Vinaia, Santa Margherita, and they are perfect for your weekend grilling and hanging out on the patio.

Class is $15 and will run from 6 pm to 7 pm, just call me at 269-6880 for reservations.

Saturday, we will feature August Kesseler Rheingau 2004 (90 points Robert Parker), August Kesseler Trocken (89 points Robert Parker), Cycles Gladiator Merlot and Pinot Noir, and finally Hahn Cabernet Sauvignon 2005.

It will be at the Formaggaria from 2 pm to 5 pm and don't forget to bring your palate.

Drink Great Wine
MJ the Sommelier

P.S. I have a few bottles of the 2004 Caymus Special Select available to me. At $129.99 please call me soon. You know they will be gone by this weekend.

Cavit Pinot Grigio

100% Pinot Grigio. Bright straw gold. Delicate and pleasing with floral and fruit scents. with a Dry, light and crisp taste. Highly versatile. A wonderful aperitif and equally splendid with pasta in cream sauces, risottos, veal, chicken and fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy well chilled.

Zenato Pinot Grigio 2005
Pale yellow in color with soft greenish highlights. A wine to be enjoyed while it is young and shows the freshes fruit. Refreshing and soft with a smooth, dry finish. Very balanced and harmonious. Recommended with lightly grilled preparations, hearty soups and risotto dishes.

August Kesseler Trocken 2004
Kesseler has long tried to champion the Silvaner from these slopes, since there is a lot of it in great locations and the vines are mostly very old. (Who in their right mind would plant Silvaner nowadays?) Now he has hit on a better idea, a 2004 Riesling – Silvaner trocken, a blend that has unfortunately been all but neglected in modern Germany. Simply labeled, and with a screw-top closure, this exceptional value smells of lime, almond and flowers. Juicy and vivacious on the palate, with persistently invigorating notes of apple skin, lime zest, and mineral salts, its sappy Silvaner fruit and brothy, nutty notes dovetail perfectly with the minerality of Riesling. When you taste this infectiously juicy and versatile wine

Cycles Gladiator Merlot 2005
Lovely aromatics of Emperor Cherry, blackberry, and cedar in the nose underscored with a subtle hint of pencil lead shavings. Lush red fruits fill the mouth in increasing intensity finishing with plums and a pretty green thread over the background. The tannins are substantial but melting, offering more of a velvet richness as opposed to the harsh, bitter character that many Merlots can have. And then there is the unique cool-climate acidity that suspends the entire sensation well into the finish. This is a Merlot that can pair with a broad spectrum of foods. Try pairing with a dinner consisting of a variety of finger foods: Mushroom and sausage over polenta squares, pepper teriyaki beef on wooden skewers, and lamb kabobs with a cherry balsamic marinade reduction.

Wine Tastings This Week to Note by Mark Johnson the "Singing Sommelier"

C.S. Webbspun- Mark, Would you please tell us about some upcoming wine tastings?

Mark- Hey there lovers of wine that will change the world!

We've got great, life altering wine tastings this week.

Wednesday, June 6th at Mafiaoza's. It's Week #3 of the ever successfully growing wine class. Last week was a hit with the sparkling wines, and this week we have Lighter Mood Swings (Perfect Patio Wine) featuring Cavit Riesling, Fetesca, Jewel Vioginer, Feudi Falanghina, and F Coppola Sauvignon Blanc. $15 a person and you will be completely satisfied with terrific juice and knowledge!

Last, but certainly not least is on Thursday, June 7th from 6:30 - 7:30 pm at Mafiaoza's. For you guys looking for a woman that can appreicate a fellow that loves good wine, come join us for Nashville's premier monthly singles wine adventure that rotates to the city's coolest wine spots. Sorry ladies, this month is already full.) It's a high energy, low pressure way to meet other wine loving singles and taste some great vino! This is not speed dating. However, you will be asked to participate in a scavenger hunt that will have you scouring the room for a perfect mate. Come thirsty, open minded and ready to have fun! $29 in advance, $34 48 hrs. before.

Register at http://www.metropolitannites.com/

Lovers of Great Wine Behold

Here is our weekly message from our "singing sommelier"

Held this Saturday from 2 pm to 5 pm at Corrierie's Fromaggeria (the cheese shop), the selections for this week's wine tasting are as lovely as this beautiful weather. Speaking of spring, this week's selection focuses on freshness - young, fruity, crisp - perfect spring wine!

And speaking of young, we have three acrobatic kids (a reschedule of the goats from when the weather was colder) whose parents make cheese for a living, are joining us this weekend and featuring Tennessee Bonnie Blue Goat Cheese.

For the wine choices there is a South African wine that I thought was such a perfect spring wine, I bought it all, Stormhoek! We have two whites for pool side - a Sauvingnon Blanc and a Pinot Grigio; and two reds for the grill side, a Shiraz and a Pinotage.

And let's not forget this week's wine class at MAFIAoZA'S on Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm. It's already begining to fill up a bit, so sign up quickly (just call me at 269-6880! To start things off for Week #1 of this summer-long series, we will begin with the basics of tasting - you thought you knew how, but learn five secrets that will help you get more free wine in this lifetime.

The featured wines are Saint M Riesling, Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc, Bottega Vinaia Pinot Noir, Davinci Chianti and Santa Rita Riserva Cabernet.

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Stormhoek Pinot Grigio '05
$10.99 a bottle; $118.69 a case

Using this dedicated, no-compromise approach, Stormhoek is breaking new ground in the wine industry with the introduction of their label device, “Ultimate Freshness Indicator.” This clearly illustrates to the customer that the wine they are holding in their hand is at its freshest, and communicates the best time to drink it. Stormhoek wines arrive buzzing with excitement and life- – the freshness and vitality of South Africa captured in a bottle!

Stormhoek Shiraz '04
$10.99 a bottle; $118.69 a case

This elegant Shiraz is the result of a careful selection of fruit from healthy old vines in several of South Africa’s premium growing districts: the Bovlei Valley in Wellington, North Paarl and West Riebeek. These sites benefit from maximum exposure to the sun, on a land with a long history of producing South Africa’s finest red grapes.

Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc
$12.99 a bottle; $140.28 a case

Tangy, with high-toned lemon-lime, grapefruit, fig and peach flavors. Already harmonious, with a bright vibrancy that will complement food. Kenwood's at the top of its Sauvignon game. Drink now through 2007. 78,000 cases made. –JL

Vinea Wine Tasting- Saturday May 19

Now a word from the Operatic Sommelier...

Hello My Fellow Lovers of Great Wine

Just a few quick things this week...

I am starting a full ten weeks of wine classes for the summer. The schedule is posted at the bottom of this email. For anyone who hasn't taken one of my classes in the past they are easy, informative and fun, plus there is some really great juice here.

This Saturday's tasting is at the Formaggeria and is a blend of California and France. We have Jacuzzi Wines from the Central Coast, and they started making wine long before they started making bathtubs. And, because we think this weekend will be beautiful, we are popping open a couple of 90 point and up Champagnes from Montaudon, a treat you will not want to miss.

Drink Great Wine
MJ the Sommelier

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~~Montaudon Brut 1999~~
$39.99 a bottle, $431.88 a case
The only true vintage Champagne at this price!
Very forward and accessible, with modest candied fruit, almond and honey flavors. Pleasant, Drink now. –BS


~~Montaudon Grand Rose M.V.~~
$40.99 a bottle, $4462.69 a case
Delicious. Red fruit, cinnamon and ginger aromas and flavors highlight this lively, medium-bodied rosé. Balanced and smooth, it ends with a lingering note of candied cherry. Drink now. –BS

90 points W.S.


~~Jacuzzi Pinot Grigio '05 ~~
$15.99 a bottle $172.68 a case
This wine shows a wonderful light orange color. On the nose it displays a strong sense of tropical fruits and just ripened peach. Would pair up nicely with pasta and seafood dishes. - MJ


~~Jacuzzi Primitivo '05 ~~
$21.99 a bottle, $237.48 a case
Here we are looking a deep garnet hue. the aromas explode out of the glass with homemade cranberry sauce and ripe strawberries. With a hint of vanilla it is pure velvet on the palate. - MJ
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Here is your schedule for the summer series of wine classes at MAFIAoZA'S

Class will start at 6 pm on Wednesdays and cost $15 for five wines and a little taste of something special to bring out the best in the wines.

Also receive 10% off dinner at MAFIAoZA'S if you decide to stick around for some pasta and pizza.
For reservations call 269-6880.

May 23rd
Wine Tasting Basics (Learn the secrets of the sommeliers to exploring wines)

May 30th
Sparkling Wines (The perfect beginning to any occasion)

June 7th
Lighter Mood Swings (A collection of the perfect patio wines)

June 14th
Pinot Grigio (Soft tropical whites from Northern Italy)

June 21st
Chardonnay (Come see why she has been dubbed the queen of grapes)

June 28th
Soft Reds (Rich, rewarding and romantic)

July 12th
Tuscany's Reds (We discover why it is Italy's most famous wine region)

July 26th
Italy's Big Bruisers (Our pride and joy, only the boldest of reds from the homeland)

August 1st
Spirits and Cocktails (Learn how to be the perfect host with these cocktails, aperitifs and digestives)

Wine Classes at MAFIAoza's This Summer

Here is the schedule for the summer series of wine classes at MAFIAoZA'S.

Class will start at 6:00pm on Wednesdays and cost $15.00 for five wines and a little taste of something special to bring out the best in the wines. Also receive 10% off dinner at MAFIAoZA'S if you decide to stick around for some pasta and pizza.
For reservations call 269-6880.

May 23rd
Wine Tasting Basics (Learn the secrets of the sommeliers to exploring wines)

May 30th
Sparkling Wines (The perfect beginning to any occasion)

June 7th
Lighter Mood Swings (A collection of the perfect patio wines)

June 14th
Pinot Grigio (Soft tropical whites from Northern Italy)

June 21st
Chardonnay (Come see why she has been dubbed the queen of grapes)

June 28th
Soft Reds (Rich, rewarding and romantic)

July 12th
Tuscany's Reds (We discover why it is Italy's most famous wine region)

July 26th
Italy's Big Bruisers (Our pride and joy, only the boldest of reds from the homeland)

August 1st
Spirits and Cocktails (Learn how to be the perfect host with these cocktails, aperitifs and digestives)